OPPOSITE PAGE : LAWSON ’ S CHOIR PERFORMS . THIS PAGE : TOP LEFT : EGGLESTON ’ S CHOIR REHEARSES ON THE JAMES FORBES ACADEMY STEPS . RIGHT : FORBES ’ CHOIR PERFORMS . BOTTOM , LEFT FIELD ’ S CHOIR IN REHEARSAL sang unaccompanied , and duly awarded them the first place . However , he told me later that he was really pleased with the standard overall and was delighted to have been invited .’
What makes these practice sessions very special are the bonds that are created ; to see the boys self-regulate and take on board the expectations placed on them by the generations of House singing that have preceded them . As Dr Scott Marsh said : ‘ Perhaps most enjoyable of all was the commitment demonstrated by all boys to doing the best for their House . Having wandered around , listening to many Houses rehearse , I admired the boys ’ passion to do their best and loved watching the students represent their House with great enthusiasm – some even had an inclination of what they were doing !’
The day of the competition dawns upon them quickly . As the boys listen to each other respectfully , the hope is that regardless of their Cock House ranking , they will retain the memory of the melody they perfected and the brotherhood of feelings and emotions they experienced as they belted out their songs .
Vice Captain of Music , Neil Wang , focused on the philosophy of the event , its essence : ‘ Singing is an act of expression . At the annual House Choral Competition , the boys join together to express our joy , passion and talents . Although every voice is unique , each is essential to the production of the music . It is truly an opportunity to join together , to have fun and to express the spirit of Scotch .’
Dr John Ferguson said : ‘ From my perspective , I am always pleased that it takes place , and it helps get the voices tuned up ahead of the Foundation Day Concert massed singing rehearsals in Term 3 , when we uphold the tradition of the school uniting in song . Long may it continue !’
Dr Scott Marsh also looked at the bigger picture : ‘ Well done to our boys and Heads of House for another terrific competition . Although Davidson were our 2024 winners , I think it is fair to say that the ultimate winner was music , and specifically , boys ’ choirs . Singing is good for our souls , so keep singing .’
All in all , the competition is a spectacular event that links experts with less proficient singers and musicians , in good humour , with a fraternity that transcends ages , music preferences and traditional school boundaries .
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 17