Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2012

in New beginnings

Year 8 choir

Emma Bryson (8L) and Lucinda Conwell (8L)

The first four weeks of each year are a period of intense activity as the new cohort of eager young musicians embarks on an exciting phase of their musical journey. For some it is the fulfilment of a dream while for others it is unknown territory waiting to be explored. Although some students have experienced excellent music programmes in primary school, many have had limited opportunities to discover the thrill of performance and the impact that music has on their academic progress and their developing personalities. Underpinned by the compelling research that supports the School’s substantial support for music education, staff do everything possible to ensure both the experienced musician and the curious explorer, who may be engaged in music for the first time, find themselves in an environment that is enticing, welcoming and encouraging. On the second day of the Term I, all Year 8 students sang together as they learnt the School Song and Hymn, and over seventy attended the first choir rehearsal the following morning. Auditions for ensemble positions quickly followed and rehearsals were soon in full swing preparing for the Autumn Concert. By Week 4, just as the routine began to settle, it was time to connect with the families of our new musicians, providing them with a sample performance and begin building the positive relationships between School and home that are so essential for music programmes to flourish. At the Welcome Concert, the Chamber Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, and Chamber Singers provided a snapshot of what is possible in the years ahead, and the

inner workings of the programme were explained. The combined choir provided the first performance experience for many new choristers and the night reached a climax with the audience, choirs and staff singing together and personally experiencing the amazing talents of the School’s choral and voice music teacher, Mr Paul Holley (pictured above). All who attended this inspirational occasion left with a clear understanding that music at Girls Grammar is about being inspired to achieve excellence, while enjoying the journey that leads to the development of fine citizens of the future. In a few short years, the students who were welcomed at this concert will be performing for another intake of Year 8 girls as they begin to shoulder the responsibilities of upholding the fine traditions of the Brisbane Girls Grammar music department. Mr Mark Sullivan Director of Instrumental Music

21 Grammar Gazette Autumn 2012