Studio Concerts Report

Last Tuesday evening over 90 students took to the stage at Studio Concerts, a celebration of solo music performance and spotlight on the Private Music Tuition Program!

2020 has been a year like no other and has significantly impacted against the performing arts worldwide. However, the Music Faculty have remained professional and flexible in trying to sustain engaging and inspiring learning experiences for the boys despite the current dynamic and fluid educational landscape. Studio Concerts is one of those important learning experiences, as it affords the boys the opportunity to prepare and perform a substantial solo piece in the formal concert setting. Additionally, it is an opportunity for the College Music Tutors and their students to showcase the fruits of their many, many hours of tutelage and work.  

Participation rates increased significantly this year, from about 50 students in 2019 to over 90 in 2020; clearly reflecting the efforts of the Music Faculty in reinforcing the value of solo performance and helping to instill a sense of self-belief in the boys. This year’s special guest artists were David Cousens (musician, actor, director and producer), John Morrison (premier Jazz musician, educator and event coordinator), Paul Goodchild (of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, music director and event organiser) and David Holmes (esteemed guitarist/vocalist, producer, songwriter, session musician).

The event opened with an introductory welcome after which four teams of College Music Tutors hosted concerts for their students in various spaces in the Goold Music Centre. At the conclusion of each concert, the guest artist gave overarching comments about the performances, along with presentation of certificates and written feedback. I have no doubt that those words of wisdom and constructive criticism will serve to enthuse and inspire students well into the future. Congratulations to all student performers for their participation and good spirit.

The success of Studio Concerts was due to the professionalism and efforts of so many staff, including teachers: Joe Montz, Faith Ling and Michael Paton; Music Administrative Assistant, Lynne Papahatzis, and tutors: Gavin Ahearn, Craig Bradfield, Emma Clain, Frances Fordham, Nathan Gliddon, Louis Gordon-Newling, Patrik Jarlestam, Andrew Jones, Belinda Ling, Phillippa Murphy-Haste, Adam Pecar, Ralph Pyl, Chris Raggatt, Jason Smith, Michael Sparks and David Warokka. Due to the high number of students involved, the College engaged Beatrice Kyumgian-Rankin and Bianca Zatz, professional pianist, to assist with piano accompaniment duties.

Well done to all who participated and contributed to Studio Concerts 2020!

Further information about the Private Music Tuition Program is shown below.    

Year 7 Music

It has been impressive to see our Year 7 cohort thrive and develop in Music throughout 2020. Whether is was in the Music classroom, Cocurricular Music Program and in private tuition, this particular group has a wealth of talent. Throughout the auditions for the Year 8 Music Extension 2021 course I was blessed to hear them perform a solo piece of their choice. The presentations were outstanding, and it was extremely difficult to shortlist a class of only 12 students. Congratulations to all who prepared and presented themselves for auditions.

As an initiative to celebrate the efforts and musical abilities of our Year 7 boys, we’ll be inviting them to perform at the weekly Year 7 Assembly. The first student to accept the offer was Max Hart, who gave a masterful performance of Eruption by the late Eddie Van Halen, as a tribute to his distinguished career in music and one of the world’s greatest guitarists. 

Value of instrumental music and Private Music Tuition Program

There are many benefits of playing a musical instrument in human development. Music is an integral part of human life and is a fundamental part of a culture and identity, a creative pursuit which is often performed in a collaborative or ensemble situation. There have been many studies conducted that link music and increased intelligence in students, but this is not the only benefit. In schools, learning an instrument is a discipline in which students simultaneously develop academic capacity, physical ability and social skills.

All students are encouraged to take up learning an instrument. Private tuition in most instruments and voice is available at the College. Further information and the enrolment form are available online at - https://atlas.saintaug.nsw.edu.au/Sport-Co-Curricular/Sport-and-Co-curricular-Forms/music-tuition. If you have any questions regarding the Private Music Tuition Program, please contact Alan Caulfield caulfield.a@saintaug.nsw.edu.au or Lynne Papahatzis lpapahatzis@saintaug.nsw.edu.au.

Alan Caulfield
Faculty Coordinator - Music

Rehearsals

As we approach our performances for the end of the year, we emphasise the importance of being at rehearsals on time.

Term 4 Rehearsal Schedule:

Monday
7:15am Concert Band 2 Alan Caulfield

Tuesday
7:30am Choi Simon Hyland 

Wednesday
7:15am Concert Band 1 Joseph Montz
Lunch Jnr Jazz Joseph Montz

Thursday
7:15am Stage Bands Joseph Montz/Alan Caulfield

Friday
7:30am Jazz Ensemble Joseph Montz
Lunch Guitar Ensembl Joseph Montz

Please note: Drum Line will not have rehearsals this term because we cannot find a time for all members to attend.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Joseph Montz or the conductor of your child’s ensemble.

Performing Arts BBQ Lunch

Booked for 3 November 2020 (Week 4), this is our opportunity to recognise the work put in by all of our talented performing arts students.

Christmas Carol Concert

We are excited to announce that we have been given the Green Light to start preparations for our only public concert for the year. This festival of carols will involve all boys in co-curricular music and will feature all the family favourites. 

Where: College Oval (yes, bring a picnic blanket!)
When: Monday, 30 November 2020 @ 5PM

More details to come.