he and his own family had been warmly welcomed into it . Tonight , he said , is a good time for all present to reflect on their time at Scotch College . ‘ We tend to squander time ’, he said , ‘ because we expect to live forever . We need to cherish our time , particularly time with our families , and value that above our possessions .’
At this point the unexpected occurred . To the surprise and delight of the guests , Dr Marsh , having concluded his address , burst into song . Sung to the tune of George Gershwin ’ s Summertime , his song highlighted the state government ’ s proposed changes to payroll tax . Taking up a trumpet after concluding his song , Dr Marsh , an accomplished musician , then played his own arrangement of Summertime , which was greeted with thunderous applause and a standing ovation .
There was no doubt that Dr Marsh , at his very first OSCA Annual Dinner , had created a highly favourable impression in a most unexpected way . Anything after that would have been a hard act to follow , but all those present still tackled the College Anthem , Loch Lomond and finally Auld Lang Syne with commendable enthusiasm .
Formalities over , many diners lingered on for more fellowship and catch-up as the evening drew to a close .
Credit for a superb OSCA Annual Dinner goes to the OSCA Events Committee , led by James Adams (’ 05 ), and to OSCA staff – Events and Communications Coordinator , Caroline Taylor and OSCA Executive Director Scott Montgomery . Thanks also go to the participants in the Haggis Ceremony , led by Captain David Musk ( Scotch staff ); to Scotch ’ s Music Director Dr John Ferguson , for leading the singing ; to the Old Scotch Pipes and Drums ; and to Master of Ceremonies , Matt Douglas (’ 11 ).
ANNUAL DINNER SCENES , INCLUDING A GATHERING OF ALL DINNER GUESTS WEARING KILTS , AND GUEST OF HONOUR , CR SALLY CAPP SPEAKING . www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 83