Phil Beverley, Director of Music
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Term 2 is a feast for the ears, with musical events running in most weeks of the term beginning with Dr Elizabeth Scott who will present at Monday’s Performance Plus Masterclass. All Scholarship and elective Music students are required to attend but the event is open to all students as we delve into the art of preparation a key theme of this term’s work. The work done in this session will help ensure focus on preparation for many of the upcoming events, whether they be solo or ensemble performances.
Ensuring punctuality to lessons
With a change in the mobile phone policy, we have seen a decline in the punctuality in attending instrumental lessons. This makes sense given the schedules are only available online via Clipboard. I would ask that when you sign your child’s diary on a Sunday night that you help ensure they write their lesson time in for the coming week. The diary is required for every lesson at School and serves as the most effective piece of technology in communication between parents, teachers, and students.
AMPED Auditions
It is an exciting opportunity for all budding young contemporary musicians to showcase their wares at the iconic venue, The Factory Theatre, Marrickville Monday 26 May. The students have been working hard to prepare their items for the gig. They have all chosen repertoire exclusively performed by female artists over the past few decades as the students look toward the exciting future of a Co-ed experience from 2026. Ticketing info will be released imminently. I would encourage all students involved to ensure they are punctual to rehearsals in preparation for this exciting event in week 5.
St Pauls College Chapel Choir
In addition to the schedule of events below, we are excited to host the St Pauls College Chapel Choir Concert 17 May. More information about this event will be forthcoming including ticket sales which will be available at a discount to Cranbrook students and families. St Pauls College Choir, led by Director of Music, Mr Jack Stephens. More information about the group and musical life of St Paul’s is available here.
Student Spotlight
This Sunday night, viewers across the country will witness a new side of Fergus Jones as he steps into the spotlight on ABC’s new series “The Piano”. On the show, Fergus brings his unique voice to the piano bench, exploring a talent in front of one of his music idols Harry Connick Jnr.
In this episode, Fergus opens up about his journey with music, the role the piano has played in his life, and the personal stories behind the pieces he performs. Many of you may have already listened to his tracks on Fergus Jones | Spotify From soulful improvisations to striking interpretations of modern classics, his performance promises to be captivating and inspiring.
Photo Time
Finally. Music photos will be spread across 3 lunch times. See table below.
| Wednesday 7 May |
| Concert Band Senior Stage Band Stage Band Jazz Combo Bellevue Strings Sinfonia |
| Friday 9 May |
| Chamber Strings Contemporary Guitar Ensemble Junior Guitar Ensemble Senior Guitar Ensemble Symphony Orchestra |
| Thursday 15 May |
| Cranbrook Piano Institute Choir Boys’ Vocal Year 7 Rock Club Rock Bands Year 12 Music Photo |
| PLEASE BRING INSTRUMENT STUDENT CARD FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM – BLUE SHIRT PLEASE POLISHED SHOES SMILE |
Schedule of Key Music Events
| Week 2: Monday 5 May | Performance Plus – Keynote With Dr Elizabeth Scott- Orchestra Room (3.30pm – 5pm) |
| Week 4: Wednesday 21 May | Jazz Night – (6:30pm – 9:00pm) Packer Theatre |
| Week 5: Monday 26 May | AMPED – “She Will Rock You” two shows (6pm and 7.30pm – until 9pm) The Factory Theatre |
| Week 6: Wednesday | Soirée – Orchestra Room (6.30pm – 8pm) |
| Week 8: Monday 15 June | Showcase Concert – (7pm – 9pm) Sydney Town Hall |
| Week 8: Thursday 19 June | Krokodiloes (6.30pm) Theatre |
Warm Regards
Phil Beverley
Director of Music