Posted on 03 January 2017
The Music Department students and staff have already had a very full and fun-filled start to 2017. Read on for an overview of our main activities so far!
Bring it On – The Musical
The musical year began with a Boot Camp for the ensemble leads from the cast of Bring it On, on the Monday of week 1. This intensive session allowed the students to work with the theatrical director Mr Anthony Campbell as they explored their characters and did a “read and sing through” of the entire show. Since this very positive start to the rehearsal season, the leads have been joined by the Chorus members, the Band and Choreographers and have now confidently prepared the content of Act One of the musical! Now let's Bring on act 2!
Year 5 Beginner Band.
On the Friday morning in week one, 47 year 5 students who elected to participate in the2017 Beginner Band began their musical journey under the guidance of OC music staff and visiting clinicians. The Jumpstart morning began with each student receiving his or her very own instrument and they were then guided through the all-important process of assembling their instruments and learning the first few notes. By the end of the morning, the entire Band came together in the JAC Drama space to experience the power and full-force of the entire group playing together.
Over the past 6 weeks, these enthusiastic young musicians meet every Thursday from 8:30 – 9:30 am in the Lingo Lin Theatre where their musical journey continues under the guidance of Mrs Victoria Taylor and assisted by Miss Comber, Miss Brennan, Mr Harding and Mr Taggart.
Thanks to all the parents for their support so far and of course to our enthusiastic and talented budding young music-makers. Well done!
Annual OC Music Camp.
Our Annual Music Camp returned to the beautiful Brookfield QCCC campsite on the Friday afternoon of week 1. In 2017 we welcomed guest clinicians David Jones (Band) and Emma Nixon (Strings).
Emma Nixon is winner of three Australasian Golden Fiddle Awards in both teaching and playing categories. Emma was the joint recipient of the 2012 National Folk Fellowship, awarded by the National Library of Australia and the National Folk Festival. David Jones is currently Director of Music at Hillbrook Anglican School, Enoggera, a role that sees him directing ensembles and teaching classroom and instrumental music. David appears regularly as a guest conductor as part of the Young Conservatorium and is currently vice president of the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association, Queensland.
The wealth of knowledge and passion these clinicians brought to our camp provided an amazing start to the year for our College instrumental ensembles. Students worked very hard but also managed to have a lot of fun during evening activities and in the free time on Saturday afternoon.
Thank you to our music staff in attendance; Mrs James, Mrs Taylor, Miss Comber, Ms Hansen and Mr Taggart for giving their time to make the camp a success. Thank you to our visiting staff Ms Hall and Dr Olin for their assistance also. Please watch the video montage below for an insight into 2017 Music Camp!
Mrs Emma Dron - Dean of Music
