13 minute read
Senior School Music
Live performance to a recording is a real connection to connectivity; social interaction to social networking; loving a post to loving a person. I don’t think we realised how important, how marvellous it was to play music together until it was taken from us – and it is wonderful to have it back again this year.
We are the lucky ones at Camberwell Grammar, we are the community that gets to sing together, play together, and belong together through music. Writing this report as the Year 12s of 2022 wind up their studies and go through the motions of their ‘final’ classes, Assemblies, and moments as a cohort is an interesting time to reflect on the role that music can play in education and the effect that regular exposure to music making has on the individual.
For some time, we have known beyond doubt that students involved in music are more connected to each other, to their academic studies, to their schools, and to their communities. More recently, we have learnt that it is impossible to make music together in a satisfying way unless we regularly meet in a physical time and place (or IRL as it is often abbreviated). It is the process of being together, listening, communicating, working together, and, hopefully, achieving something together that is fundamental to music-making. And this is the key reason that students actively involved in music-making do better – academically, emotionally, and socially too.
As humans, we simply have not evolved to experience our lives via a screen or to be physically distanced from our friends, families, and communities. Isolating ourselves in our bedrooms, houses, and even in public with our phones and AirPods can be easy escapism, but is eroding our attention span, our ability to read body language, and our interpersonal relationships. In a world where it is too easy to go for a long scroll down your phone or fall into a rabbit hole of Reddit, it is our regular rituals of being together – physically in the same space with our focus away from technology – that are becoming more and more valuable and important to our wellbeing as a species. Music making is the only activity that gives us that 100% distraction-free, fully-focused connection to each other, and therefore our music, and singing in particular is now vital to our post-Covid recovery.
We are the lucky ones at Camberwell Grammar. We have known these connections and benefits for years; in fact, we celebrate and champion them. The late Richard Gill AO said that we are ‘not a good example of music education in Australian schools’, which was his greatest compliment – because sadly, our school is in the minority. We sing together, we play together, and we reserve, respect, and ritualise time for these activities – this is our greatest strength as a community. And it is our community that makes our music possible. On behalf of all of the music staff and music students at Camberwell Grammar, I would like to humbly thank every member of our community for supporting us through Covid-19 so that we could triumphantly rise again this year. Long may it continue and be an example to others of what is possible when there is music in our hearts, at the core of our culture.
Mr Ben Bishop Head of Music
Following the previous two years of lockdowns due to Covid-19, 2022 saw a rejuvenation of the music program that we haven’t seen since 2019. A multitude of milestones have taken place within the Music School over the course of the year, ranging from the first Hamer Hall concert in four years to the Concert Band participating in their first Victorian Schools Music Festival. The year has truly been an incredible introduction back into life post-Covid, and can only be attributed to the efforts of both the students and teachers alike.
The year began quickly with the long-awaited return of the House Music Competition which saw all competing parties vie for the trophy. However, as a result of a closely contested race, the competition ended in a somewhat anticlimactic three-way tie for first with Clifford, Steven, and Summons all finishing with equal points on top.
Ensuing this, however, was the establishment of the newly created Junior and Middle School Concert as well as the Senior Chamber Concert. Both occasions displayed a wonderful variety of musical expertise and diversity with ensembles varying from choirs to string ensembles to the final Orchestral items.
In spite of this, the premier event of the year was still to come, and with it came widespread anticipation of the Biennial Concert, which hadn’t been held in four years. The tireless efforts of early morning, lunchtime, and even holiday rehearsals were not put to waste, and culminated in a magnificent performance at the renowned Hamer Hall. Brilliant displays of technique and musical understanding were exhibited to all who were able to watch, and the night finished with a deafening rendition of the School’s adopted anthem, Chess.
After such a euphoric moment, the year however was still not concluded, with the return of the Elva Allen Concert still to come. Similarly to Hamer Hall, this night had not been held in a number of years, nevertheless, the students put on a splendid evening of varied music from Shostakovich to Jacob, leaving the audience with their appetite for music certainly satisfied.
2022 was a fantastic year of music for teachers and students alike, bringing together a community seemingly separated in a wonderful amalgamation of performance. Speaking on behalf of the departing cohort of 2022, it has been a privilege to grow up through the Music School; developing and flourishing as musicians under the wisdom and experience of our knowledgeable teachers. I wish all the best for those in the years to come.
Freddy Branson Captain of Music
Senior School Orchestra
The Senior School Orchestra was enthusiastic about their longawaited return to the stage following a two-year hiatus. Right out of the gates, the year started off with beautiful renditions at the Chamber Concert with Khachaturian’s Adagio from Spartacus and Strauss’ Thunder and Lightning Polka. However, it was the Biennial Concert at Hamer Hall that the students most looked forward to. Under time-limited conditions, the Senior Orchestra performed Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers and accompanied the School in singing I Vow to Thee My Country and Never Tear Us Apart.
It has been a wonderful year in Orchestra and an overall enjoyable experience having the opportunity to play and perform with friends once again.
Mathieu Ly
Year 12
Senior School Stage Band
This year was an extremely exciting time for the Senior School Stage Band, with two major performances, Jazz Night and, of course, the Biennial Concert at Hamer Hall. Mr Johnston’s tireless energy in both leading the ensemble and composing four original pieces helped Stage Band reach the great technical and musical heights that we achieved this year. In addition, his arrangement of Beyond the Sea for the Biennial Concert was met with much fanfare as the Stage Band accompanied the School’s mass singing.
For the Year 12s in Stage Band, the last two or three years have been a really amazing experience. Stage Band is always a breath of fresh air when compared to the other ensembles, the music being completely different, and allowing you to express yourself in other ways. I have had an exciting time playing and honing my craft in Stage Band for three years now, making me a much better musician, while having great fun along the way.
Charles Lewis
Year 12
CGS Chorale
Chorale in 2022 was the first year back since 2019 when Covid-19 had not disrupted the flow of rehearsals and put a mask over the voices of our group. However, the resilience shown by the students was truly inspiring. Performing Lux Aurumque and Good Night Dear Heart, Chorale’s one and only showcase in 2022 came in Hamer Hall. However, the sound reverberating off every surface of Hamer Hall was simply brilliant, especially after four years of time away from a venue like it. Of course, none of this could have been possible without Mr Kerr and Mr Roberts who worked tirelessly to perfect these songs and provide support with the music. It’s been a lovely six years in Chorale for me and I just want to express my thanks also to the students in this choir. Without the old and current ‘Kerralers’ my experience could not have been as pleasurable as it was. I wish all the best for future year’s Chorale groups and cannot wait to be in the audience next time listening to the mastery of harmony and melody in the form of singing.
Andrew Nguyen
Year 12
Senior School Choir
It has been amazing being a part of this choir since 2017. It has always been such a strong group of singers, even in Middle School (sometimes), and I’m so lucky to have this experience. Throughout the years, the times I enjoyed the most weren’t necessarily the performances, although they were always amazing, but rather the rehearsals, the community, and of course the iconic tie-throwing. This year was certainly a blast and one I’ll always cherish. Finally being able to perform again in front of a live crowd after so many years at home, singing with my friends to pieces both familiar and not, and just overall being able to lead such a talented group will certainly be a large highlight of my school experience, and a memory I’ll never forget. I wish I could stay part of this group for longer but at the same time I’m happy ending on such an amazing performance; one final high note before becoming an ‘adult’ with ‘responsibilities’.
Andrew Bishop
Year 12
Senior School Concert Band
2022 has been a rewarding year for the Senior School Concert Band. After two years of Covid-19 disruption, it was a relief for students to be able to enjoy a full year of music. Taking advantage of their regained freedom, the Senior School Concert Band has grasped opportunities to perform, including at the Chamber Concert and the Biennial Concert at Hammer Hall, where they performed Percy Grainger’s I’m Seventeen Come Sunday. The band also represented the School at the Victorian Schools Music Festival. It was the first time a concert band from Camberwell Grammar had attended the festival. The Band performed in the Advanced Concert Band section and were awarded a gold shield for their performance. The Ensemble, along with the Senior School Symphonic Winds, has also been given the honour of accompanying Camberwell Grammar’s Cadet Unit in their March out Parade on Open Day. A fitting way to wrap up a wonderful year of music.
