Music

Music

From Stage to Lounge

As a unique point of difference, the 2020 Yr 12 Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate Showcase was broadcast live from the Edwards Auditorium in the John Roberts Centre this past week.

In celebrating in the musical achievements of all students completing their course studies in Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension and IB Music (Standard and Higher Level), parents, friends, family and staff were able to join our live streamed event remotely, as performances were delivered live from stage to the comforts of family homes.

While we are unable to welcome parents and friends in person this year, students and staff greeted our audience through the spirit of music, connected through the power of technology. As an interactive platform with everyone back home, the school community offered messages of support in real time via the webinar live chat stream. These words of appreciation were shared back to the students and staff seated in the auditorium, following the delivery of individual performance programs. To provide a picture, here are some of the messages received from our school community.

Great to be watching the live stream! Sound and video quality very good. Great job everyone!

Amazing performances! Thank you to all students!

Lucky onsite audience of students and staff getting a fab show tonight. But did they get a drink and popcorn like I did at home?

Herculean effort School Accompanist Mr Li!

Thanks to the instrumentalists, those accompanying and the staff and crew for putting on this performance and supporting the students.

Congratulations to all Music Elective students who presented exceptional repertoire as part the practical component of their course work. All students were extremely well prepared and have worked diligently over this past year, navigating various challenges and hurdles through self-determination, to produce music of a very high standard.

In supporting these students along this journey, we would like to acknowledge the work of the Academic Music staff Ms Arienne Brodie (IB Music), Mr Benjamin Castelli (IB Music) and Mrs Amy Richardson (Music 1 and Music Extension), along with an exceptional team of specialist musicians Mr Pete Atkins, Mr Solomon Frank Mr Z-Hao Li, Mr, Mr Julian Smiles, Mr Nathaniel Smith, Mr Damon Wade and Mr David Wooltorton, who accompanied the students in their performances. In forming our production crew, the Department is very appreciative of the technical specialist skills of Ben Peate (AV Coordinator), Peter Atkins (Sound Engineer) and James Taggart (external Videographer) in overseeing our Live Stream.

Music Awards Dinner Graduating Musicians 2020

Traditionally at this time of year, the Music Department would be hosting the Music Awards Dinner in association with the Redlands Friends of Music. As a central focus of this event, the department acknowledges all Yr 12 students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the musical life at Redlands, as members of the Cocurricular Music Ensembles program. Although we are unable to present these Graduate Portfolios at the annual Awards Dinner this year, our School Principal, Mr Stephen Webber, awarded graduating students with their portfolios at Monday’s Showcase, and Dean of Activities Mr Jon Gray presented these at Tuesday’s Showcase.

The Music Department will be presenting the Yrs 7-11 Music Awards and Certificates as part of end of term celebrations this year. Nominations and voting have now taken place and award recipients will be notified through Note Day over the remaining weeks of this term.

Farewell Hilary Luck

Sadly, Mrs Hilary Luck will be leaving at the end of Term 3 after over seven years at Redlands as our Assistant Coordinator of Music and MIC of Bands. During her time, Hilary has made a remarkable contribution to the Junior School Music programs and the Music education of many young students. She has also overseen a number of major musical productions and festivals and helped grow the various musical ensembles significantly. We will certainly miss Hilary’s valuable contribution and dedication to our Music program here at Redlands, and wish her all the very best for her new and exciting leadership adventure as Head of Junior School Music for Abbotsleigh. 

Term 3 Music Ensemble Support Materials

Even though some of our Music Ensembles have been paused for the time being, the Department will continue to provide students with all the resources they require for ongoing independent learning and practising at home. Semester 2 repertoire has now been distributed to all groups, with a variety of support materials uploaded through iLearn and Google Classroom for the majority of ensembles.

Term 3 Overviews

Information relating to the specifics of weekly rehearsal arrangements can be found on Redlands Pulse. For any additional enquiries or questions please contact the respective offices.

Student Expectations in the Rehearsal Room

Safety during rehearsals continues to remain our number one priority in the classroom and rehearsal space. All staff and students are expected to adhere to the recommendations pertaining to social distancing expectations.

In consideration of these guidelines, students are reminded to:

  • bring their own instrument (if applicable) to school for use in instrumental rehearsals
  • be organised with their own scores and repertoire as issued by Music Administration

The Music Department has organised all rehearsals and resources to ensure that all students work independently with their own stand. Under no circumstance are students to be sharing a music stand with another student.

Hygiene in the Music Setting and Student Expectations

As part of our return to group settings, this continues to be a well-considered aspect of our overall planning, and students involved in group instruction will follow the guidelines through the spreading out of rehearsals, utilising larger areas and rehearsal spaces to adhered to distancing, where possible. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of musical equipment and resources will be undertaken daily.

Senior Campus

Yr 11 HSC and IB Music Showcase (Revised Date)

  • Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension and IB Music – Wednesday 16 September (4.00pm)

Semester 2 Competition Audition

  • Instrumental Competition Auditions (Term 3, Week 9)

The audition process for Instrumental entries will require students to demonstrate advanced technical skills, personal expression and understanding of style. For the audition, students will only need to present one work. A second contrasting piece will need to be considered at the time of the audition and discussed with the audition panel. This piece will not be required to be presented at the time of the audition but will need to be prepared and presented in advance of the Competition if the candidate is selected as a finalist. Application forms can be found on Redlands Pulse.

Please note: entries are only accepted when accompaniment scores are submitted to Music Reception at the time of the application submission.

Mr Darren Kuilenburg
Coordinator of Music
seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9820