Music Department

The Junior and Middle School musicians were busy rehearsing in ensembles and sectionals throughout Monday 29 August and Tuesday 30 August at the annual Music Festival. This two-day event ended with a concert presented by vocalist/trumpet player Mr Adam Hall and his band. Highlights of this concert included Junior and Middle School boys 'scat' singing with Adam Hall and Year 8 students performing Joe Avery Blues with the band.

On Monday 29 August WAAPA staff member Mr Jamie Oehlers and WAAPA students gave a workshop to the Senior Jazz Ensemble. Perth born Jamie Oehlers rose to prominence in the jazz scene when he was the winner of the World Saxophone Competition held at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Mr Oehlers gave a world-class demonstration of how to change the feel and style of jazz standards and he also held a workshop on jazz improvisation for the Scotch musicians during the afternoon.

The Senior School performance season came to a close during Arts Week last week. This was a celebration of student performances throughout the year with lunchtime performances each day in the Senior School. Lunchtime performances in the Dickinson Centre under croft from the Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Strings and Year 10 and 11 rock bands were well received by staff and students alike.

The Arts Week concluded with the traditional Spring Concert on Friday evening in the Dickinson Centre. All the senior ensembles were featured in this concert, which included highlight performances from the Scotch Philharmonic with the Pipe Band 'A' Team's performing of the "Game of Thrones" and the Senior Concert Band with Drum line performing "Brickhouse."

During the Spring Concert the Will Upson Award for the most outstanding Year 12 student was presented to the 2016 Captain of Music Angus Warman (Year 12, Brisbane) for his piano performances in the Senior Recitals earlier in the term. Angus was recognised for performing with exceptional musicality and technical precision, he should be congratulated for receiving this prestigious award.

The Year 11 and 12 Music Dinner will be held on October 12. At this dinner, awards will be presented to senior students and the handover of student leadership positions for 2017 will also be announced at the dinner. The Music Department would like to thank all Year 12 musicians; it has been a privilege being a part of their musical journey through Scotch. Hearing them develop as musicians and seeing each of them contribute to the School music community in their own way throughout their senior years is rewarding for all involved in the music programme.

Important Dates - Spring Term

Week 1, Wednesday 12 October, Year 11 and 12 Music Dinner, 6.30pm venue TBA

Week 2, Monday 17 October, Musica Viva Performance, 11:30am Junior School

Week 2, Tuesday 18 October, FOSM AGM meeting, 7.00pm Senior Music Department

Week 3, Thursday 27 October, Junior and Middle School End of Year Concert, 6.30pm Dickinson Centre

Contact Details

The Instrumental Programme is administered by the Senior School Music Department and all queries should be directed to the Music Administrators, Julia Robinson (Monday to Wednesdays) and Donna Ranauro (Thursday and Fridays) via phone 9383 6841 or email music@scotch.wa.edu.au. Alternately, please contact Mr Tim Simpson, Acting Head of Music, via email Tim.Simpson@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6824.

If you wish to become more involved in supporting the Music Department, please contact FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au.

Mr Tim Simpson

Acting Head of Music