From the Music Department

String and Orchestra Camp

Last Friday was the annual Strings and Orchestra Camp, where we were fortunate to work with the esteemed Dr Paul Terracini as our guest conductor. Dr Terracini had a profound influence on the students, enabling them to create a cohesive sound that is indicative of their growing skills. Guitar Ensemble had an extended rehearsal in the morning, during which they worked diligently on repertoire. After morning tea, the Senior Strings lead the Intermediate Strings combining to perform their new repertoire. After lunch the students worked with professional tutors in their sectionals to further develop their aural and technical work – key skills in ensemble playing. The brass section was lucky enough to have Dr Terracini for more valuable insights and advice about their instruments. Finally, the Orchestra had one last rehearsal, followed by an open rehearsal for parents, which provided some teasers for the upcoming concerts. Thank you to the music mentors, tutors, guest conductor Dr Terracini, Guitar Ensemble Director Ms Mitrovic and Head of Strings Ms Wentzel for all of their work in making this wonderful event happen.

Russell Jiang
Captain of Music

Encore Excursion

The 2025 Encore concert was an exciting opportunity for our current Years 9 to 12 Elective Music students to witness invigorating performances by a number of the 2024 graduating cohort from across NSW. The concert was held at the Opera House last Monday and featured both individual and ensemble works. An array of diverse styles were showcased; from Morin Khurr (an instrument highlighting Mongolian Music traditions) to Japanese funk, from bagpipe to musical theatre. Some highlights included the virtuosity demonstrated in Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata in D Movement 2, the Marimba and Vibraphone Duet, the Allegro Sonata on Tuba and the vocal piece The Girl in 14G. Composition was also showcased and excellent examples of these were performed. Composition exemplars included a Brass Quartet and a Vocal Quartet. This provided a unique experience that served to develop our own musical and stylistic understanding and show us the world of possibilities available in musical performance. Thank you to Ms Robertson and Mrs Barber, who organised and facilitated this excursion.

Joel Gilmour
Vice Captain of Music

Private Music Lessons

All private vocal and instrumental lessons have begun for 2025. If you are considering your son ceasing lessons at the end of Term 1 2025, please notify your son’s tutor and privatemusiclessons@shore.nsw.edu.au no later than Thursday 13 March.

Mrs Judy Hicks
Coordinator of Private Music Lessons.

Upcoming Dates

Wed 5 – Thurs 6 Mar	Week 6	Band Camp	Smith Auditorium	All Day
Wed 6 March	Week 6	Concert Group: SSO Meet the Music – James Ehnes performs Brahms	Sydney Opera House	7.00pm
Tues 11 March	Week 7	Concert Group: OA Candide	Sydney Opera House	7.30pm
Thurs 27– Sat 29 March	Week 9	School Musical: Newsies	Smith Auditorium	7.30pm
Wed 2 – Sat 5 April	Week 10	School Musical: Newsies	Smith Auditorium	7.30pm
Wed 9 April	Week 11	Concert Group: OA Hadestown	Theatre Royal	7.30pm

Mrs Kim Barber
Head of Music