Mr Wels conducting Chapel Choir

From the Music Department

Congratulations to….

… all students involved in Choir Camp this week. This two-day event included rigorous rehearsals learning about vocal technique, blending voices and new repertoire. Thank you to Mr Evan Wels, Director of Choirs; Mr James Griffiths, Assistant Director of Choirs; Ms Belinda McGlynn, Accompanist; Mr Ben Cody-Osborne Old boy Mentor; and Ms Alexandra Fitzgerald, Administrative Assistant. 

… all students who have performed in Studio Concerts last week. Clarinets, trombones and tubas were heard throughout the building, with many excited yet nervous performers welcoming the opportunity to perform for parents, staff and peers. 

HSC Soiree Performances

Last week, our enthusiastic Year 12 Elective Music students took the stage for the unforgettable HSC Soirées. Each evening brought a delightful mix of styles and instruments, making it an enjoyable musical showcase. 

We heard the dulcet vocal tones of Marcel, Thomas, Toby and Lachlan, along with instrumentalists William, Eric, Matthew and Tim. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to support our amazing performers. Thank you to our accompanists and the fantastic teachers, Mr Dorich and Ms Robertson, for their unwavering support and dedication in preparing our students for these exceptional concerts. 

We also want to send our best wishes to Billy, who unfortunately couldn’t perform due to injury. 

As September approaches, we are filled with excitement and confidence that our capable musicians will perform well in their upcoming HSC exams. Best wishes to all those involved. Photos can be found on Lampada

Excursion – Australian Music Days 

On Monday 28 July, Year 11 Music 2 students with Ms Robertson participated in a workshop with Australian Composer Lisa Young at Santa Sabina. She introduced all students to her new work Tempo of Humanity, a South Indian rhythmic, vocal, and percussion piece. The students rehearsed as a choir, were accompanied by a small rhythm section of guitar, bass and drums and learnt about using rhythmic grouping of 2 ½ and 5 beats.  

On Friday 31 July, Years 9, 10 and 11 Music 1 students, with Mr Payne, Mr Dorich and Mrs Barber, participated in various composition workshops according to their interests. Programme 1 included award-winning Beat Boxer Conor Malanos, who demonstrated various vocal techniques. Students collaborated to create their own compositions utilising looping pedals. Programme 2 included ideas on how to compose through different activities led by Australian composer Elizabeth Jigalin and Cellist James Larsen. Students had their musical ideas performed by the wind ensemble Acadia Winds.  

Both days were productive in increasing awareness of contemporary Australian music. 

Concert Group 

On Monday 31 July, Concert Group students attend the recital of pianist Javier Perianes. The concert Scenes from Spain featured works by de Falla, Albeniz, Granados, as well as some Debussy. The Steinway grand piano produced an amazing array of sounds that were captivating and atmospheric. There is another Concert Group on Monday 7 August. 

Concert Group at Piano Recital by Javier Perianes

Spring Concert

This year, Spring Concert will be held at Chatswood Concourse on Tuesday 12 September at 7.00pm. Rehearsals will be held during the day. Tickets will go on sale soon.  

Organ Masterclass with Thomas Trotter 

On Tuesday 22 August at 4.00pm there is a Masterclass with Thomas Trotter followed by a recital from him at 7.30pm.  Tickets can be purchased via Trybooking – trybooking.com/CIYNW

Sydney Organ Competition 

On Monday 2 October the Sydney Organ Competition will be held at Shore. For further details, please contact Mr Robert Fox, the School organist, at rfox@shore.nsw.edu.au 

DateEvent
Monday 7 AugustConcert Group
Wednesday 9 AugustYear 7 incursion ‘Taking Shape’
Friday 18 AugustConcert Group
Tuesday 22 AugustThomas Trotter organ Masterclass
Sunday 27 AugustConfirmation Service
Friday 1 SeptemberMusic Photos
Monday 4 SeptemberHSC Music exam block starts, and compositions are due.
Thursday 7 SeptemberP1 Year 12 Family Service rehearsal
Friday 8 SeptemberAmerican Tea
Sunday 10 SeptemberYear 12 Family Service (9.00am)
Tuesday 12 SeptemberSpring Concert: Chatswood Concourse
Thursday 14 SeptemberMusic Function at Shore n Hawkins Foyer
Tuesday 19 SeptemberYear 7 Music Composition Showcase in the War Memorial Hall

Mrs K Barber
Head of Music