JS Music News – Week 8
As I reflect on the term thus far, it’s hard to believe what has already been accomplished in six weeks. I’m always delighted at how our students work towards music events with genuine enthusiasm, intrigue and with a desire to do their very best.
Term 3 started with all of Years 3 to 6 singing Finlandia’s ‘This is My Song’ at our Founder’s Day Service. Congratulations to our Year 6 vocal soloists, George F and Rylan H for opening this work with such sensitivity and purity of sound.
Musica Viva workshop
In Week 4, our week commenced with every student in the Junior School taking part in a live performance Musica Viva workshop with The Phoenix Collective Quartet through their ‘Game Day’ learning module.
They examined what professional sport and classical music have in common, exploring what it means to work together to accomplish certain goals and find out how “teamwork really does make the dream work.”
Students prepared for this workshop connecting with previously unheard music through performing dance sequences from graphic notation, responding to sound through their own contour drawings/graphic notations/chosen symbols and appreciation of folk tunes through listening, learning and creation of folk dances.
Music Morning Concert
Week 4 finished with 18 soloists performing in Music Room 1 to family and friends. These events have proven to be the perfect platform for students to showcase what they are working on. There’s nothing like a goal of a concert to motivate our young performers.
Junior School Soirée
Congratulations to our 22 Soirée performers. The Music staff were delighted with how these musicians performed with a real regard for the musical style and how they engaged with their audience: from the way they announced their items, through to their final bow. It was also wonderful to witness our students listening to each other’s performances so respectfully and to hear a spectrum of instruments from drums to voice.
Performances in Assembly
Well done to Blake H (Year 6) for his polished clarinet solo performance and the Junior School Concert Band for their dynamic and rhythmically driven ensemble item showcasing their hard work.
Spring Festival – Junior School Eisteddfod
Last Thursday afternoon was a triumph! 130 entrants partook in this event, and we are so proud of how the students carried themselves throughout this competition. Having external adjudicators provide verbal and written feedback to each performer is such a valuable part of their learning journey.
Well done to the following winners of each section.
Spring Festival 2024 Years 3 to 6 Junior School Eisteddfod 2024 – 1st Place Winners:
Piano – Years 3-4: Kai J & Alfie L-B
Piano – Years 5-6: Kyran D & Lucas Z
Voice – Years 3-6: Aidan P & Balthazar R
Strings – Year 3: Ryan S
Strings – Year 4: Kai J
Strings – Years 5-6: Alexander P & Mason P
Guitar – Years 3-4: Liam C
Guitar – Years 5-6: Xavier L
Woodwind – Years 3-4: Liam E
Woodwind – Years 5-6: George F
Brass – Years 3-4: Luca S
Brass – Years 5-6: Harry D
Percussion – Years 3-6: Sacha A
Looking ahead…
Tomorrow, Friday 13 September: Cranbrook Voices will sing at Year 12 Farewell Assembly as a parting gift. What a privilege for these fine singers to be invited to perform at this formal occasion.
12 September and 13 September: AMEB exams
Week 9:
Student-led Conferences
Wishing you all a restful holiday break and thank you for your support in all things music!
Warm regards,
Peter Fox
Head of Music, Junior School