IMP Mid Year Concert

Last Friday 24 June the IMP Mid-Year Concert took place. For the first time in 12 months the IMP ensembles and community were able to gather to celebrate the work of the IMP ensembles over the past 6 months, and to farewell our outgoing Year 12 students, who retire to concentrate on their HSC studies. For the majority of the IMP, this was only the second time they have been able to take part in a concert, so it was a particularly poignant occasion.

The event began with the traditional winter dinner in the Fountain Quad, with entertainment masterfully provided by the Fort Street Jazz Ensemble. There was a palpable buzz in the air, reminiscent of Boxing Day sales, as the 650 audience members eagerly awaited the opening of the Hall doors. The 300 members of the IMP were also excited to perform in front of friends and parents, and their professionalism and attention to detail were very exciting to watch.

Every ensemble performed well, despite the disrupted start to the year, and the skills deficit we all faced from the past 24 months. The enjoyment on the faces of every performer in the IMP, and every audience member was plain to see. As is traditional, the Training Band got the biggest roar of the evening, and it was very exciting to see all of the younger musicians from various ensembles performing so brilliantly, despite having suffered so much disruption in the crucial first few years of playing. Yr 12 were farewelled with the traditional medals ceremony, and speeches. While it is a bittersweet moment saying farewell to such a great group of players and leaders, we look forward to seeing them carry their love of music out into the world, and fostering the development of the next generation of players who will step into their shoes.

The Mid-Year Concert is the IMP’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and thanks to the organisational efforts of all involved, and the generosity of the IMP community, the event more than meet its significant fundraising targets. This means the IMP will be able to continue to work at its current levels for the rest of this year and into next year, providing world-class musical education and performance opportunities to our students. Thanks to the IMP Committee and the Catering Committee, without whom this enormous event would simply not happen. Thanks to the IMP community who donated time, food, and money for the event, and who have provided the opportunity for their kids to take part in musical activities. Thanks to the school executive and administration, who provide constant support. Finally, congratulations finally to the IMP members, who are now back on track after so long! The IMP looks forward to bring more concerts and performances to the Fort Street community in the coming months!

The IMP now moves into audition mode, to fill the positions vacated by outgoing Year 12 students. Please keep an eye on your inboxes for more information.

Matthew Manchester