Throughout their time as leaders, our Music Captains have considered new approaches and ideas for the Junior School. It has been a joy to work alongside them and assist them bringing their vision to reality, with some particularly positive outcomes as a result. The lunchtime Jazz group is one such initiative, which has sought to expand the understanding and skills of our most experienced students, particularly in Year 6. This short-term enrichment group has explored improvisation and jazz elements and advanced the experiences of our musicians and broadened their understanding. As well as this, the Music Captains will be running some elective ‘Carey-oke’ sessions for our youngest singers to participate in later in the term. What could be more fun than singing some favourite Disney songs with your friends with a microphone?
Our ensembles are in full swing, rehearsing new repertoire in preparation for major concerts and events. Both of our Bumble Bee choirs performed before an enthusiastic capacity audience in the IWA on 13 August. They sang a selection of works with a particularly Australian flavour, featuring predominantly Australian composers. Beginner groups such as Golden Strings, Beginner Band and Lil’ Strummers will also have some of their first performances this term before the School at assemblies and special first-time concerts.
Bel Canto choir enjoyed participating in and performing in the Biennial Victorian Kodály Junior Choral festival that was hosted at Carey on 30 July. It was a fabulous celebration and sharing of work from a broad spectrum of participating primary school choirs. Over 800 students took part, with a very healthy audience in the evening session. Esteemed choral conductor Mark O’Leary, who is known for his work with Young Voices of Melbourne, Exaudi Youth Choirs and Gondwana voices led an all-in warm up and sing. Congratulations to Mrs Collins for her work with the choir and involvement with this event.
Timothy Barker
Head of Junior School Music, Kew
