3 minute read
Music
Ian Munns Head of Department (Music)
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Above. Big Band, Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival Right: Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is considered by many as one of the most influential creators of musical theatre. One of his most well-known and loved musicals is ‘Into The Woods'. Famously, Cinderella states at one point in the show, ‘Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor’. What Sondheim means by this is; one must take opportunities when they are presented so as not to miss out on what can be most rewarding.
It has been our aim once again in 2022 to provide as many opportunities for our students to experience music as performers, creators and appreciators. After what was a reasonably disrupted 2021, we were so fortunate to be able to get our music program up and running almost fully again this year.
The biggest highlight of 2022 was undoubtably the Year 10 musical ‘Into The Woods’. The show was a challenge from start to finish; musically, being interrupted by COVID and having to be postponed, and the general demands of a full-scale Broadway show, but our Year 10s rose to the occasion and presented a most amazing season of shows. To watch our students transform into consummate performers and work as such a coherent ensemble was truly a privilege. So it was also in working with a wonderful team of creative and expert colleagues. All these elements combined to produce a near professional level performance and congratulations should go to all involved.
Our Twilight Concerts provided the opportunity for many of our students to prepare and perform for their peers, parents and friends. These concerts are important in our school’s life, as they give students the chance to work towards a performance and present their ever-developing musicality to an appreciative and encouraging audience. To have primary and high school students performing alongside each other as soloists or small ensemble members is important to the growth of both the individual performer and our music program.
Our co-curricular program has been able to continue and grow this year and we have had the opportunity to hear performances by some of our ensembles in assemblies. In Term 4 we were able to put on our first Jazz Café in a number of years, ably supported by our Music Support Committee. This gave our community the opportunity to come together and hear performances by our Concert Band, Big Band and Jazz Combo (among others) and to raise some funds for the Music Department.
We also had the opportunity to come together at our Carols Service for the first time in a number of years. This is an event which celebrates a significant time in the year and provided an opportunity for musical contributions from Sinfonia, Chamber Choir and our combined Year Level Choirs. As well as our Autumn Harvest, Mid-Winter and Spring Festivals, this event allows us to come together as a school community and celebrate through music.
Thank you to all those who contributed this year to our Music program and to all those students who ensured they took the opportunities presented.
Above and below: Jazz Festival
