Music as a way to honour our history

Music has a unique ability to connect us to both history and emotion, a quality that was strongly felt during the Junior, Middle and Senior School Anzac Day assemblies last week. The choice of repertoire underscored the significance of Anzac Day, reminding us that remembrance is not only about reflecting on the past, but also about how we choose to honour the values of courage, mateship and service in the present. A sincere thank you to Noah, Mackenzie and Spencer for their beautifully delivered performances of ‘The Last Post’ at the various assemblies. Our choirs and vocal septet presented ‘In Flanders Fields’, a poignant musical setting of the renowned wartime poem that gives voice to fallen soldiers and invites thoughtful reflection. At the Senior School Assembly, the Wind Symphony contributed further depth and reverence to the occasion.

Earlier in the same week, St Paul’s Cathedral provided a magnificent setting for our Brass Ensemble, Middle and Senior School Chamber Choirs, and Year 12 soloist, Kate, at the Commencement Service. It is always a joy to hear our musicians in this remarkable space, where the cathedral’s acoustics enhance their already beautiful sound and help create a truly uplifting atmosphere. It is particularly impressive that our ensembles performed with such skill on the first day of Term 2. A sincere thank you to Daniel Neal, Alicia Bendall and Morgan Phillips for their leadership and for preparing music so thoughtfully suited to the significance of the event.

There is much to look forward to this term. Our Big Band, Stage Band and Vocal Septet depart for Mount Gambier on Friday for a huge weekend of music-making. Two weeks later, Hibbert Strings and Concert Band will travel to Rutherford Park for the Autumn Music Camp. Immersing students in this specialised environment for two days allows for focussed, intensive work that consistently leads to meaningful and effective musical outcomes. The support of the music staff who attend these trips is greatly appreciated.

There are many more exciting performances to come, and we look forward to sharing them with our Carey community.

Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts