1982 BGGS Magazine

ORCHESTRA The School Orchestra this year has been much privileged to be placed under the direction and baton of Mr Wakefield, the new Director of Music. Our aim this year was to present a var iety of music, from Baroque to Classical Pop - what a task!- but somehow we did it. We rehearsed in the auditorium every Monday afternoon. Our rehearsal area was constantly changing from the stage, down to the far end of the auditorium, then up to the floor area close to the stage. Consequently each week we were often hauling chairs, stands , folders, and instruments up, down and around, only to the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of our fussy conductor and to the dtscomfort of our weary limbs. Due to the influx of year 8 musicians the orchestra had a great increase in numbers. The string section was doubled in size and we welcomed all the young, enthusiastic year 8 string players with open arms. The wind section at the beginning of the year was so large that unfortunately some girls had to be turned away. Many of the wind sections consisted of ex- perienced players who were able to support the younger and less experienced. It is certain that we all were thrilled to have a whole two oboe players in the orchestra this year. The orchestra performed at the Recital Evenings in first semester and also played in the third Recital Evening in Aug ust , the Prom Concert in October and at School Day. The orchestra was successful in winning the School Orchestra section of the Music Contest for Secondary Schools held at Aspley State High School on August 2nd. All the members of the orchestra have worked particularly hard this year under Mr Wakefield who, dedicated and un- tiring, disciplined us to become a successful musical group in the school. Many thanks from all of us, Mr Wakefield! The departing senior members would like to take this op- portunity to wish the school orchestra continued success in 1983. Diana Loy, Orchestra Senior.

SHOW CHOIR When handed a microphone, surrounded by wires, with only eleven others in the same predicament, one does tend to become a little weak at the knees. However we found indeed that the microphones did not bite back although their cords did, especially when dancing in high heels (only the girls in high heels, that is). For eight of the twelve members, part of the experience was already present, as we had performed once, late last year. Early this year, auditions were held to fill the limited vacancies and bring the number to its full, 6 male, 6 female voices. The Show Choir managed to appear in the first School Recital Evening in May with quite some reac- tion , as with the Recital Evening in August. The Prom Concerts of both Grammar schools also featured what is thought to be a unique school music group. Being such a small group meant that friendship was a key element in our successes (or failures!). Our musical direction is due to our own Mr Rod Wakefield, with choreography created by Miss Debbie Keeley. Thanks must be extended to these two, from the hearts of we twelve, for the time, effort, love and devotion that went into "the making of the Gram- mar Show Choir". GRAMMAR SINGERS 1982 Despite greatly reduced numbers, we got off to a good start this year, with our new accompanist, Miss Jones. Miss Jones is replacing Mr Denning, who had been accompanist for many years, but has now left the school (B.G.S.) for higher things (at Terrace, the traitor!) In April we presented a major work- Purcell's "Te Deum Laudamus", as well as other pieces, in a concert in conjunction with the Brandenburg Orchestra. Because of our members (or lack thereof!) we have been working more closely with the 'Old Grammar Singers', and are finding this both enjoyable and worthwhile. We are looking forward to our annual Christmas service of Lessons and Carols in StJohn's Cathedral, and the usual circuit of other Christmas services which we provide, or participate in, will provide the conclusion of an enjoyable year. FLUTE CHOIR An enthusiasti c group of yo ung flute players meets each Wednesday morning under the capable and very patient guidance of Miss Hudson, to enjoy making music together. The flute choir is made up of girls from years eight to ten and the standard of the group has steadily improved during the year. We made a successful appearance at the Music Department's recital evening later this year. 30