AHEP and SHEP
Earlier this month, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music hosted the 2019 Australian Honours Ensemble Program and State Honours Ensemble Program. The Conservatorium received 3800 nominations to attend the programs, selecting 1000 students to attend the State Program, and 125 to attend the National Program.
BGGS was proud to have students attend both programs.
Congratulations to the following students:
AHEP
- Lucia Dann (10B) Voice Soprano
- Laura Hall (10L) Oboe
SHEP
- Johanna Conomos (9W) Bass Clarinet
- Pascal Green (9G) Tuba
- Zara Hosking (7G) Violin
- Aida Noran (8H) French Horn
- Isabella Peters (9E) Trumpet
- Imogen Playford (11H) Clarinet
- Keira Ryan (9E) Voice Soprano
- Amelia Vanderstoep (11L) Clarinet
- Xinting (Vivian) Wang (10L) Flute
Year 12 Farewell
On 28 October, we held our annual Music Farewell function. Girls Grammar musicians and their families came together with staff and the Music Support Group to celebrate the year’s musical achievements. In particular, we celebrated the significant contributions of our Year 12 students as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
On behalf of the Instrumental Music Department, thank you to all outgoing Year 12 musicians for their commitment to music making and learning during their time at BGGS. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us and for your friendship and leadership this year. In particular, I sincerely thank our 2019 Music Captains—Rebecca Groves (12H), Laura Verdasco (12G) and Emily Yu (12O)—for their work and leadership throughout the year, and for supporting me in my first year as Director of Instrumental Music.
Spring Concerts
Congratulations to all girls who performed in the Spring Band and Strings Concerts last Friday night. The Spring Concerts highlighted the majority of our instrumental ensembles and performers demonstrated the progress they have made during the year with fine performances.
AVEO Performance
On Wednesday 6 November, our Celtic Ensemble, some of our Chamber Musicians and the Junior Auditioned Choir, Encore, presented a beautiful concert at AVEO Village in Taringa. Congratulations to all students on outstanding performances. The residents were overflowing with praise following this concert, which I have no doubt enhanced their sprits considerably.
FareShare Charity Dinner
On Thursday 7 November, a string quartet comprising Emilia Wong (10R), Jessica Lau (10E), Ashleigh Blundell (10L), and Catherine Murphy (10M) provided music for the FareShare Charity Dinner. It was an excellent occasion, on which 100 Brisbane-based business and community leaders came together to learn about FareShare’s mission to fight food waste and hunger.
FareShare rescues and cooks food that would otherwise go to waste, to provide free, nutritious meals for vulnerable Queenslanders.
The girls felt very privileged to be involved in the event, which not only allowed their musicianship to be shared with the community, but gave them a valuable insight into the wonderful work of FareShare.
Christmas Carnival and Carols
On Monday 2 December, the School will host its annual Christmas Carnival and Carols. We invite all in the School community to come along from 5 pm to enjoy performances by String, Band and Choral Ensembles. Face painting, lob-a-choc, sausage sizzle, snow cones and other goodies will also be on offer. Please bring a blanket so you can stretch out on the Pool Lawn and join in community carol singing at 6.45 pm.
Thank you to the many families who are assisting the delivery of this event. If you are available to provide any support on this evening, please contact Administration Assistant—Music, Mrs Elizabeth Worth, on 3332 1353 or eworth@bggs.qld.edu.au.
Auditions for 2020
Earlier this month, auditions were held for Year 7 2020 students. Thank you to current students who assisted with the auditions by meeting and greeting our new students, and sharing with them information about life in the Instrumental Music Department.
All current Instrumental Music students are auditioning for placement in ensembles in 2020, and the Instrumental Music Department will soon be emailing online enrolment forms for 2020 instrument and vocal lessons.
2020 Composition Competition
Early in Term 4, the Instrumental and Curriculum Music Departments announced the 2020 BGGS Composition Competition, which will be open to all students in Years 7 to 11.
There are three composition categories, with the winning composition in each category premiering their piece at the 2020 International Women’s Day Concert in March next year.
The categories are:
- composing for Combined Strings (adjudicated by Mr Michael Patterson)
- composing for Treble Choir (adjudicated by Ms Clare Finlayson)
- composing a Contemporary Pop Song (adjudicated by Ms Adele Cummings).
Submissions are due by Monday 2 December, and further information is available on Moodle.
Music Support Group AGM
The Music Support Group will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 20 November at 6 pm in the Choir Room, Level 1, Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre. The following Music Support Group positions are available from 2020:
Vice-President—supports the role of the President
Secretary—takes minutes at each Music Support Group meeting, and assists with roster administration (as required).
Treasurer—works with the School’s Finance Department throughout the year, and reports Music Support Group finances at each meeting.
Purchasing Coordinator—buys all food and drinks required for events supported by the Music Support Group and ensures there are other adequate supplies in stock, e.g. cups, serviettes etc. Most ordering can be done online (all expenses are reimbursed).
Raffle Coordinator—constructs raffle baskets for a selection of concerts throughout the year. The girls donate food items etc., and the Coordinator buys baskets and wrapping to create the raffle prizes (all expenses are reimbursed).
BGGS String Quartet at the FareShare Charity Dinner
