Performances and workshops are essential for musician growth

Generations in Jazz at the start of Term 2 was a great success for all of the students involved. What a pleasure it was to travel to Mt Gambier with the 38 musicians from Carey, and to hear them perform so well.

We were delighted that our Stage Band earned a second place and our Big Band a third place. It was also an added delight that Year 12 trombonist and Music Captain Giorgia was selected for the Division 2 Super Band. This meant a rehearsal for her with the other selected students and a performance on the Sunday morning. The venue is huge, and the entertainment provided makes for an electric atmosphere. Congratulations to Roger Schmidli and James Bradley for their work with the groups in preparation for this event.

The Autumn Music Camp proved to be another successful weekend with the string groups and Concert Band making huge leaps in their standard. The weekend provides an opportunity for the students to work with specialists on section parts, before joining back together for full rehearsals. This time away with the students to really focus for extended periods is so worthwhile for their growth as musicians and ensemble members. The time given by the instrumental staff and ensemble directors over the weekend is greatly appreciated.

It is always great to have the whole school represented at events, with the Junior School students being provided with the opportunity to see what their pathways are through the ensembles. This was evident at both the Whole School Choral Concert and the Winter String Concert. From the youngest of our musicians through to our Year 12s, both events brought such joy to the audiences. The finale of the Choral Concert, which saw 280 singers on stage, was a beautiful piece by Paul Jarman that spoke of reconciliation, the mixture of voices bringing such a wonderful finish to the concert. Likewise, the rousing arrangement of ‘Thriller’ that ended the Winter String Concert was very well received by the audience, the applause heartfelt in acknowledging so many students on stage at one time.

Our young musicians at Carey continue to make great progress and we are looking forward to the Big Band and Wind Symphony representing the program at the upcoming ANBOC (Australian National Band and Orchestra Clinic) in July. This will see them perform for music educators from all around Australia and International guests, and we know that they will do us proud.

Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts