Music

Congratulations to:

Alessandra Liew (Year 8) – A.Mus.A on viola

Year 10 musicians

This week I would like to focus on the Year 10 cohort of musicians who have gone above and beyond in their preparations for music. Year 10 were given a study day on Friday 25 October and EVERY single musician showed up for a morning rehearsal, then again for an afternoon rehearsal. Joanna Au (Year 10) also gave her time to be at the Have a Go Expo during the day.

On the morning of their exams, our Year 10 students showed up on time to rehearse at 6.50am, with one reminding me that she wanted to “get her neurotransmitters firing in preparation for English and Science”. These students show such Resilience and know playing music helps prepare for their exams, whilst also being part of a very special, supportive community. Thank you to our Year 10 parents supporting these students in all they do – I am so grateful for their role modelling.

Secondary School Ensemble Concert

Apologies on the restructure of this event. Due to calendar clashes with students being absent, we felt that performing with only half an ensemble is not a true representation of what our musicians are capable of. For our musicians, we thought about the integrity of rehearsals and goals we have set: to perform. For this to happen, we need musicians, as well as an audience.

Throughout weeks 5 and 7, students will perform in the surrounds of our gorgeous College and entertain others during lunch time, with a Musical Buffet. Whilst this is not our preferred scenario, it enables us to remain true to our rehearsals and to provide a unique experience for both performers and audience. Times and dates will be published next week.

Farewell concert “Adios”

You are warmly invited to the Music Tour Farewell concert, which will take place at 4.30pm in the John Reid Hall (to be confirmed). Following the concert will be an information session from 6.00pm in the Jobson Lecture Theatre (Kate Mason Building). Please note this is the same date as the Dance Showcase and we are aware that some students will be involved in both dance and music.

Carols – Sunday 1 December from 5.00pm

Please save the date for this wonderful event, marking the end of an incredibly busy year. BYO picnic and sit on Gloucester Lawn whilst being serenaded by our wonderful Jazz musicians from the Junior and Secondary Schools. There may even be a visit from Santa Claus…

At 6.30pm, please join us for a Chapel Service with a musical feast of carols and lessons. Community Carols are made successful with the inclusion of our fabulous community. So, bring your picnics, your voices, and your Christmas Cheer!

A note about AMEB exams

Congratulations to the many students who have received their recent performance AMEB exams. To accompany the certificates above a certain grade, there is an expectation that students also complete a musicianship/theory exam.

The AMEB requirements are as follows:

Grade 6 Practical – requires a pass in Grade 2 Theory or Musicianship

Grade 7 Practical – requires a pass in Grade 3 Theory or Musicianship

Grade 8 Practical – requires a pass in Grade 4 Theory or Musicianship

Associate Diploma (A.Mus.A) – requires a pass in Grade 5 Theory or Musicianship

Pymble is very fortunate in that our tutors are all equipped to teach musicianship and theory, as well as knowing application rules around receiving an AMEB certificate. Taking part in an AMEB musicianship/theory exam takes time and a great deal of preparation and practice and the expectation for a teacher to have a student sit an exam within a term is not reasonable. If your daughter is planning to sit a practical AMEB exam, please be mindful of the musicianship/theory component and ask our tutors to work with you to ensure your daughter can achieve the highest possible grade.

Sarah Turner

Head of Music