Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2017

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Beyond the work of updating the database and determining policy, there are a number of exciting projects underway both internally and beyond that seek to develop collaborative relationships with other educational institutions and commercial galleries. The School is already forging links with local institutions, which are loosely forming a Spring Hill ‘art precinct’ and the value of some of our art work was recognised in the loaning of Talking Cure by Anne Wallace, to the National Gallery of Victoria in 2015 where it featured prominently in the exhibition Lurid Beauty, Australian Surrealism and its Echoes . Many of our former students have become prominent artists and we are proud to display and promote their work. During our 140th anniversary year (2015), we welcomed Grammar women, Dr Susan Blyth (1970),

Jan Jorgensen (Geoldner, 1960), Susan Rado (van Kempen, 1978) and Kylie Elkington (1983) — each practising and celebrated artists — as panellists at the Grammar Women in Art event to acknowledge and share with our community the rich meaning and legacy of their creative work. As part of the School’s curatorial direction and scholarship programmes, we intend to maintain and extend our connections with Grammar Women artists. As our students walk into a future where understanding, appreciation and imagination will be invaluable resources in all aspects of their lives, the arts are crucial to developing these attributes. This is the time then to draw the School’s Art Collection to the forefront in our intent to nurture a culture of deep and ethical learning and of stewardship.

Robyn Stacey, Coral and Ledenmeister Former student, Robyn Stacey (1969) is acknowledged as a photographic artist of significance. Work from this series reflected her interest in the history of early research of flora and fauna.

Jan Jorgensen, Brisbane Girls Grammar School Former student, Jan Jorgensen (1960) is a well-known painter who documents Brisbane surrounds. This painting was commissioned for the 140-year anniversary of the founding of this School.

VOICE TEACHER AWARDED DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC VOICE TEACHER, DR GARY HOLLEY (PICTURED) WAS RECENTLY AWARDED HIS DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS FROM GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, QUEENSLAND CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC.

him to provide current and relevant vocal pedagogy for his students. Gary is keen to continue research in this field and in the area of instrumental teaching within the school setting. This is Gary’s ninth year at Girls Grammar and he is enjoying sharing his acquired knowledge, particularly in contemporary voice, with his students. ‘I’m proud of the unique all-inclusive programme that the Instrumental Music faculty provides at Girls Grammar that assists students to reach a higher level of musical excellence,’ Gary said. ‘Being able to see the transformation

His thesis was titled From Classical to Music Theatre: A Vocalist’s Experience and explored the transition from classical singer to musical theatre performer. The research was autoethnographic and drew on his previously acquired knowledge as a classical singer and the relevance and application of this knowledge to music theatre performing. Gary’s study challenged the current trends in voice teaching and provided feedback as to the importance of interdisciplinary voice training in the teaching studio, particularly in music theatre. He was inspired to undertake this study to further develop his own teaching and performing, enabling

happening in my students’ voices highlights the relevance of my study to vocal pedagogy.’

WINTER ISSUE / 2017