The Centenary Concert and some incredible VSMF performances

Third term sees the department embark on performances for the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF). Over six weeks of VSMF, 333 Ensembles perform from 125 schools with an incredible 11,500 students gracing the stage.

This festival is a highlight of the year for the groups from Carey that participate, with repertoire carefully selected to create balanced programs that truly reflect the capabilities of the students. Each performance is assessed by two adjudicators, with the Chief Adjudicator moving to the stage to work on enhancing student skill. We are very proud of the efforts of each of our ensembles, with the following being awarded:

Symphony Orchestra: Gold
Ellington Jazz Band: Gold
Stage Band: Platinum
Big Band: Gold
Bel Canto Choir (JSK): Gold
Year 7 Wind Band: Platinum
Concert Band: Gold
Symphonic Band: Platinum
Wind Symphony: Platinum

My thanks goes to all of the ensemble directors and assistants who work tirelessly with these groups in rehearsals, at camps and in sectionals. The outcomes for the students are very rewarding.

The Centenary Concert

The Centenary Concert was such a special evening celebrating our school’s centenary through music, with performances and reflections shared with our Carey community. The concert showcased groups from Junior School Kew, Junior School Donvale, Middle and Senior School – Choirs, Big Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber and Junior Strings and Wind Symphony. We also heard from Jason Digby, the longest serving member in the department, who presented a poetic reflection, accompanied by Vivien Lee at the piano. Jason spoke of the community established through involvement in the program, a fitting representation of his many years at the school. Year 12 student Yana also offered a reflection on her growth through the program, starting from her first lessons as a Year 2 student at Junior School Donvale. Perhaps the highlight of the night though was the Finale, presented by the Wind Symphony with combined Middle and Senior School choirs. Commissioned especially for the concert and composed by Melbourne-based composer Edward Fairlie, the piece was a Rhapsody based on the Carey School Song. Reaching its peak with a full four-part choral offering of the School Song, the piece was delivered with majesty and pride, and was a fitting end to a fantastic concert.

I would like to sincerely thank all the students involved for their engagement and enthusiasm in presenting this concert. Their focus and patience at the rehearsals is to be commended, and there was no doubt that they were relishing the opportunity to perform in such a wonderful venue. To the Performing Arts staff – thank you for your commitment to providing these students with authentic and memorable experiences. Your work is greatly appreciated. We must also acknowledge the Centenary Sponsors, including the Centenary Partners, ANZ, Moores and Bob Stewart, and Community Sponsor of the Centenary Concert, Fine Music for their support for the event. And to our Carey community ­– alumni, family, friends – thank you for your ongoing support of and enthusiasm support for music at Carey.

As ever, it does not stop yet. Next term we will hold the ever popular Jazz in the Quad, Twilight Concert and Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral – see you all there!

Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts