A musical celebration

Sally Davis, Head of Performing Arts

The Centenary Concert was a very special evening celebrating our school’s centenary through music, with performances and reflections shared with our Carey community.

The concert showcased groups from Junior School Kew, Junior School Donvale, Middle and Senior School Choirs, Big Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber and Junior Strings and Wind Symphony. We also heard from Jason Digby, the longest-serving member in the department, who presented a poetic reflection, accompanied by Vivien Lee at the piano. Jason spoke of the community established through involvement in the program, a fitting representation of his many years at the school. Year 12 student Yana also offered a reflection on her growth through the program, starting from her first lessons as a Year 2 student at Junior School Donvale. Perhaps the highlight of the night though was the Finale, presented by the Wind Symphony with combined Middle and Senior School choirs. Commissioned especially for the concert and composed by Melbourne-based composer Edward Fairlie, the piece was a rhapsody based on the Carey School Song. Reaching its peak with a full four- part choral offering of the School Song, the piece was delivered with majesty and pride, and was a fitting end to a fantastic concert.

I would like to sincerely thank all the students involved for their engagement and enthusiasm in presenting this concert. Their focus and patience at the rehearsals is to be commended, and there was no doubt that they were relishing the opportunity to perform in such a wonderful venue. To the Performing Arts staff – thank you for your commitment to providing these students with authentic and memorable experiences. Your work is greatly appreciated. We must also acknowledge the Centenary Sponsors, including the Centenary Partners, ANZ, Moores and Bob Stewart, and Community Sponsor of the Centenary Concert, Fine Music, for their support for the event. And to our Carey community – alumni, family, friends –thank you for your ongoing support of and enthusiasm for music at Carey.