2020 School Magazine

MUSIC FROM THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CAPTAINS

W hile 2020 has been an unprecedented year, the power and spirit of music at BGGS has ensured that despite some challenges the Instrumental Music Program has continued to thrive. While some events could not happen this year due to COVID-19 the School found new and exciting ways for our instrumental students to perform and share the gift of music. Term 1 began with the Senior Music Camp. The Symphonic Winds, Chamber Strings, Mendelssohn Strings, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Singers travelled to Dakabin for a weekend of intense rehearsals, some fun activities and a talent showcase. Choral groups who did not attend the Senior Music Camp (Voices, Vox, Euphonix, and Grammar Singers) attended a series of choral workshops held early in Term 1. These workshops were an opportunity to prepare the groups’ repertoires for the year and perform some massed pieces together. Several of the Choral groups then performed at the Welcome to New Families Concert, where new parents were given a glimpse of BGGS’ various ensembles. The annual Autumn Concerts were also held for the junior and intermediate strings and bands, showcasing their excellent progress after just a few rehearsals. The excitement of concert-style performances continued with the annual Brisbane Grammar School Strings Fest. This event was a wonderful opportunity for our girls to experience playing music at different levels (junior, intermediate and senior) and performing with students from other schools. At the International Women’s Day Concert in March, five beautiful musical pieces, including three original student compositions, were premiered. Lily Lau-Coombs (12O) and Erika Thompson (12W), winners of the BGGS Singer/Songwriter Composition Competition, debuted their song Better Without You , which explored the strength and independence of women. Tiffany Yeo (10E) won the Combined Strings Composition Competition with her original string orchestral piece, titled Tango Grandioso , and winner of the Treble Choir Composition Competition, Abigail Lui (12O) sang her original song Lift Up Your Voice and Sing, to encourage young women to stand up for their beliefs. The Symphonic Winds performed Through Healers Eyes , by Australian composer, pianist and recording artist, Catherine Likhuta, and Melbourne-based composer, Julia Potter’s, Eyes on the Stars , was performed by Combined Strings. In April the pandemic forced the cancellation of the School’s usual musical commemorations for ANZAC Day, but an alternative was quickly coordinated. Year 12 students Annabelle Khoo (12W), Abigail Lui (12O) and Erika Thompson (12W) each recorded separate vocal performances of In Flander’s Fields, which Director of Instrumental Music, Mrs Dron, mixed. With this combined performance and additional videos filmed from home, BGGS was still able to be a part of the 2020 Cathedral Concert and commemorate ANZAC Day. During Term 2, our BGGS musicians competed in several instrumental and vocal competitions, but instead of performing live, video performances were recorded and submitted. These were adjudicated in a virtual format. Congratulations to every girl who competed and to those who took out prizes. The winning performances were released as part of a virtual Artists in Concert. A special congratulations to Abigail Chadirchi (11L), who was named winner of the R.T. and A.E. Jefferies Bursary.

114 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2020