Great Scot December 2017 GreatScot_152_Dec_Online | Page 48

Music
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4.
Enduring memories as the music lingers on
In music terms, we tend to think of Term 4
as the ‘coda’ (or tail). The Term 3 concerts –
including the Strings Concert, the Bands Concert
and the Choral Concert – are a distant memory.
The Chamber Music Dinner was back in August,
and the Foundation Day Concert (reviewed) is
something to ‘look back and forgetfully wonder’
about (as the song goes)!
Term 3 saw the annual Chamber Music
Dinner display some of the most sophisticated
music that Scotch produces. Highlights included
Schumann’s Piano Trio No 1, Shostakovich’s
String Quartet No 9, Schubert’s Octet, and
Brahms’ Horn Trio. The quality of playing was
exceptional, featuring 11 ensembles, and
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displayed the results of some exceptionally
detailed preparation by boys and staff. The Music
Auxiliary plays a large part in the organisation
of the night, and Mrs Paula Rae and her team
deserve our gratitude and appreciation.
The three concerts that feature specific
areas (strings, wind and choral) are important,
because they allow a significant amount of music
to be performed without major set-up changes
on stage. All concert bands have essentially
the same seating requirements. They also allow
the younger players in the Junior School to be
part of a concert that involves older boys, and,
importantly, gives these boys a chance to hear
the level of music that they will be playing in future
years.
The annual Music Camp returned to
Campaspe Downs (near Kyneton) after several
years at the Dookie Agricultural College near
Shepparton. The work done on that camp is
displayed at the Foundation Day Concert a
week or so later. It allows for some really detailed
rehearsal that time does not generally allow for at
school. Despite the beautiful surroundings and
the kangaroos, it is certainly not a holiday!
At the end of Term 3, the Year 2 String
Concert was presented. It included ‘guest’
contributions from the Year 3 and 4 String
Orchestras. Our new Head of Junior School
Great Scot Number 152 – December 2017