Phil Beverley, Director of Music
Thank you to all the amazing performers who have invested countless hours practising and rehearsing in the lead up to their solo performances. We have had over 350 solo performances across the Junior and Senior School as well as 120 students complete an AMEB exam this term. This represents over 800 pieces of individual music performed by Cranbrook musicians. Our IB and HSC students a have prepared an astonishing 280 min of Musical performance as well as composing a combined 60 min of music across a huge range of styles. This component of their examination is now complete with only the HSC Aural skills paper to be completed at the start of Term 4.
Thanks to the music team who work behind the scenes to support each student in their pursuit of excellent music-making. Of special note is Martyn Hentschel who has managed the logistics of both the Spring Festival and the AMEB Examinations this term. His attention to detail and passion for musical excellence has helped ensure all students enjoy a plethora of musical opportunities that help inspire each individual and elevate their musical experience.
On Monday afternoon, we were fortunate enough to host a Contemporary Music workshop where musician and Old Boy, Jack Folden, run a masterclass on songwriting for our budding young song writers preparing for the New Music performance evening NEU! Week 5 Term 4.
We will be all hands on deck this holidays as David Russell and Andrew Benson put the finishing touches on this year’s Production, Little Shop of Horrors.
Looking forward to term 4 we look forward to several key opportunities for our students.
- 3:30 – 5pm Monday 21 October in the Orchestra Room – The Performance Plus Keynote will look at Pathways in Music. We look forward to welcoming 2022 Alumni, former Head of Music, Paul Nicolaou, who is forging a career across Australia and New Zealand, working professionally with leading symphony orchestras. This will be held in the Orchestra Room
- Little Shop of Horrors! Is on sale. Click here to book tickets to one of the shows.
- 6:30pm Thursday 14 November in the Packer Theatre, NEU! is back with some original music from the Contemporary Rock Band music space
- 6:30pm Wednesday 27 November in the Chapel Space, is our Ensembles Soireé, featuring many of our ensembles from the Choral, Jazz, and String spaces within the department.
Term 4 often signifies the beginning of our Music Programme, and it is a crucial time to have the conversation with your child, about the musical direction they’d like to pursue. The Ensemble programme is an integral part of this journey, and we begin in Term 4, the process of preparing students for the many musical opportunities ahead in 2025. Please make sure you reach out to your son’s instrumental teacher and their head of instrumental area over the coming term to have this conversation.
Warm Regards
Phil Beverley
Director of Music