Forward 2016 | Page 12

SENIOR SCHOOL

The sound of music

It has been a busy time for Music so far in 2016 – but that is just a precursor for what is planned for 2017 !
2016 has been a very successful year where we have once again shown our credentials as one of the strongest and best music programs around . We have toured the G-Jazz , G-Funk , Strings and the Boodjar Bidi Dancers to Kalgoorlie , where we further cemented our relationship with St John ’ s Anglican Church and the staff and students at East Kalgoorlie Primary School . The Chapel Choir toured to Moora , where they led a beautiful worship service for the community , as well as workshopping Introitus Ngaala Maaman by composer Gerard Brophy . This piece was then premiered as a part of The Service of the Holy Cross , alongside other movements from the Mass for the Centenary of the Chapel of St Mary and St George and a very moving portrayal of The Creation of the Black Swan , performed by the Boodjar Bidi Dancers .
We have also created the first Guildford Grammar Symphony Orchestra to perform in the 21st Century . The highly ambitious program of Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin , Pines of Rome by Respighi and music from both The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean was expertly conducted by Mr Jonathan Tooby , himself a Guildford Old Boy ( St 82-86 ).
The School of Music was also very active on the classroom front , presenting our very first Professional Development session for teachers . Entitled Music for Grey Matter , we welcomed guest presenters , Dr Gerard Brophy ( Composition ), Mr Barry McGuire ( Indigenous Cultures ) and Mr John Hoffman ( Jazz Pedagogy ). The PD was attended by Music teachers from both Guildford Grammar School and other schools and was successful in highlighting some of the outstanding work being done by the School of Music .
Photos : our students performing at Telethon 2016 .
Thrown into the mix were performances by the Preparatory School Concert Band and the Junior Rock Bands at the Dowerin Agricultural Field Days , Jazz Concerts in the Foundation Pavilion , Senior and Preparatory School eisteddfods , Chamber Concerts , Large Ensemble Concerts , Rock Nights , Cultural Festivals and Big Breakfasts and you have a very busy year so far !
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