Music
Battle of the Bands (Cambodia Fundraiser)
Battle of the Bands is a fundraising event that showcases the contemporary elements of the Redlands Music program and provides emerging young artists with the opportunity to perform in a live context. In support of the Redlands Rock Program Yrs 5-12, this competition is designed for students to extend their performance abilities in small ensemble contexts. As a fundraising opportunity, this concert connects the wider school community and supports the Redlands Service program where students have the opportunity to experience the culture of Cambodia first-hand. Our outstanding hosts for the evening were Stella Everett (Captain of Choirs), Michelle Li (Captain of Strings), Marvin Ma (Captain of Bands) and James Nemec (Captain of Small Ensembles). Photos can be found on Redlands Pulse.
This year’s competition was adjudicated by Ms Emily Hanks, a Soul, Pop, R&B, Funk, Blues and Jazz specialist. Awarded a Bachelor of Music Performance through the Australian Institute of Music, Ms Hanks has graced the stage of many prestigious Sydney performance venues, including appearances at the Thredbo Jazz Festival, SoulFest and the Office Earth Hour with Peter Garrett.
The Music Department would like to acknowledge the contributions of Ms Arienne Brodie (MIC Performance) and Rock Band Specialists Mr Ross Ferraro, Mr Diego Idarrago Mr Nathaniel Smith and Mr David Wooltorton for mentoring and supporting finalists in this competition. From a technical perspective, thanks to Mr Janis Auzins, Ms Alex James and Tom Wightwick in delivering spectacular sound and lighting. We are grateful for the wonderful administrative support provided by Ms Pip Tame and our facilities teams led by Mrs Liz Loveridge and Mr Rod Loveridge.
In managing the logistics of this popular school community event, we would like to acknowledge the Cambodia staff team led by Mr Nick Walker, Ms Kria Coleman, Ms Paula Reinhold, Mr Michael Warrell and various student volunteers who managed ticket sales, event promotion and the overseeing of fundraising stalls. Altogether, the 2018 Cambodia team raised over $3000 with the funds set aside to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged children and their families in Cambodia.
Battle of the Bands Results
Intermediate Rock Band Winner
Lifeless (Holly Gallagher, Benjamin Harrington, Ophelia Jackson, Sophia Leon-Searle and Tom Wang)
Intermediate Rock Band Runner Up
Serpentine (Joshua Colleran, Samuel Fleming, Scarlett Keay, Jameson Prescott and Jun Zhang)
Advanced Rock Band Winner
The Entire Population of Micronesia (Howard Goodsall, Alexander Murray, Jeroen Speckmann, Harry Wilson and Nathaniel Wong)
Advanced Rock Band Runner Up
Jill Wanes (Paris Crosland, Alexander Murray and Jereon Speckmann)
Advanced Unplugged Winner
Ella Burgess
Advanced Unplugged Runner Up
Grace Bracks
Overall Winner – The Entire Population of Micronesia
Junior and Senior Piano Competition – entries close Wednesday 9 May
Auditions dates are on Redlands Pulse. Audition forms can be collected from the Music offices or downloaded from Redlands Pulse. The audition process will require students to demonstrate advanced technical skills, personal expression and understanding of style. It is expected that students present works demonstrating a high standard of musical competency. Please note only one piece is required for the audition with the second contrasting piece listed on the application form.
Senior Campus
Senior Music Festival – Bach to the Beatles
Auditions are open to Yr 11 and 12 students who participate in both Academic Music classes and the Cocurricular Music Ensembles program. The 2018 Senior Music Festival will be presenting a diverse range of repertoire including Johann Sebastian Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and a wide selection of music from The Beatles, while exploring various styles of music from Chamber through to Contemporary Music. While students will have the opportunity to present repertoire from their Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate Performance portfolio, there may also be the opportunity to be considered for various solo opportunities that feature within larger ensemble works. Audition Forms and Information Packs will be available from Senior Music Reception from Wednesday 11 April (Week 11).
Ensemble Attendance
Students are reminded about the importance of regular attendance to all Music Ensemble rehearsals and in meeting goals set at the start of the year in reaching a high standard of performance excellence. Morning rehearsals commence at 7.15am and students should be moving to rehearsal rooms by 7.10am. Absence due to camp and/or illness will be the only accepted reason for non-attendance. It is essential that you contact seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au if you are unable to attend any rehearsals.
Music Instrument Lockers
Due to major works being completed in the Music Centre over the coming holiday period, all students are required to empty their Music Locker on the Senior Campus by 4.00pm on Friday 13 April.
Junior Campus
Junior Voices Chapel Performance
Last week, Junior Voices were invited to perform at the Yrs 9-10 Secondary School Easter Reflection Service. Performing a piece titled Celebrate the Empty Tomb, the students incorporated the playing of hand bells as instrumental accompaniment to their singing. Their presentation was highly polished and demonstrated excellent choral singing skills. The Secondary School Chaplin, Mrs Bronwyn Lihou, commented “the students sang beautifully and were delightful and it was evident that Secondary School students certainly engaged with the performance and were very appreciative of this musical item”.
Yr 2 Curriculum Strings
Monday afternoon provided a wonderful performance opportunity for the Yr 2 cohort as they all performed at Strings in the Piazza. It was a joyous affair enjoyed immensely by all performers and audience members alike. We would like to thank the students for putting in so much hard work, specialist Music tutors, class teachers and the parents for their support. A special mention must go out to the Advanced String Ensemble who led the finale, Oh When the Saints, supported by a rousing Parent Chorus. The Music Department extends particular thanks to MIC of Strings Mr Michael Warby for his management and overseeing of this extension instrumental program.
As we near the end of term, there are many further opportunities to consider in extending student learning on their string instrument. Private instrumental lessons provide children with the opportunity to progress their technical skills with the challenges in playing solo repertoire. Private Music Tuition also provides students with the opportunity to enrol into various Instrumental Ensembles. Students having private lessons and performing with the Yr 2 Advanced Ensemble are encouraged to join Preparatory Strings which rehearses on Monday mornings from 7.45-8.15am in the Prep Music Room. If you have any queries about the string program please contact Junior Music.
Mr Darren Kuilenburg
Coordinator of Music
seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9820