Phillip Beverley,
Dear Parents and Caregivers
We are thrilled to reflect on an incredibly exciting year and are eager to conclude it in style. The remarkable performances at NEU! 2023 featured 26 original compositions, showcasing the talents of over 100 Cranbrookians. The creative spirit was embraced by a full audience, and students reveled in the excitement of the night. A final release of the studio recordings, currently in the finalization stage in our new studio, will be available on December 1.
Speaking of our new studio, the Perkins refurbishment has been a fantastic way to wrap up the year. More than just a fresh coat of paint and a shiny new roof, The Perkins building has become a daily source of inspiration for our Cranbrook musicians. With improved acoustics, flexible learning areas, dedicated zones for instruction and rehearsing, as well as technological upgrades throughout the building, we are immensely grateful to have a world-class space that inspires and educates our students. On behalf of the Music team, we would like to express our gratitude to the incredible work of our facilities team, led by Craig Nichols, for making the move as seamless as possible as well as hard work of Andrew Moore and his team for managing the project over the last several years and allowing us to have significant input into the design elements of this wonderful space. We see over 450 students take part in curriculum Music and facilitate over 350 instrumental lessons per week. These facilities are certainly being appreciated by many young Cranbrookians.
As we approach the end of the year, there are several final performances to look forward to:
- Ensemble Soiree this Thursday will be held in the Chapel at 6:30 pm.
- The Carol Service on December 5th will feature the Choir and Orchestra in a Festival of Lessons and Carols. Please refer to Reverend Farraway’s message here for details on which House is participating in each service. Parents of the Orchestra are encouraged to attend the final service at 8 pm at St Andrew’s Cathedral.
- Prize Giving on December 12 will showcase the Concert Band under the direction of Ms. Kate Stewart. Members of the Concert Band who are not on the European Music Tour should check their emails for rehearsal details. We eagerly anticipate celebrating this night of excellence.
The Pursuit of Excellence
In the spirit of excellence, we would like to acknowledge the achievement of Kevin Chu, who recently completed his Licentiate Diploma in Piano Performance (LMusA). This outstanding accomplishment reflects his individual skill, dedication to his instrument, and deep understanding of the music he performs. Kevin’s exceptional work as a musician, along with his commitment to developing musical skills within the ensemble program as a percussionist, earned him recognition in term 3 with Colours. Kevin embodies the School’s moto in all that he does, to be rather than to seem. In addition to this exceptional achievement, he was nominated in two separate categories for the finals of the Spring Festiva; Piano and Percussion; he has also graciously accepted the task of accompanying the Choir for the European Music Tour. Congratulations Kevin.
Speaking of European Music Tours, on December 7th and 8th, 70 students from Cranbrook will join 40 girls from S Catherine’s on a 14-day tour of Eastern Europe. They will perform in some of the most significant music venues on the continent, including St Nicholas Cathedral in Prague, St Lawrence Church in Southern Movaria, and Lizinski Hall in Zagreb. We eagerly anticipate sharing stories of our journey with you.
Wishing you a wonderful conclusion to the year, filled with music, celebration, and inspiration.
Warm regards,
Phillip Beverley
Director of Music (P-12)