Grammar Gazette - Issue 1, 2024

FROM THE STUDENTS Curriculum Music and beyond

It takes two JOYS OF CONTEMPOR A RY MUSIC Imogen Dingle (10W) and Lizzy Harman (10L) Imogen and Lizzy study Music as part of their curriculum. They regularly perform as an acoustic duo as part of the contemporary music opportunities offered at Girls Grammar. When people think of what music is at Grammar, it might conjure images of violinists performing in an orchestra, a choir of singers or a drummer playing in a big band, but there are an array of additional opportunities for musical expression that operate alongside the School’s Band, String and Choral programs. As a duo at busking, a soloist at Open Mic, or as a band as part of the Year 9 Music Aspire Project, these self-directed contemporary music performances empower students to perform repertoire we care about, work collaboratively with others, and grow in confidence. The ability to express ourselves through music, for others to enjoy and connect with, is a feeling like no other.

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The School’s contemporary music offerings provide ample agency and challenge: We are certainly in the driver’s seat with repertoire choice and musical arrangements. We consider personal connection to the piece, opportunities for musical and technical challenges, and importantly, the performance context— where and to whom it will be performed—and what might be the most effective way to arrange the song for our acoustic vocal/ piano duo. Then follows scheduling rehearsals amongst other commitments, during which we spend time memorising the piece and exploring its expressive possibilities to establish a shared interpretation. It is such a fulfilling experience performing a song that you have worked hard at and really made your own. Our connection to music has grown tremendously thanks to the opportunity to perform in safe and supportive spaces. From working with each other for our first Open Mic performance of Adele’s Easy on Me to our latest public performance of If I Ain’t Got You at Valentine’s Day, we have built deep connections through these shared musical experiences. Music is a special thing, and there’s a certain vulnerability about performing. Our mutual trust and willingness to embrace the unknowns of live performance has allowed us, in the moment, to explore the expressive possibilities of each piece, improvise and elaborate on existing ideas, and take musical risks. Obviously, this is not something we did when we began performing together, but as we grew in confidence and really got to know each other as musicians, it has become more and more a part of what we do. Music is powerful. It can express a range of feelings in a way that words simply can’t, and has created a deep bond between us. It is truly special to be able to share something so unique and beautiful with others.

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CAPTIONS 1 IMOGEN AND LIZZY 2 THE DUO PERFORMING TOGETHER 3 STUDENTS PERFORMING AT LUNCHTIME

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BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

GAZETTE • ISSUE 1, 2024 ISSUE 1, 2024