Music
Congratulations to violinist Danielle Hu (Year 8) who is the winner of the 2025 Concerto Competition. Danielle performed a violin concerto by Camille Saint-Säens, accompanied by Ms Claire Race. Her ability to show technical brilliance along with a maturity beyond her years was something astounding. Guest judges Claire Edwards and Simon Tedeschi were so complimentary of all our contestants, awarding the prize based on the true nature of a concerto – showmanship. Danielle demonstrated this through every hair on her bow!
Danielle will perform with the College Symphony Orchestra at the Term 2 Ensemble Concert on Tuesday 24 June. Please mark this date in your diaries to witness a star in the making.
I was so impressed with all the contestants who showed courage and resilience, passion and resolve. Performing in front of a full house of peers, parents and judges is always a daunting experience and they were fantastic. It was also lovely to see our previous winners, Gabrielle Zhong (2023) and Aine Oo (2024) in the audience to show their support.
Junior School Music Camp
On the weekend, the entire music department from Kindergarten to Year 12 spent their Saturday and Sunday at the College with 154 musicians from the Junior School. This weekend was an opportunity for Year 4 Band, Year 3 Strings, Stanhope Band and Grainger Band to come together with tutors on various instruments and learn how to become an ensemble. It is a fantastic way to “kick start” our instrumental program. On Saturday, the girls in Stanhope and Grainger ended the day with a swim and challenge on the inflatable obstacle course – a lovely way to reward them for their hard work.
On Sunday, the Year 4 Band and Year 3 Strings performed for the very first time in front of their parents. It is always so encouraging to hear the praise from parents as they learn to understand the challenges faced with learning a new instrument.
Ensembles
All ensembles have commenced for 2025. For girls in the Secondary School, an agreement will be sent out this week for parents and students to read and return. This agreement is to demonstrate RESPECT to your ensemble, your conductor, but most importantly, to yourself as a musician. Rehearsing in a group each week helps with muscle memory and auditory skills.
Dates for your diaries
Monday 7 April – Secondary School MusicEnsemble lunch. The Music Support Group host this lunch for the students in an ensemble. More details will come about how to order.
Wednesday 9 April – Outdoor Secondary School Ensemble Concert from 5.30pm. Bring your picnics. In the event of wet weather, we will move to the GMCPA.
Tuesday 24 June – Term 2 Ensemble Concert in the GMCPA.
Private Music Lessons
The College offers private music lessons in an array of instruments and lessons occur on a rotating basis within school time. Preference is given to students in Year 12 to fit around their free periods. A reminder that all students who have lessons at the College must be in one of our ensembles. Singers can attend choir on Wednesday mornings and piano players are also welcome to join the choir. Playing in an ensemble is good for our neurotransmitters as we learn to work together with music being a common goal.
Sarah Turner
Head of Music