Music
Congratulations
Amelie Matthews (Year 11) was a contestant on Australian Idol, currently airing on Channel 7. Amelie received a “Golden Ticket”, placing her in the top 50 of all entrants, which is an achievement on its own. However, it wasn’t the actual ticket that proved Amelie’s worth; it was her maturity, not only when singing, but in the accolades bestowed upon her. The attitude Amelie portrayed showed respect and integrity far beyond her age. Although Amelie did not make it through the “Chorus Line” component of the competition, she continues to win our hearts and demonstrate musical maturity.
ENSEMBLES
I have had frequent visits from students asking about their commitments in our ensembles, so I have some FAQ’s here:
Q: “I have sport training on the same day as my rehearsal. If I don’t go to training, will I be dropped from the team?”
A: The Performing Arts department has a very good working relationship with the Sports department, and we are often in consultation over our shared students. The basic rule of thumb is that Music only has one rehearsal/week, whereas sport has two training sessions. If you let your coach know you are in a music ensemble, you will be excused from one training session and not be dropped from the team.
Q: “I play piano and it’s a solo instrument. Does this mean I can’t be part of an ensemble?”
A: The world of music is only ever made better when you are part of a team. Dr Anita Collins (neuromusical educator) has researched the effects on our brain when we are in an ensemble. Our serotonin and dopamine levels increase, allowing positivity to flow through our bodies, as well as getting our brains ready for the day ahead. Piano players are always welcome to join the choir, join the percussion ensemble, start a band, or a small chamber ensemble. Alternatively, you may volunteer to accompany the Chapel services or play at assemblies for the processional and recessional.
Q: “I have an assessment straight after rehearsal. Can I sleep in to help my preparation for the task?”
A: This is a tricky one and we all sympathise with the dreaded assessment period. Stresses abound, mood swings are prevalent, and all in all, it seems the whole world is about to implode!!! As educators, we understand this pressure, but as musicians, we are only too aware of the GOOD a rehearsal does prior to a task. This is also something Dr Anita Collins discusses. Sleep is vital for success, so your best bet is to ask your conductor directly about a solution – it will depend on the situation and the child. Bottom line is to ask first and not assume you can be excused.
Our roles are being finalised for the ensembles but if you join later in the term, it is easy to be added. There are no restrictions to String Orchestra, School Concert Band, Middle School Band, or Choir – they are all non-auditioned and open to everyone.
Small Ensembles in the Secondary School
Percussion Ensemble is a new introduction to the College and will be conducted by Mr Chiron Meller (our percussion tutor), rehearsing on Friday lunch times. If this is something you are interested in, regardless of your experience in percussion, please email Mrs Turner sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
The Flute Ensemble is back!!! Covid had a dire effect on our flute players, and we are now beginning to rebuild this instrumental section. All flute players at a standard beyond 4th Grade AMEB are welcome to attend Wednesday lunch times in MS04 with Miss Naomi Dodd. Please check with your tutor to see if they recommend you are ready for this.
Clarinet Ensemble is for clarinet students beyond 4th Grade AMEB level. They rehearse on Wednesday lunch times in MS05 with Ms Jennie Ford.
Brass Ensemble rehearses on Wednesday lunch time in the Music Gallery with Mr Matthew Walmsley. This is an ensemble open to trumpet, French horn and lower brass players.
Baroque Ensemble We are very fortunate to own a harpsichord and established an ensemble to play Baroque music. If you are a string player, or wish to learn the Harpsichord to extend your piano skills, please email Mrs Turner at sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
String Quartet There is a College string quartet established now, working with Mr Rossman, but if you are interested in stepping in, please do let Mrs Colbey know at ncolbey@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Rock Bands are groups formed by the students, usually from an existing music class. Girls are welcome to form their own group and organise a lunch rehearsal with their class teacher. These cannot rehearse on Wednesday or Friday due to room restrictions.
Chamber ensembles With the amazing talent we have at the College, you are welcome to form your own small group: trio or quartet and organise with the music staff a time to rehearse.
SAVE THE DATES
25 and 26 February: Junior School Music Camp
All students involved in the Junior School band and strings program are required to attend this camp. Mr Schweinberger has sent information home, so please contact him if you have any questions.
31 March: Senior School Ensemble Concert – 6.30pm on Gloucester Lawn
Bring your picnic rugs/chairs and dinner and enjoy the sonorous tones of your daughter as she brings to life some wonderful music to serenade you whilst you eat.
Performance Jackets
Please return any performance jackets that are no longer required. We are running low. They can be returned to the Music Admin office.
Mrs Sarah Turner
Head of Co-curricular Music