The Arts - Music

Instrumental Music  -  The Year that was

We began the year with extreme optimism – a return to playing music in rehearsals and lessons at school was such a joy after a difficult 2020 and we were excited by the scheduled music events on the calendar for 2021. However, as the year progressed it soon became apparent that performance opportunities were going to be limited and students would continue their musical development online.

Despite this, I have been continually amazed at the resilience of our students and staff to adjust to the ever-changing education landscape. Students have engaged with their regular online lessons and also connected with their ensembles. I congratulate every single student for persevering and understanding the joy that music can bring, even in lockdown.

A slow return from lockdown in October, saw instrumental lessons return to on-site, which for us in the Music Department, was a big relief. The thoughts of being able to perform to a live performance was a real possibility. 

Discussions about a concert date began with earnest and finally Thursday, 2nd December was the date when Music was to truly return to Box Hill High School after a long two years. All school ensembles rehearsed weekly in the build up to the Summer Concert. Two special solo performances from Kate Pengelly and Hayden Taylor, along with The String Trio, featuring Jeremy Lau, Kieron Fenner and Hayden Taylor and a stunning duet by Stafford Lee and Zahra Easton, were added to the program. 

After a wild storm passed through, just two hours before the concert was to begin, students, parents and staff began to arrive in anticipation of what was about to unfold. After a long lockdown, I was amazed at the quality of performances on the night from beginner students to the more mature performances from our Year 12 students. Thanks to all staff and our amazing Tech Crew who helped out on the night. 

This year we saw nine students complete Year 12 Music Performance and we wish them much success in the future. While some will continue a formal music education and others will pursue different career paths, I am sure that they will all continue to have music in their lives in some form or another. It has been amazing working with these wonderful musicians over the years and we will miss them very much.

Congratulations to our Year 12 Music students 2021.

Solo Music Performance

Hayden Taylor – Cello

Kieron Fenner – Violin

Jeremy Lau – Violin

Stafford Lee – Drum Kit

Zoe Xu – Piano

Group Performance

Jackson Calder – Piano/Keyboard

Zahra Easton – Voice

Cindy Chhuon - Voice 

Nick Wunsch – Drum Kit

Troy Rogers 

Instrumental Music Co-ordinator

Music Captains Sign Off

Kate Pengelly 

Throughout my schooling, the Box Hill Music Department was a constant source of joy and belonging. As a year seven student, I loved attending choir where I met lots of incredible people, always finding inspiration in the senior students. The music itself was great fun, but most of all I cherish the lasting friendships I have found in band, choir, and my year 12 Music class. In my senior years I got to enjoy some amazing opportunities, like co-directing our choir, performing with the State School Spectacular and performing at school concerts alongside my talented peers. Whilst we didn’t get to do as much music- making as we may have liked this year, the support and ‘togetherness’ of the music department has really helped me make the most of it. 

Hayden Taylor

After six years in the Box Hill High School music program, I have a lot to reflect on and be thankful for. I started in the then still young Senior String Ensemble, becoming ensemble leader in Year 10 and now music captain in Year 12. I have worked with friends to develop the String Trio from an incidental thought to a serious chamber music group. Throughout this time, I have loved meeting and playing with many different people from other year levels. I also have had some amazing experiences leading and working with the Senior String Ensemble, especially in the last year during which I composed a piece for the group to perform. My favourite memory from school music has to be playing in the school musicals ‘Peter Pan’ (2018) and ‘The Addams Family’ (2020). I learnt about playing in bands and with singers and had a lot of fun making music with my friends. I know these experiences will remain with me as I look at studying music composition at university next year. Thanks to Mr Rogers, Ms De Blasio, Ms Bradley and everyone else who gave us such amazing opportunities. 

Stafford Lee

The music program has provided me with some of my best memories in high school. The many Winter and Spring concerts that have been held over the course of these last six years have allowed me to immerse myself within music and made me realise the joy of performing. I am forever grateful for the musical opportunities that I have had individually, and as a part of the larger Box Hill music community. A big thanks to Mr Rogers and Ms De Blasio - without their efforts and dedication in fostering the musicianship of all instrumental music students, the music program wouldn't have blossomed the way it has. From being just a kid in Year 7 with no real attachment to music, being a part of ensembles, choirs and bands has made me appreciate the passion and ingenuity of the Box Hill High School music program; and long may that continue.

Summer Concert Highlights

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