MUSIC
MAXIMUM
BOYS FROM MANY ENSEMBLES
JOINED TO CREATE ONLINE
ENSEMBLES
BANDWIDTH !
This year commenced with the usual anticipation of new ensembles and excitement as we worked towards a series of recitals and concerts . But by the end of Term 1 we were all seeking inventive ways to maximise the opportunities for students during this unusual year . Staff and students have worked together to adapt and , without doubt , achieve some outstanding results . Many of the tools we have created and developed during this time will stay with us and be of future benefit .
Our woodwind , brass and percussion boys have achieved some remarkable goals during remote learning . Boys have continued with individual lessons , conducted via Zoom . With the uncertainty of changing circumstances , many boys have adapted to achieve online examinations , while others have skipped grades and set their targets on higher goals for next year . Boys who commenced learning an instrument this year only had a few face-to-face lessons prior to lockdown . Several , with determination and perseverance , have achieved their first examination in lockdown with superb results .
In the absence of concert bands and big bands , boys from many ensembles have come together to create online ensembles . These recordings capture the experience of this year and document this time in history for each individual involved . Boys learnt individual parts at home , and then learnt to record . This is a demanding process , requiring great rhythmic accuracy so that parts can be aligned .
Sensing the need for innovation , Chris Farrands , together with David Farrands , created a new work specifically for our brass boys and the circumstances . Chris led the entire brass department in a recording of his arrangement of Sinfonietta Fanfare by Leoš Janácek . This impressive recording features all brass boys from Year 4 to Year 12 . Megan Philip led the Show Band to create a recording of How Funky Can You Get by Melbourne composer Lachlan Davidson . These successes inspired us to include the Junior Concert Band which Jude Hallum brought together in a virtual recording of Midnight Madness . Although a challenging task , our young band members created an inspiring recording .
46 Great Scot Issue 161 – December 2020