Music Department

As the Music Department moves into the Spring Term in 2016 we would like to welcome Mr Chris McMillan on board in the new position of Head of Performing Arts. This is an exciting time for the performing arts at Scotch College as this appointment will be both as Head of Music and also oversee the three performing arts departments of Drama, Music and the Pipe Band including all collaboration between these departments into the future. Parents will have the opportunity to meet Mr McMillan at the FOSM AGM meeting on Tuesday 18 October at 7.00pm in the Senior School Music Department, you will hear from him in the next edition of The Thistle.

On Sunday 25 October, the Swan River Sailing is hosting the opening ceremony of the World University Sailing Championships which coincided with the Australian University Games and involved 28 codes of sport and 6,500 athletes in Perth. Senior vocal student Harrison Broun (leaving Year 12, Alexander) should be acknowledged for performing at the opening ceremony for this event, he represented the School with style and performed a polished rendition of the national anthem during the ceremony.

Last week the Senior Music Dinner was held on Wednesday 12 October. Many Year 11 and 12 musicians attended the dinner where Music Department awards were presented and 2017 leadership positions were announced. Awards presented on the night included two major awards, the Will Upson Award and the Old Scotch Collegians' Music Medal. The Will Upson Award for Performance is given to a Year 12 musician who displays outstanding performance skills, this was presented to Angus Warman (leaving Year 12, Brisbane); and the Old Scotch Collegians' Music Medal is awarded to the Year 12 boy who has made, in the judgment of the Music Staff, the most outstanding contribution to the Music Department throughout his time at Scotch College, this was presented to Harrison Nicholls (leaving Year 12, Shearer). Many boys have made outstanding contributions to the Music Department throughout their time at Scotch, these two students are worthy recipients of these prestigious awards.

Lewis Weeda (Year 12, Shearer) was announced as Captain of Music for 2017 and he will be supported by a student leadership group including Nicholas Clarnette (Year 12, Alexander) (Vocals/Concert Band), Ebunoluwa Daramola (Year 12, Ross) (Jazz/Contemporary), Matthew Simich (Year 12, Shearer) (Guitar) and Matthew Gagen (Year 12, Alexander) (Strings). We look forward to working with these students as all senior ensembles commence preparing for the 2017 performance calendar.

For upcoming events, please note the Junior and Middle School, End of Year Concert will now be held in Week 5.

Important dates for the Spring Term calendar are:

Spring Term

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 5, Thursday 10 November, Junior and Middle School End of Year Concert, 6.30pm Memorial Hall

Week 6, Tuesday 15 November, Violin Soiree, 4.00pm and 5.30pm MacKellar Hall

Week 6, Friday 18 November, Junior School Keyboard Soiree, 5.00pm MacKellar Hall

Week 7, Tuesday 22 November, Violin Soiree, MacKellar Hall

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 Chris McMillan, Head of Performing Arts, via email Chris.McMillan@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6842.

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