Music

As we returned to school, our musicians turned their focus to preparing for the Mission Action Day Concert. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, rehearsal time was cut down to four weeks, however, our students rose to the occasion and performed exceptionally. Live music was sorely missed in 2020 and it was emotionally uplifting to hear our young men prepare and play together once more. A special mention must go to Douglas Moffatt (Year 11), who performed his own original piano composition with great maturity and musical insight.

Term 1 also included excursions to the CBD to experience some of Melbourne’s cultural nightlife. VCE musicians attended a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concert featuring Australia’s premier funk band – The Bamboos. This performance also featured Mazenod’s very own Mr. Christopher Lee, Year 8 Coordinator and Music teacher, who had been head-hunted by the MSO to play Trombone. Our Senior music and drama students were also given the opportunity to attend the professional production of “Wedding Singer – The Musical”, held in the Melbourne theatre district. For many, this was the first time attending a professional musical. Both excursions were thoroughly inspiring and enjoyed.

Term 2 began with our annual Mazenod/Avila orchestra workshop, held in the Provence Centre. This was a great educational and social event, with students rehearsing in a combined orchestra of over 200 musicians. After rehearsal concluded, students enjoyed a friendly pizza dinner together. Term 2 also saw our musicians performing at the Deakin Edge Hall at Federation Square as part of the ACC Art and Technology Exhibition. The Chamber Strings and pianist Samuel Chen played superbly at the opening ceremony, whilst our VCE soloists showcased their recitals throughout the exhibition.

Other highlights of Term 2 included competing at the Victorian All State Jazz Festival (Stage, Swing and Monk Bands) and Victorian Flute Guild Festival, where our Senior Flute ensemble, expertly led by Mr Peter Sheridan, won first place. Our congratulations go to all students who participated in these contests.

Unfortunately, the Term 3 lockdown meant we had to cancel a number of events, however, students still had the opportunity to perform in our online recital series. Our thanks go to all students who took the time to submit performances and undertake interviews.

Finally, we thank our wonderful instrumental music and administration staff. Through a difficult Douglas Leutchford and George Melitsis

Musical This year, of course, we experienced an unfortunate end to the production: the cancellation of We Will Rock You. There was an immense sense of disappointment to be felt as this time we had undertaken months of rehearsals and were only a few weeks out from our performances.

It was a strange feeling. For many, it was the final chance to partake in the great experience of the musical.There was an outpouring of support that came from past and present members of the MATCO community when the cancellation was announced.

Despite feeling like we have lost a major opportunity to do something great, there were plenty of wonderful moments in preparing the show itself. Coming together to make something amazing during uncertain times, working towards a common goal and having fun along the way is ultimately an experience that I would never take back for the world. Being involved in the musical has allowed me to connect with so many people throughout my time at Mazenod, and created friendships and memories that I never want to forget. Working amongst such talent and learning from every single rehearsal, I have managed to find strength and confidence in myself, and even though I will not be a professional singer in the future, these memories are things that are infinite in value and worth every moment to gain.

The musical might not have happened, but the amount of work and dedication put into this project requires so much more gratitude and appreciation than could ever be put onto a page.

Thank you very much to Mr Borberly, Danni, Ash and all the other staff members from Mazenod and Avila for all of the sacrifices you made to help support the show. To all of the students who participated in any capacity, the time and effort we all placed into the show was an amazing feat in and of itself, and I hope that you can also find some positives to take away from this year’s production. Whether it is your first or last year, or any year in between, I encourage anyone to try out for the show, because regardless of what happens, it will always be an experience worth remembering.

As easy as it is to dismiss these as just wasted days of our lives, ultimately the spirit of the show lives on as long as there are people to put it on, and someday soon, MATCO will get to rock on once more, and more so than ever. Mateo Acosta Fernandez (Year 12)