Music Matters

Assembly Performance                                                                                                  

Congratulations to members of Amati Strings with their performance of “Irish Legend” by Robert Kerr, arranged by Soon Hee Newbold.  The performance featured soloist Veronique Serret (Class of 1993) who had previously workshopped the string players in their rehearsal last week.  You can watch the performance here.

Amati Strings Workshop – Wednesday 2 June

On Wednesday the 2 June, Amati Strings was fortunate to welcome SCEGGS Old Girl Veronique Serret to our rehearsal. Veronique is a professional violinist who works with many Australian composers and plays a range of pieces, from baroque to contemporary rock and improvisation. We began by rehearsing “Irish Legend” with Veronique as soloist. It was thrilling to play with such an amazing violinist who sped through thousands of notes at a cracking pace while maintaining accuracy and finesse! After an inspiring session, we felt confident to perform the piece at assembly. Towards the end of the workshop, Veronique played a solo piece composed especially for her called Crie by Cathy Milliken for violin and voice. Crie is from the French “to cry out”; the piece is about women speaking out and being courageous enough to find their voice. Playing violin while singing is not an easy feat and Veronique performed beautifully. It was fascinating to learn about Veronique’s life and for her to mentor us musically. She is a kind and talented musician who is a fantastic role model for us all. We are so grateful to have had such a wonderful violinist join us in rehearsal.

Congratulations AMEB String Students

Congratulations to our string students who have sat their AMEB examinations on Saturday 5 June.  We had a large candidature of students who sat exams either on Saturday 25 May or Saturday 5 June.  The girls were well supported by Mrs Anne Sweeney (Director of Strings – violin/viola) and their string tutors in preparation for the examinations – Ms Dominique Gallery, Ms Evelyn Cirevski, Ms Lerida Delbridge Ms Rachel Valentine and Ms Vicki Parkin (cello).  The students’ examinations were also accompanied by Ms Heidi Jones and Ms Stephanie Holmes on the piano.  Thank you String staff and accompanists. 

Congratulations to the following students:

City of Sydney Eisteddfod – Clarion Wind Band, Choir and Madrigal Ensemble

Congratulations to members of Clarion Wind Band, Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Choir and Madrigal Ensemble.  Due to COVID restrictions Sydney Eisteddfod entries are by video submission this year. Over the past fortnight, the students from these ensembles have been working hard to prepare for their video submissions.

SCEGGS’ School Choir, Madrigal Ensemble and Contemporary Vocal Ensemble recorded their submissions ready for entry into the Youth Vocal Ensemble categories.  The Choir’s submission included composer Andrea Ramsay’s Letter from A Girl to the World which included a powerful spoken letter written collaboratively by our choristers about what they want for their world and for themselves. Madrigal Ensemble aimed to demonstrate their ability to perform in a variety of styles by contrasting the challenge of Kodaly’s five part, unaccompanied lightening quick Dancing Song with the lyricism of Australian composer Dan Walker’s The Secret Migration. Contemporary Vocal Ensemble aimed for a visual and aural experience for their adjudicator by recording What Happens When A Woman complete with body percussion and Titanium made popular by Australian recording artist Sia.

Miss Allison Harrigan
Director of Choral

Clarion Wind Band have prepared and recorded two pieces for the event.  The recordings of the two works are entered in the Secondary School Novice Concert Band section.  The band recorded Richard Meyer’s Knights of Dunvegan.  The work is written with the Scottish castle of Dunvegan in mind. It contains a driving main theme with rich modal harmonies, a march and an exciting flourish to finish.  The second work recorded is Flamingo Road by Steve Hodges.  The work is a Latin inspired piece with an active percussion section.

Ms Alison Ryan
Conductor of Clarion Band

Best wishes to the SCEGGS choral and band entries for the City of Sydney Eisteddfod!

Meet our Tutor – Chloe Waldron-Reilly (Piano)

This week, our tutor of the week is Chloe Waldron-Reilly who teaches Piano in our Music program.  This week we asked Lisa the following questions – Thank you Chloe!

How long have you played your instrument?       
31 years! I began Suzuki piano at age three and violin at age four. 

Share with us a performance highlight.  
Two comes to mind: in 1999 I had the privilege of performing in a masterclass with one of my favourite composers, Miriam Hyde. Later, in 2004, I achieved a mark of 100% for my HSC Music Extension final performance. 

Who did you learn from/where did you study?
My teacher was Paul Rickard-Ford while I was studying at the Conservatorium of Music high school. Under Paul’s guidance I achieved my AMusA diploma with distinction at age 14, followed by my LMusA diploma in year 11 at age 16. In 2005 I commenced my university studies at UNSW with an interest in music education. I graduated with my Bachelor of Music (hons.) in 2009. My studies are continuing now in the field of psychology, where I have a keen interest in how children learn music. 

What do love about teaching at SCEGGS?
SCEGGS is a wonderful community. All the students there are very polite and respectful. All of my students are keen to improve their piano skills and are enthusiastic during their lessons each week. There are many performance opportunities offered at SCEGGS and the teaching and performance facilities are wonderful. The support from the music staff is also tremendous; their organisation skills are second to none!

Peripatetic Music Program

Our peripatetic tuition program is currently at capacity. 

Any students who would like to be placed on the waiting list for: Piano or Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Guitar) MUST complete the electronic form.  Paper copies will not be accepted as it is crucial that these forms are date stamped. 

Any other instruments or vocalists are close to capacity, but we would welcome your request.

If you are interested in Now is a good time for families to have a conversation with their daughters and/or with music tutors to discuss their progress with their voice or instrument.

A reminder that a 4-week notice period is required for any students who wish to discontinue their tuition at the end of the term.

Take Your Instruments Home

A gentle reminder for all students who have been storing their instruments in the Diana Bowman centre to take them home over the holidays.  This is especially important to help maintain your practice as well as for the security of your instrument.  The holiday period is also a good time for your instrument to be serviced in preparation for the second semester.

Upcoming Events:

Pauline Chow
Head of Music