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n emphasis on music and technology in 2004 and 2005 has seen many changes to the classroom curriculum. Students from Year 8 to 12 have benefited from the motivation and immediate aural feedback made possible by the use of computer software for composition and Dr Robert Braham aural/theoretical activities. Director of Music The current Year 12 work has epitomized the new emphasis on composition. Eugene Marshall has been the first student to submit a composition portfolio as part of his TEE Music subject. One of his compositions, ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’, a setting of the Robert Frost poem, was performed and recorded by the Trinity/PLC Chorale. This is an excellent example of integrating classroom work with a performing ensemble. The Year 12 cohort has led from the front in both the academic and performance programs. Congratulations must in particular be extended to Justin Leong for gaining his A.Mus.A in violin, to Andrew Hislop for achieving an A+ in his 6th grade clarinet exam. For the Trinity/PLC Chorale, a major highlight of the year was backing music theatre diva Marina Prior in a concert of musical highlights at the Perth Concert Hall. It was also a privilege to be invited to perform at the Dean’s Choice Concert at Saint Georges Cathedral. After a renewed emphasis on classroom curriculum in 2004, the College embarked on new instrumental initiatives in 2005. Minor changes to the concert band format have taken the form of name changes and slight changes to membership criteria. The Middle School Band is now the Wind Ensemble and can include a membership upwards from Year 8. This has allowed a specifically Junior School Band to exist in its own right. The Senior Concert Band has been named the Wind Orchestra and has been rehearsing at Mercedes College for this year.
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The biggest initiative has been the establishment of the strings program in Year 4. The learning of either violin or cello as a compulsory instrument was enthusiastically received by boys and parents alike. The progress of both violin and cello groups has been excellent with several accomplished and entertaining performances occurring during the year. This program will build the College’s string program over the ensuing years.
Catholic Schools’ Performing Arts Festival 2005 was a tremendously exciting year for Trinity in the CSPAF. The high caliber of the Year 12 students made for some exciting solo, duet and group performances. Justin Leong’s performance of Kriesler’s Caprice Viennois was stunningly beautiful and enabled him to be awarded the solo instrumental prize for the second year running. Eugene Marshall, ably accompanied by Perry Joyce performed an exciting Shostakovich Piano Concerto to be awarded the piano solo section. Eugene also featured in the Secondary Choral section with the performance of his setting of the Robert Frost Poem, ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’. The Chorale and Vocal Ensemble were successful in both the liturgical and sacred music sections of the festival singing transcriptions of works by the vocal groups Chanticleer and The Idea of North. The big improvers of the year were the Wind Orchestra (formerly the Senior Concert Band) who produced near flawless performances of works by Swearingen and Holst. The work done by Mr Warwick Potter with this ensemble has produced a finely balanced band playing challenging works. This is the first time since 1998 that the Wind Orchestra has been awarded this section of the festival. Congratulations to all participating students for their fine performances and for being awarded the Zenith Award for most outstanding school in consecutive years. Dr Robert Braham Director of Music
Members of the Trinity Chorale and Aquinas Vocal Ensemble with Dr Adam Adler, in workshop.
