Term 3 is always a most exciting time in the Music Department, with preparation and events show-casing both the contemporary and classical branches of our craft.

Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the Senior Jazz evening on 4 August, which will be held in The Apartment, 401 Little Bourke Street. The venue holds 120 patrons, which means that tickets are precious. The $50 price tag covers the meal, and complimentary admission. Families should look out for booking details via mystcatherines once performers and their families have been accommodated.

Our Senior School Music camp is a most important part of the preparations for the Gala Concert and an excellent way for all students in our ensembles to work across year levels in a very supportive, constructive and enjoyable way. Once again we will head up to Mt Evelyn and Oasis Camp with all of our large ensembles, both instrumental and choral. The event will begin on the afternoon of Friday 11 August (pupil free day) at School and conclude midday on Sunday 13 August. As always, we make provisions for students to complete homework as required. We are again delighted that our students are always so positive about this camp, and do not need to miss classes for the event. Families should have received their invitation to attend the camp via email during the week, with payment options via TryBooking. Please do not hesitate to contact the Performing Arts Administrator, Ms Laura McKenzie with any queries.

Our Choirs and Band performances will be showcased this term on various days that comprise the Victorian Schools’ Music Festival. The Years 7 and 8 Concert Band section will be held on Monday 31 July at the Hawthorn Arts Centre from 10.00am until 12.30pm and the Senior Concert Band will perform on Wednesday 2 August at the Hawthorn Arts Centre from 4.30pm until 7.30pm . The combined Viva Voci and Cantanti Belli Choir will perform at Deakin Edge during the 6.15pm to 9.15pm time period on Monday 14 August and the Sherren Singers will perform on Wednesday 16 August between 10.00am and 1.15pm, also at Deakin Edge. We are delighted that this year our choirs’ performances follow immediately after the Music Camp. This will ensure we have the best opportunity to arrange the music to a high standard, as we present the School to the wider community. We look forward to this most educative and positive festival, particularly given the great success of our String players earlier in the year.

Our Gala Rehearsal Day puts the final polish on our items for the Gala Concert. Please look out for the schedule on the Portal and via email closer to the day. Junior Ensembles will be rehearsed in the morning, to accommodate other curriculum-based activities on that day for senior students. We make every effort to keep rehearsals involving the same students together, although this is not always possible when some girls play multiple instruments. We are delighted that the Gala Concert will be held on a Friday evening this year, (1 September) allowing our students the opportunity for a well-earned rest over the weekend. The earlier start time of 6.30pm may also allow families to enjoy some time together after the concert in one of the many eating establishments our beautiful city has to offer.

I would also like to congratulate all students who performed in both the Years 7 & 8 Concert, and the Concerto Concert held at the end of last term. Both concerts took place in the beautiful Toorak Uniting Church, which provides a most superb acoustic and ambience for our performers. It is always wonderful to see the progression of our students, and the effort required to maximise performance opportunities with high-level concerto experiences is truly wonderful.

Congratulations to Year 7 and 8 soloists Kiarna Jholl (Year x), Emma Turner (Year 7), Emily Dziedzic (Year 8), Madeleine Hooker (Year 7), Georgina Vote (Year 8), Megan Chang (Year 7), Victoria Hill (Year 7, Voice), Angela Yu (Year 7), Sophie Williams (Year 8) and Beibei Zhang (Year 7). Senior students who performed so magnificently were Sophie Hogan (Year 9, Collin-Mezin Violin Scholarship recipient), Hannah Otto (Year 12), Emily Barrington (Year 12, Leader of the Jorgensen Orchestra), Sophie Seng-Hpa (Year 12, Organ Scholar), Isabelle Binsted (Year 11), Sophie Turnbull (Year 10, Praga Violin Scholarship Recipient), Elly Chen (Year 11), Mackenzie Leyden (Year 12), Lucy Glover (Year 12), Jessica Devlin (Year 12), and Rui Shu (Maria) Wu (Year 11). Congratulations again!

Senior students who also performed magnificently were Sophie Hogan (Year 9), Hannah Otto (Year 12), Emily Barrington (Year 12), Sophie Seng-Hpa (Year 12), Isabelle Binsted (Year 11), Sophie Turnbull (Year 10), Elly Chen (Year 11), Mackenzie Leyden (Year 12), Lucy Glover (Year 12), Jessica Devlin (Year 12), and Rui Shu (Maria) Wu (Year 11). Congratulations again!

Congratulations again!

Performing Arts Lessons new billing requirements

In line with the School’s new billing requirements, Performing Arts Lessons have not automatically rolled-over into Semester 2 in 2017. Re-enrolments in individual Performing Arts Lessons (Instrumental Music and Speech & Drama) in Semester 2 will ONLY be accepted by the link below with accompanying payment. These are now overdue. Please ensure that you secure your daughter’s Performing Arts Lesson(s) (Instrumental Music and Speech and Drama)  by completing the required form. Any queries or concerns can be directed to Ms Laura McKenzie, Performing Arts Administrator, 9828 3014 or performingartsadmin@stcatherines.net.au

https://stcatherines.formstack.com/forms/performing_arts_renewal_form