Music

Welcome back!

We hope you all had a wonderful rest and relaxed during the summer break. It is exciting to be back on the school grounds. We had a wonderful and hugely successful tour to Spain and Portugal with 71 of our musicians from Years 7 to 12 2024. All girls contributed to the success of the tour and our performances received standing ovations at every single venue.

I’d like to extend a very warm Pymble welcome to our new students – those from afar, and those making their way up from the Junior School. Music will keep you busy, nurtured, and allow you to make more friends. So please come and hang out in the wonderful Performing Arts area and be part of our Music team.

Music Support Group

This group is for any interested parents who would like to volunteer their time and help throughout the year to support the students and staff in the ensemble program. Led by the very capable Ray Waterhouse and Liz Toh, I’m sure these lovely parents would love to meet you, and have you help when and if you are able. Please reach out through Music administration at musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au, or contact Ray at ray.waterhouse@hotmail.com to ask about how you can help.

Information

If you require private music lessons, need a uniform, not sure about times for ensembles, or have any other questions about Music, please go to the parent portal, or email Gladys Uy, our Music Administrator, at musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au, or Head of Co-Curricular Music Sarah Turner at sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Ensembles and Lessons

Please note that ensembles and private music lessons will commence from Monday 10 February. If you are unsure of your group, please email and we will ensure you and your daughter are informed. All old students MUST re-register for 2025. If you have not yet registered for 2025, you will need to submit a post registration period request by clicking here. Registrations do not roll over into the new year. New students are welcome to register and on your first rehearsal, your conductor will take your name, and you will be added to the roll. Alternatively, please email musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to express interest in joining an ensemble.

Performance Uniform

Performance uniforms can be purchased through the uniform shop. We have a few second-hand uniforms available from past Year 12 students. Please see Gladys Uy in the Music office if you would like to try one on.

Staffing in Music

Secondary School

Director of Performing Arts – Strategy and Operation: Mr Kurt Schweinberger

Head of Learning Area – Performing Arts/Head of Bands: Mr Marcus Stafford

Head of Co-Curricular Music: Mrs Sarah Turner

Head of Strings: Mrs Narelle Colbey

Stage 4 Music Co-ordinator: Ms Sarah Ashton

Music teaching staff and conductors: Ms Luczia Bain, Ms Julia Zeltzer, Ms Charlotte Aquaro, and Mrs Karen Bruce

College Accompanist: Ms Claire Race

Junior School

Teaching staff and conductors: Mrs Julie Hare, Ms Tiffany Farlow, Ms Maria Lee, Ms Ellen Buckley, and Mrs Patrice Goodman

Auditions for Senior School Chamber Strings

Mrs Colbey will be holding auditions for the Senior School Chamber Strings. Please email her if you have any questions or to book an audition time: ncolbey@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Performance Contracts

These contracts will be emailed to the students this week. Parents, please ask to see the information so that you have dates in your calendars. It is expected that ALL rehearsals are attended. Two unexplained absences will affect performance opportunities. Please email the conductor or notify an absence through Clipboard prior to your session.

Save the Date

Thursday 13 February, 6.30pm – Concerto Competition. Please book your tickets through the QR code sent out on social media, see the poster below or view the poster by clicking here.

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February – Junior School Music Camp weekend. All girls involved in Year 3 string orchestra, Year 4 Training Band, Stanhope Band, and Grainger Band are involved. Please return your forms to music admin.

Monday 7 April (Lunchtime) – All members of the Music ensemble program will be invited to a lunch that is kindly provided by the Music Support Group. Details will be sent closer to the time

Wednesday 9 April, 5.30pm – Term 1 Ensemble Concert. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the ensembles perform for the first time this year. Bring your picnics and enjoy the lovely surrounds and music. All girls must be in performance uniform.

Sarah Turner

Head of Music