FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

A Note from Ms Bradbury

After a great start to the term with Music Camp at QCCC Mapleton, all music ensembles are now well underway with preparations for upcoming concerts in May and June.  It is wonderful to see so many of our students getting involved in music both within the school and the wider community. I was proud to present all of the recent SHEP and Music Exam certificates last week at assembly. Congratulations to all students. 

Ensemble News

Our Choirs are in full swing, preparing for the Easter Assembly on Wednesday, 2nd April where Dolce Choir will be singing a song about chocolate!

Singing is fantastic for mental health, general wellbeing and giving a sense of belonging.

Grammar has choirs suitable for all ages:

• Year 1 - 3 Da Capo Choir - Tuesdays 7:45 - 8:25 am (Mrs Poole)
• Year 4 - 6 Dolce Choir Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:15 am (Mr Eastwood)
• Year 7 - 12 Bel Canto Choir Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:15 am (Mrs Bowman)

Fill in the ensemble enrolment form here to join!

Weekly Instrumental Music Specialist focus -  Michael Larkin (Brass and Woodwind)

Michael’s fun fact: The famous Saxophonist Stan Getz was my inspiration to begin playing, he was also known as ‘The Sound’.

Michael started this term as a brass and woodwind specialist, teaching private individual lessons and with the Year 5 immersion program on Tuesdays.

If you want to begin clarinet, saxophone, trumpet or trombone, please complete the enrolment form here.

Performances

Well done to our Acacia String Quartet for performing at the Father & Daughter Breakfast on Thursday, as well as the Stage Band for their performance at the Rainforest Cafeteria. The Forest Strings ensemble is also preparing for their performance at the Rainforest Cafeteria next Thursday morning.  

Recent Achievements

• Calum F, Year 12 - Credit in Practice of Music – Piano For Leisure – Grade Six (AMEB)
• Brandon F, Year 10 – Credit in Modern Pianoforte – Piano Grade Four (ANZCA Music Examinations)
• Kauai M, Year 7 – Certificate of Participation – State Honours Ensemble Program Primary
• Lynton S, Year 4 – Honours in Practice of Music – Piano Grade Six (AMEB)
• Lynton S, Year 4 – High Distinction in Theory of Music – Piano Grade Three (AMEB)
• Emiko S, Year 10 - Honours in Theory of Music – Grade Two (AMEB)
• Bonnie V, Year 7- Honours in Practice of Music – Musical Theatre Grade Two (AMEB)
• Bonnie V, Year 7 – Certificate of Participation – State Honours Ensemble Program Primary
• Annabel V, Year 4- Credit in Practice of Music – Violin Grade One (AMEB)
• Georgina V, Year 9 - Credit in Practice of Music – Cello Grade Four (AMEB)
• Anjalika V, Year 7- Honours in Practice of Music – Violin Grade Four (AMEB)

Year 8 Classroom Music

Students in Year 8 Music have been busy completing a practical assessment that reflects their cultural identity. In the Unit “You’re the Voice”, they performed on their own choice of instrument or voice in the Music Hangar with the rest of the class as their audience. Students could perform solo or in small groups. This is the first time these students have performed on stage for assessment.

The students came from a wide variety of cultural heritages such as British, Irish, Chinese, Indian and Australian. Some of the music they chose included Down Under, Give Me a Home Among the Gumtrees, My Heart Must Go On, Danny Boy and Viva La Vida.

All students performed with confidence and were warmly received by the rest of the class. Next term, they will be performing in rock bands for the Unit “Garage to Grammys”.