NEVR Ensemble Showcase
Last Wednesday 14th May, our 55 piece concert band directed by Ms Melissa Knowles participated in this new event run by NEVR. The NEVR ensemble showcase was held and Wantirna College and bands, string orchestras and choirs from Wantirna College, Wheelers Hill SC and Vermont SC also performed. Following each performance the school exchanged conductors to take part in a short, onstage workshop. All students took part in music trivia in between each item which they enjoyed.
The day was a great performance opportunity for this group who played really well. It was wonderful to see the students and staff having the chance to mix with other schools music students.
VCE Recital #1
Thursday evening was the first of our two VCE Music Recitals. This event is a key part of how we assess our Year 11 and 12 music students’ progress as they work towards their end-of-year solo performance exams and recitals and an opportunity for the school community to hear the hard work of our VCE Music students.
In addition to this, these recitals give students an opportunity to get feedback, which helps them improve their instrumental or vocal skills, and build their confidence in performing in front of an audience.
I would like to extend our congratulations to all the students who performed and would also like to thank Mr Oscar Jenkins-Wing and Ms Misa Murphy for assisting me in providing feedback to the students.
Chamber Strings Workshop
On Monday the Chamber Strings were fortunate to have an outstanding Taiwanese musician lead their regular afternoon rehearsal. Violinist, conductor and string teacher, Dr Edwin Yee conducted the 23 players of the orchestra in four varied pieces. Edwin has a Master of Music from UCLA and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Taiwan National University. He coached and encouraged the players to make much greater contrasts of dynamics, draw out the shape of melodies and listen more closely to each other.
Afterwards he remarked that the students were very responsive and adaptable musically. Next week our Presto Strings will also benefit from a workshop with Dr Yee, who has recently moved with his family from Taipei to East Burwood and has kindly donated his time for these valuable workshops.
Presto Strings MSO Excursion
On Thursday 15 May, the 30 members of the Presto Strings (MWSC’s intermediate string orchestra) saw the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform a program of musical excerpts on the theme of fairy tales, in Melbourne Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall – Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, and Prokofieff’s Cinderella.
Many of the students had not heard a symphony orchestra live before, and all 30 members of the Presto Strings were excited and actually astonished by the power and range of expression, tone colours and dynamics (volume) of a professional orchestra. The concert gave them the experience of what can be created when they pursue higher technical skills and fuller musical expression.
Mrs Tijtje Keatley
Music Director