Music

Expanding opportunities for Music Excellence

At the start of 2021 a decision was made to expand our Band and Strings Program to be part of the NESA mandated music hours for Years 4 to 7. Consequently, all students in Years 4-6 have Band/Strings once a week and Year 7 once a cycle.

The improvements in technique and ensemble playing are already very evident. Many students have also elected to have Accomplishment lessons on their instrument in addition to what they receive as part of the program. Small group tutorials and large ensemble playing are the two cornerstones of the program. It is great to see the obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm amongst the students.

Year 7 are divided into the more advanced “Concert Band” for more experienced players and the “Training Band” for those newer to their instrument. Throughout the year there is a steady progression of girls moving from the Training to Concert Band. The strings operate parallel to this. Having two violin tutors and one cello tutor means the program can easily be differentiated. The Year 7 Strings are currently joining the Concert Band for an arrangement of Pirates of the Caribbean.

An important part of the program is the opportunity to perform publicly. The Year 7 Band and Strings prepared an assembly performance for Term 3. The Year 6 Band provided music for the “Turning of the Soil” ceremony in Term 1. The Year 5 and 6 Band and Strings presented musical items for the Stage 3 assembly in Term 2 and the Bands performed for the Mothers’ Day Morning Tea in May. All bands and strings also featured in the Fathers’ Day celebrations.

A highlight of Term 2 was a visit by the NSW Police Band for a fun morning of music. The day started with the Year 6 Band participating in a workshop with our visitors. Years 3 to 7 then came to the MTC for a fantastic and energetic concert. The band conductor Mr Anthony Brahe led the band through a variety of styles of music and there were some impressive instrument demos. High-energy was the vibe when the amazing singer moved into a great contemporary repertoire. Songs from The Greatest Showman segued into Can’t Stop the Feeling.

Moving forward, it is exciting to have Mr Jeffrey Fisher as our newly appointed Band Conductor and Program Coordinator. Mr Fisher completed his training at Sydney Conservatorium and holds a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Music Education degree. His motivation is to see students’ musical interest and talent nurtured and developed and to see them reach their full potential. He has over 20 years experience conducting bands and orchestras, as well as tutoring woodwind instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe and Bassoon). Already a noticeable attention to detail is evident in the children’s playing.

It has been wonderful to see a post COVID return to performances. Night of Song and Sacred Heart Day took place this year more or less as normal. Our choirs and orchestra were involved and gave great joy to those present.

The focus of the department, as always, remains the pursuit of excellence, but not at the expense of enjoyment and involvement.

Mark Stubley Head of Music

2022 CHAPEL CONCERT

On a Friday evening in August the Chapel was filled with parents and friends of KRB Music for our beautiful Annual Student Chapel Concert. The Concert included performances from Year 11 and 12 Music students as well as the Senior Choir and Orchestra. This was the 40th Chapel Concert and the first since 2019.