Grammar Gazette - Issue 2, 2023

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For Cara, who has been playing piano since the age of four, music and BGGS have gone hand in hand. Cara was involved in numerous ensembles at School, from playing percussion in Symphonic Winds to violin in the Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and String Quartet, along with piano for Corelli Strings, and additional private violin and group percussion lessons. ‘You could say Level One of the Creative Learning Centre (CLC) was my second home,’ Cara said. ‘This nurturing environment provided regular performance opportunities, whether it was recordings, concerts or competitions, and helped me become the performer I am today. I’m so grateful to the amazing teachers I had during these formative years.’ In her final year at BGGS, Cara was fortunate to be given the opportunity to perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue alongside the late Max Olding OAM at the School’s Gala Concert. Due to this connection, Cara was able to study piano with Max for five years at The University of Queensland. ‘Not only was he a fantastic pianist, but he was also a beautiful person and teacher who encouraged me relentlessly. His teaching has shaped me immensely as a player and I’m grateful to have had that precious time learning from him.’

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Cara’s BGGS teachers were also instrumental in prompting her to make connections, in particular Andrea Messenger OAM . Cara first began her accompanying journey by playing for a string ensemble at School, and years later, through a suggestion of hers, successfully auditioned for the Australian Youth Orchestra. Since then, Cara has performed and toured China with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and regularly plays with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

But amidst her overseas touring, something continued to pull Cara back to her roots at BGGS, where she now tutors piano to 14 students weekly. ‘When the opportunity arose to join the Instrumental Music Department that inspired me as a student, I jumped at the chance. I couldn’t wait to return to mentor the next generation of pianists. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching piano is watching your students progress and grow as musicians. From their first tentative notes to mastering complex pieces, it is a privilege to be part of their musical journey.’

CAPTIONS 1 ASH MCGREGOR (2016) 2 ASH IN THE TRIPLE J STUDIOS 3 ASH INTERVIEWING AUSTRALIAN ELECTRONIC MUSIC PRODUCER, LUUDE 4 CARA PERFORMING WITH THE QUEENSLAND SYMPONY ORCHESTRA 5 CARA TRAN (2010) 6 CARA PERFORMING WITH THE QUEENSLAND SYMPONY ORCHESTRA

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BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

GAZETTE • ISSUE 2, 2023 ISSUE 2, 2023