Music

Blackheath Chamber Festival

A number of students were inspired by the wonderful array of musical experiences at the inaugural Blackheath Chamber Festival on the weekend. Both wind and string ensembles were featured. Alumni Miriam Cooney (2019) and Sel Hardaker (2020) performed admirably in a musically-motivating workshop with members of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra. Younger students also enjoyed a special interactive presentation by a trio from Arcadia Winds.

 

Masterclass

Last Saturday Mary Smallhorn (Year 12) accompanied by her piano teacher Alison Lockwood had the privilege to meet and perform before Elena Kats-Chernin for a masterclass. 

Mary performed her HSC piece composed by Elena called Alexander’s Rag. Elena is a very generous person who loves music and is keen to help young musicians.   It was really interesting seeing her workspace with the custom built shelves with all the sheet music.  Elena shared the process she followed to compose and although she has always preferred to hand write her compositions she is now using an iPad Pro.  She is currently working on a piece commissioned by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra based on a newly discovered Beethoven work.  She played some of this at the end of the class and it was a real privilege for Mary to be one of the first to hear her new composition and to hear her words of encouragement.  It was a lovely afternoon and an inspirational experience.  

 

ANZAC Day

Sincere thanks to all the musicians who represented our school with distinction at the ANZAC Day service at Holy Trinity on Sunday. The accompaniment they provided for the hymns was rousing and dignified. It was a joy to behold them immersing themselves in this important commemoration. The members of the congregation were very appreciative of our contribution. 

 

These students also brought this sense of occasion to our own ANZAC Assembly at school on Monday. 

 

Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves

The annual Springwood Rotary garden event “Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves” will take place on Sunday, 2nd May at “The Old Farm”, Yellow Rock, from 12:00noon to 4:00pm. BMGS’ Stage Band and Rock Band will be performing from 1.50pm to 2.40pm. 

 

Parents and friends are welcome to bring a picnic and join us for the afternoon. Entry is $5 and all proceeds will support the music departments of the schools who are performing. Stage Band and Rock Band are finalising repertoire for this event over the coming fortnight – students please make sure you are at rehearsals on time. A permission note will be sent home shortly. 

 

 

Co-Curricular Ensembles

All co-curricular music ensembles have now resumed for Term 2. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming rehearsals. 

 

Diary Dates

Music Amongst the Autumn Leaves:  Sunday, 2nd May, The Old Farm, Yellow Rock

Tertiary Preparation Workshop, Qld Con:  29th June to 3rd July, Brisbane

 

Mrs Debbie Smith

Head of Music