– A NIGHT OF NEW WORKS
BOTTOM PHOTOS , LEFT TO RIGHT : COLLEGE CHOIR ; MILITARY BAND ; BEN CASTLE WITH ACADEMY STRINGS ; SHOW BAND ; HAMER HALL FOYER ; JAZZ COMBO ACCOMPANYING THE CHOIR with Captain of Music , Edward Song , as soloist . Edward performed the complex work with maturity and authority , supported by an outstanding technique and musical nuance . The Academy Strings performed works from two centuries , Hoe-Down from Rodeo by Copland and the finale from Serenade for Strings by Tchaikovsky . Ben Castle ’ s meticulous preparation was truly evident in this masterful performance .
Symphonic Wind , under the effervescent David Musk , performed the Seven Hills Overture by Fannin , and Spirited Away by the Japanese film composer , Joe Hisaishi , in partnership with Yumi Kimura . David Musk also directed the Military Band , who looked resplendent and sounded superb in their performance of Coburg by Michael Haydn and The Patriot by John Williams .
Our choirs , under the exceptional and committed direction of Andrew Hunter , never fail to delight . Lojeski ’ s arrangement of Take My Hand by Thomas Dorsey , and Down by the Riverside , both accompanied by instrumental combos , provided an uplifting and joyous experience for all , while the Chamber Choir ’ s performances of Flight Song by Arnesen and A-Rollin , arranged by Rardin , exuded consummate polish .
Of course , in many respects the main feature of the concert is the school uniting in song . Aside from the school songs , topping the bill for the night were six movements from Carmina Burana by Orff . Jo Blankfield ( soprano , from our vocal staff ) performed In Trutina beautifully , while the other movements were sung with great gusto by the combined voices of Years 10 , 11 and 12 . The orchestra , with a particularly strong percussion section this year , accompanied brilliantly , and the concert ended with a magnificent flourish .
I must extend my thanks to the Hamer Hall staff , and particularly to the stage manager , Majia Putans , along with the Scotch Music staff , my other colleagues , the ensemble musicians , the massed singers and , of course , our parents who give such support and encouragement . DR JOHN FERGUSON – DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
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