A huge thank you to Mr Day for conducting the Band throughout the year.
Charles Campbell-Cowan
Year 11
Highton Strings
Highton Strings went above and beyond in their disciplined commitment to various music items this year. It was only under the spirited tutelage of Ms Grosman and Ms Atkinson that our ensemble was able to further individual technical skills and musicianship, as well as place a particular focus on communication. The year commenced with eager anticipation for the Richard Gill Memorial Festival of Strings, in which the ensemble released the unbridled excitement of Piazzolla’s La Muerte Del Angel, followed by a particularly special combined schools’ performance of Beethoven’s famous 5th Symphony. Our ensemble’s presence in the School and in the Music Department certainly expanded, adopting new grounds with a special Mr Johnston arrangement of Tenderly at the Jazz Night. Undoubtedly, it was the technically challenging Suite for Strings by Rutter that brought both the students’ and teachers’ determination to the surface, with a performance at the Biennial Concert marking the final spectacle for the Year 12s.
I speak on behalf of all the Year 12 leavers who have persisted and developed with this ensemble when I say that the experience has been astounding. Even with the stress of balancing numerous commitments, the opportunity to perform at such a high standard will not be one of our regrets. We look forward to seeing what Highton Strings will achieve in the future.
Eugene Goh
Year 12
Senior School Symphonic Winds
With 2022 being the Senior School Symphonic Winds’ first lockdown-free year since our inception, it has also been the first that we have had the chance to perform together as a band! Some highlights throughout the year included our first-ever gig at the Chamber Concert in May, performing Black Panther at the Biennial Concert at Hamer Hall, and participating in the Cadet Parade on Open Day. We were also lucky enough to partake in the Victorian Schools Music Festival, where we were able to workshop our pieces with Mr Ken Waterworth, a well-renowned conductor and music educator. The whole band grew immensely as we learnt to come together to play as one after the long years in the pandemic. On behalf of the band, we would like to deeply thank all our band tutors, particularly conductors Ms Stephanie Dixon and Mr Alexander Hurst for their tireless effort throughout the year in planning, leading, and developing all our skills in the band.
Raphael Champion and Ethan Huang Year 10
CGS Big Band
After two years of painful lockdowns and online classes, the CGS Big Band was back and better than ever before. We commenced the year with the amazing and first-ever Jazz Night, in May. The CGS Big Band opened the night with performances of Time to Testify, Tuxedo Junction, and with the help from the great voice of Liam McCarthy, Georgia on My Mind. We continued to rehearse for our last performance on Open Day, where we played the best pieces from Jazz Night plus the fast and exciting piece Shazam. All in all, the CGS Big Band has continued to rise to new levels this year.
Lachlan McFarland
Year 11
Drumline
This year, the Camberwell Grammar Drumline has played through a number of fantastic events to show off their brilliant coordination, teamwork, and skills. Sticks were tossed, basses were slammed, and cymbals were crashed as the Drumline tirelessly perfected their craft of percussion. From displaying their unrivaled and awe-inspiring prowess at Hamer Hall, to shocking the local community at Open Day, the lineup of 11 students embarked upon a musical (and quite loud) experience that is like none other. Their unique ability to completely mesmerize the audience and really create an experience that is far from any genre they may have heard before is what makes the Drumline so memorable and a delight to watch.
At the end of Term 3, the Camberwell Grammar Drumline entered the Australian Drumline Competition for the first time. We recorded a video submission on a wet, rainy day running in and out of hail. Despite this challenge, the students did incredibly well and achieved the following results:
• Winners of B Grade • Would have come 3rd in A Grade with their final score • Received a highly commended award for: Best Cymbal
Section, Best Bass Drum Section and Best Quad section across the whole competition. This is a massive achievement and a wonderful result for a very inexperienced line in their first competition.
Ryan Le Year 12
