Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2016

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WE’RE WITH THE BAND!

AUTHORS Robyn Hamilton and Suren Dias-Jayasinha

WE WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES AS CO- PRESIDENTS OF THE MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP (MSG) FOR 2016. THE MSG IS A PARENT BODY, AND ITS MAIN PURPOSE IS TO ASSIST THE BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL MUSIC STAFF IN THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF MUSIC DEPARTMENT EVENTS, AND TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. As parents of musical daughters — Merinda (2014), Elena (12G) and Arwen (8G), we have been MSG volunteers since 2010. When we were new to the School, we found the MSG a great mechanism for getting to know people, so we attended a few meetings, and put our names on the roster when we could. As time went on we became more involved. For a couple of years we inadvertently attended almost every concert in the School calendar! Merinda played the euphonium, so that ticked off band concerts. Elena played double bass, so that covered strings concerts. Arwen plays percussion, so we remain band concert fixtures. All three girls sing, and Merinda was choral captain in 2014, so we have attended more choral concerts than we can remember. One of the best things about the MSG is that it has enabled us to see — or rather hear — how far the girls progress as each year unfolds. Their standard improves tremendously between Terms I and IV, and it is a pleasure to hear the results of all those rehearsals and lessons. ‘Being part of the Music Support Group has not only been a way to stay connected with our teenagers, but also a useful way to repay that favour of great teaching.’ music staff. We really appreciate their expertise, and couldn’t be happier with the opportunities they have provided our three musical children. Helped immeasurably by the mentoring she received at the School, Merinda decided to pursue music at a tertiary level, and is now in her second year of jazz voice at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. So for us, being part of the MSG has not only been a way to stay connected with our teenagers, but also a useful way to repay that favour of great teaching. Attending so many concerts has also provided an opportunity to get to know the wonderful Girls Grammar

Parent volunteers Robyn Hamilton and Suren Dias-Jayasinha

As a member of the MSG there are plenty of ways to contribute. Rosters are circulated for upcoming concerts, and most people find it easy to offer 30 minutes of their time to staff a refreshments table, or sell tickets. Other tasks include stage crew, and audio and video recording. None of these jobs is too difficult, and we welcome all contributions. Currently, the MSG is raising funds to purchase two tubas and a bassoon to enhance the Music Department’s arsenal of school instruments. The influx of Year 7 has expanded the music programme, and large instruments don’t come cheap, so the proceeds of raffles and door sales are directed towards these considerable purchases. The annual Gala Concert — held this year on Saturday 22 October — is an ‘all hands on deck’ affair for the MSG, as we do our best to assist the music staff to stage a cast-of- thousands production every year. We would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our enthusiastic 2016 MSG Committee and to all the friendly parents who have volunteered during the year. If your daughter plays or sings, we encourage you to join the MSG and come along to a meeting or sign up for the next concert roster. For us, volunteering is its own reward, and if music is not for you, Girls Grammar offers plenty of other opportunities to contribute.

SPRING ISSUE / 2016