Bebop saxophonist Charlie Parker once said, ‘Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn.’ In saying this, he was not just talking about bringing the vividness of jazz alive, but of framing music as an essential part our lives and our experiences.
Music underpins our daily activity: the radio in the car, Spotify, Apple Music, concerts, even the elevator. Often it exists in our subconscious as we do the weekly shop, or it is the anticipation we feel waiting for our favourite band to take the stage. Whether we choose to do it actively or not, we are always listening to music.
As we finish Term 1, it is great to reflect on the music the students have engaged with this term and the experiences they have gained. There have been moments where they have provided the background music – the ‘subconscious’ if you like. The Chamber Strings added further sophistication to the Centenary Book Launch and our piano students accompanied the Devonshire Teas at the Fair. Official music was provided for Centenary assemblies and the Commencement, and the Big Band brought energy to the Harmony Day activities in the Quad. A highlight of the term was the Senior Ensembles Concert which showcased the impressive work our senior groups have achieved in a very short time frame.
Most of the above offerings are achieved as a collaboration. The ensemble program that underpins the Music program at Carey allows students to build community, create friendships, and share a common goal of excellent outcomes. The experiences and memories gained through these groups are lifelong. But there were also the individual offerings at the Recital evenings where students have the opportunity to perform as soloists – from as young as six years old right through to our seniors. This is where the students are really exposed, where they really do have the opportunity to tell their own story through their music. This is where we see them at their most vulnerable, but with the support of instrumental teachers, accompanists and our community, they always present with confidence, delighting us with their achievements whether a beginner peice or and advanced work.
As we all move into a much-anticipated holiday break, I encourage our whole Carey community to reflect on what music means in your lives. When do you listen to it? Why do you listen to it? And even more importantly, what would life be without it?
Happy holidays!
Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts
Acting Learning Area Co-ordinator – Music
