Music Matters

Year 8 and 9 Elective Music – ‘Wicked’

As part of their study in class, Year 8 and Year 9 Elective Music students attended a matinee performance of ‘Wicked’ at Star City’s Lyric Theatre.  At the conclusion of this performance students were also given the opportunity to meet with members of the cast and crew for a Q&A.

Here are two reviews by our Year 8 Elective Music students:

A Wicked Review 

Stepping into the world of Oz in Sydney’s Lyric Theatre through the musical “Wicked”, featured the extraordinary talents of Courtney Monsma and Zoe Coppinger. This production was nothing short of an unforgettable experience, which was filled with magic, friendship, and the thrill of defying gravity.

From the moment the curtains rose, you were immediately transported to a world full of dreams and magic found in the Emerald City. The connection between Courtney Monsma as Glinda and Zoe Coppinger as Elphaba (standby) was simply electric. Their close relationship lights up the stage, creating a dynamic duo that is bound to draw you into the world of Oz.

Zoe Coppinger’s portrayal of Elphaba was nothing short of breathtaking. Her powerful voice, commanding presence, and heartfelt vulnerability successfully highlighted Elphaba’s growing character development. You’ll find yourself rooting for the misunderstood “Wicked Witch of the West” and feeling every emotion as she journeys through the highs and lows of her extraordinary life. When Defying Gravity was sung at the end of act one (one of the biggest songs known in musical theatre), every note was sung so well and again, showed Elphaba’s character development in that way. 

Courtney Monsma’s character Glinda, has a personality which is full of both grace and humour. At the beginning of the show, the audience sees that she is the popular girl that has always had everything her way, but we later see her close relationship with Elphaba changes the way she sees things. Highlights of her in the musical was when she sang the classic Popular and small moments where she added in humour to her lines to convey Glinda’s personality. What was also really cool to see was her entering different scenes in her bubble, which help to show that she is a figure people look up to.

But “Wicked” is not just about its dynamic leading ladies; it’s a spectacular ensemble effort. The supporting cast, along with the ingenious set design, breathtaking costumes, and special effects, combine to create the wonderful production. The stage comes alive with the magic of Oz, and it’s impossible not to be swept away by the grandeur of it all.

The music, composed by the brilliant Stephen Schwartz, was truly amazing. Classics like Defying Gravity and For Good were performed with such depth and artistry, as well as Popular, As Long As You’re Mine, The Wizard and I, What is this feeling, and Dancing through Life.

During this particular performance, one of the main highlights was the audience’s interaction with the characters during some moments. When Courtney sang Popular the audience joined in which was quite fun to see, and any time Fiyero (played by Liam Head) interacted with Elphaba, the audience would react to that as well. I also enjoyed listening to the Q and A session that happened at the end of the show. Hearing responses from Emily Monsma who is the standby Glinda of her younger sister Courtney, and what it is like for her, sharing the role with her sister was very inspiring.

Although this was my third time watching this musical, it was highly worth it and I would love to see it again in the future.

Ashley Diec

What is This Feeling? 

It was my second time seeing this production of Wicked, and I had done my homework. After watching interviews with Sheridan Adams and Courtney Monsma (the Australian Elphaba and Glinda), along with about thirteen different versions of Popular on YouTube (memorising the lyrics as a result), and thoroughly annoying my entire family with my recurring shower rendition of What Is This Feeling, I was well and truly prepared. As the performance day finally approached, I anxiously counted down the hours until it was time to board the bus to The Star. And wow, were the days of waiting worth it. At 1pm, the curtains lifted to reveal Glinda, sporting a shimmering pale-blue ballgown, floating down onto the stage via bubble. The musical went on to introduce the back story of the two witches of Oz, a story which provoked laughter, tears and deep reflection.

A highlight of the show was Courtney Monsma’s hilarious rendition of Popular, in which the audience happily sang along, “Popular! You’re gonna be pop-u-lar!”. After the conclusion of the show (which received a standing ovation by us SCEGGS girls), we were treated to a Q&A session with the cast and crew. We heard from the respective lighting, set, and prop departments, as well as Emily Monsma (Glinda’s understudy, who also happened to be Courtney Monsma’s older sister) and Zoe Coppinger (Elphaba’s understudy who played had played her that day). Perhaps the most inspiring advice given was from Coppinger to aspiring actors- to put yourself out there, take every opportunity and get involved. Altogether this production was inspiring, thought-provoking and one I would be happy to see a third time.

Josie Grayden

Important Announcement for Co-curricular Music – Clipboard

Some Co-curricular Music activities are now available to view on Clipboard. Many of you will be familiar with Clipboard through the Sport Department. Rehearsal schedules for the following ensembles are now available to view:

• Amati Strings
• Holst Wind Ensemble
• Basie Jazz Band
• Woodwind Ensemble
• Choir
• Madrigal Ensemble
• Cotemporary Vocal Ensemble
• Cantare
• Special Project Orchestra
• Combined Choir

All Co-curricular Music activities will be available on Clipboard in 2024.

If you have not yet registered for clipboard, please see the instructions.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact Alice Kotowicz.

Town Hall Organ – Anna Luo

Anna Luo (Year 7) was fortunate to have the opportunity last Thursday to rehearse her postlude item on the organ of the Sydney Town Hall.  Anna commenced her studies on the organ earlier this year under the tutelage of Mr Kurt Ison, she is also a budding pianist and is preparing for her AMEB C.Mus (Certificate of Music Performance) examination for early next year.  We look forward to sharing Anna’s performance with everyone at the conclusion of this year’s Speech night.

Woollahra Council Remembrance Day Service 11 November

Congratulations to the following students who performed at Woollahra Council’s Remembrance Day service on Saturday 11 November. Thank you to the following students who participated in this important event:

Well done to Lucy McInnes with her performance of the Last Post/Reverie and to Martha Elgood-Cann who sang the National Anthem for the ceremony. Thank you to Mr Michael Tierney for his organisation for this event. 

St. Joseph’s Spring Fair Sunday 12 November – Year 10 Rock Band ‘Rubber Duckies’

Congratulations to the following Year 10 students who entered the ‘Battle of the Bands’ Rock competition.

The competition took place at St. Joseph’s Hunters Hill as part of their school’s annual Spring Fair.  There were over 40 rock groups from all over Sydney that had participated in this year’s competition and we’re very proud that this is the first year that SCEGGS Darlinghurst had a representation.  Thank you to Mr Tierney who helped the girls to prepare and set up for the competition.  Well done girls and we look forward to having further entries from SCEGGS next year.

AMEB String Examinations

Congratulations to the following girls who recently completed national music examinations with the AMEB. These exams require a tremendous amount of practice over many months. The students were well-supported by our wonderful string tutors – Dr Lerida Delbridge, Ms Michelle Kelly, Ms Sophia Vasic, Mr Adrian Bendt, Ms Evelyn Drivas, Ms Amelia McCluney and Ms Rachel Valentine.

Anne Sweeney
Director of Strings

Bugles Solo Performance Open Morning

Congratulations to the following students who played solo items in the Bugles Open Morning performances:

• Olivia Hung (Year 4)
• Annabel Ling (Year 4)
• Alexandra Millin (Year 5)
• Annabelle Dempsey (Year 5)
• Sophia Kirby  (Year 5)
• Aisling Blackburn (Year 4)
• Emily Lansdown (Year 4)
• Giselle Wharton (Year 5)
• Ava Ong (Year 5)
• Viola Heery (Year 5)
• Eve Stewart (Year 6)
• Charlotte Lowe (Year 6)
• Inez  Newby (Year 4)
• Eva Gecha (Year 4)

Special thank you to Mr Michael Tierney (Director of Bands) and to Ms Heidi Jones for accompanying the student performances. Well done to all primary performers!

Upcoming Music Events

Term 4

Pauline Chow
Head of Music