Music Department

Since the last edition of the Thistle, many boys in all year groups have performed as soloists in our Instrumental Soirees. So far our cello, piano, violin and viola students have performed in relaxed and informal sessions for parents and guests. Congratulations to all boys on their performances and thanks to the many instrumental staff for organising these events. Next week the clarinet and guitar students will have their end of year Soirees.

Our Jazz bands have been busy performing at a number of school events. The Senior Jazz Combo provided some wonderful music as a backdrop to International Cuisine Day. Big Band 2 members enjoyed an impromptu performance at a Modern Languages - Spanish event in the Middle School. Three year 11 members of the band - Frans Buys (Year 11, Stuart), Prentice Shepherd (Year 11, Ross) and Darcy Frazer (Year 11, Ferguson) were due to leave their regular rehearsal time to attend their Spanish event, but instead decided to take the whole band with them, prompting this spontaneous performance. Another highlight of the week was a performance by members of the Philharmonic Orchestra at Braemar Lodge, a retirement home in Willagee. The boys' playing was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents who were very keen to have them back. It was also a great experience for the boys who witnessed first-hand the enormous restorative power of music.

A significant focus during the last fortnight for many senior students has been their preparation and recording of audition excerpts for places in the Combined Symphony Orchestra for 2017. Being a new process this year, the auditions have been met with both excitement and a level of anxiety from Scotch and PLC students. A positive aspect to come of this process has been the great focus from many boys on their practice during these final weeks of the year. CSO placements will be published before the start of the school holiday break.

Congratulations to Oliver Broun (Year 11, Alexander) who recently completed his Grade 5 AMEB piano examination. A reminder to any families who learn instruments outside the College, to please let us know of your son's achievements.

Friends of Scotch Music offers much needed support to all Music Department events in the Junior, Middle and Senior schools, so it would be great to see more parents becoming involved with this group.

Important dates for the Spring Term calendar are:

Spring Term

Week 8, Tuesday 29 November, Clarinet Soiree, 3.45pm - 4.30pm MS Music Room

Week 8, Wednesday 30 November, Guitar Soiree (Ms Balic's students) 3.45 - 4.30 MS Music Room

Week 9, Wednesday 7 December, Junior School Presentation Day, Dickinson Centre

Groups performing: Junior Strings, guitars, choir.

Week 9, Thursday 8 December, Middle School Speech Night, Dickinson Centre

Groups performing: Scotch Youth Voices, Middle School Concert Band plus selected strings and guitars, Pipes and drums.

Week 9, Friday 9 December, Senior School Speech Night, Dickinson Centre

Groups performing: Scotch/PLC Combined Vocal Ensemble, Senior Concert Band, Senior Strings, Pipes and Drums

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 Chris McMillan
Head of Performing Arts