2015 School Magazine

MUSIC FOTINI BOX (12G) — BAND SHIYE SU (12R) — STRINGS JOSEPHINE WILSON (12L) — CHOIR MUSIC CAPTAINS

incredibly hard to perfect and perform challenging repertoire while bonding as ensembles. A similar enthusiasm was evident at Choir Camp, where Chamber Singers and Grammar Singers explored a vast range of pieces and developed their skills as ensembles, allowing them to produce a united and harmonious sound. Term I also saw our inaugural Intermediate Music Camp, where Wind Symphony, Chamber Winds, Albinoni Strings, and Bartok Strings honed their skills and group cohesiveness under the tutelage of staff and several senior girls who volunteered on the day. Term I marked the beginning of many incredible concerts for 2015: our Welcome To New Families Concert, where we gave new Year 7 and 8 families a taste of the endless opportunities given to our Grammar musicians; the Autumn Concert, where our strings and band ensembles showcased all the hard work they had been putting into rehearsals; and the Big Band’s performance at the School’s stunning 140 Year Anniversary Ball. Our viola players also competed in the Edmee Gainsford Competition, which awards the winner a loan of a Gabor Draskoczy viola valued at $15000. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to perform for, and receive feedback, from an experienced external adjudicator, but we must congratulate Elizabeth Simmers (11W), our winner for 2015! The highlight of the term, was the annual Cathedral Concert held in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, featuring senior choirs, Symphonic Winds and Chamber Orchestra. We were also fortunate to have the esteemed group Best of Brass perform for us, providing the girls with valuable insight into professional ensemble techniques and high calibre musicianship. With the beautifully resonant acoustics of the cathedral and enthralling performances, the night was an unforgettable concert. Term II was filled with opportunities for the girls to share their music at external community events and competitions. The newly-formed auditioned ensemble Encore had their first ever performance at the ANZAC Nurses Vigil Service in ANZAC Square, while Chamber Singers were invited to sing at the Centaur Service, which commemorates the sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur . Meanwhile, Chorale, Vivaldi Strings, Wind Symphony and Symphonic Winds competed in the Queensland Youth Music Awards Instrumental Competition, with Chorale, Symphonic

2015 has been a phenomenal year of musical achievements for each and every member of our amazing ensembles. One of the most wonderful things we get to experience as Music Captains is watching the girls around us excel and flourish as musicians in their respective areas — whether that be in orchestra, band or choir. This year, as we eagerly welcomed Grammar’s first cohort of Year 7s, the music department expanded to comprise thirty-two ensembles including two new orchestras, two new bands, and two new choirs. The beginner orchestra, Elgar Strings, and beginner band, Wind Band, were successful initiatives and we were thrilled to see girls make astounding progress from learning to hold their instruments to playing as an ensemble, sensitively and in tune! As the girls’ musical involvement allows them to create strong bonds and enduring friendships, it is heartwarming to reflect back on the year with pride in being part of such a positive and welcoming environment. Our year began on a high note with the annual Music Camp, where Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Vivaldi Strings and Chamber Orchestra all worked

124

Year 12 musicians