What a wonderful end to the year it has been musically here in Junior School! After so much uncertainty and the very stop/start nature of our academic year, having students back onsite and bringing the campus alive once more with singing and playing has been something that I have really treasured.
Eric Stevens House and Metcalfe Hall have become an absolute hive of activity due to our Junior School 'bubble'. It seems on some days that absolutely every nook and cranny is filled with students and teachers making music, from bassoons to piano, Suzuki violin trios to double bass and anything in between. Many students have taken up the opportunity to share their current learning with Solo Spotlight virtual soiree videos that have been shared with the Carey community. Most of our ensembles have had a quick sprint towards the end of the year, preparing Christmas repertoire to support our Christmas Services and also to share the joy of togetherness and playing once more via our final video presentation showcasing what they have achieved in a few short weeks, with our 'Christmas Crackers' celebration.
I would like to pass on a hearty congratulations to all of our singers and musicians who have so thoroughly embraced the musical life at Carey and have contributed so much throughout this time. A special thank you to our fabulous Music Captains for 2021 who have led so very positively and proactively throughout the year – I would like to wish Audrey Ma, Elizabeth Waterham, Gabby Norman, Austin Locke, Mikko Chan and Cooper Bryce the very best of years in 2022 as they begin their journey in secondary school. A final thank you to our very dedicated, passionate and hardworking instrumental staff members who have continued to remain highly flexible and adaptive in volatile times, maintaining such a positive influence on so many of our Junior School musicians – thank you to you all for your dedication throughout the year.
Finally, thank you to our Carey community who remain committed to sustaining the very heartbeat of our Carey culture: Music. I wish all of you a very merry and restful Christmas and look forward a new year full of wonder and possibility.
Timothy Barker
Head of Junior School Music
