Band and Strings Workshops
This term, Strings groups and the Intermediate and Junior Band have participated in various workshops. Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds also extended their rehearsals to cover important learning and skill development, culminating in a barbecue dinner and an informal concert to parents.
On Saturday 2 March 2019, a workshop was held for the Intermediate and Junior String ensembles. It was a fantastic day filled with music making, rehearsals, tutorials and specialist Dalcroze sessions, as well as the chance to connect with fellow players in the ensemble.
The day finished with performances from each ensemble and a surprise massed performance of the famous Canon in D by Pachelbel, with more than 200 students playing on different levels of the Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre (CLC). Congratulations to all students involved in these workshops and thank you to the music staff and parents for their support.
International Women’s Day Concert
On Friday 8 March 2019, the Instrumental Music Department celebrated International Women’s Day with a special concert featuring music by women composers and performers. The audience enjoyed performances from Chamber and Vivaldi Strings, Big Band, Contemporary Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Chorale and Symphonic Winds as they moved between the Gehrmann Theatre, Pool Lawn and CLC Level 1.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of three premiere works by contemporary Australian women composers, commissioned by Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Strings Director, Mr Jonathan Zorzetto, and Coordinator of Strings, Mr Michael Patterson, worked tirelessly with the girls to perform the beautiful Hildegard’s Daughters by Natalie Williams.
Band Director, Ms Ashleigh Porter, and the Big Band presented the premier of Belonging composed by Ellen Kirkwood, while the Chorale sung Taraxacum, composed by Alice Chance.
Thank you to the staff and students for performing with such integrity and beauty. The International Women’s Day Concert has become a treasured event within the School community and each year we look forward to highlighting the remarkable contribution women have made and continue to make within Music.
Chamber and Vivaldi strings performing 'Hildegard’s Daughters' at the School's International Women's Day Concert.
Autumn Concerts
Last Thursday, the School held the Autumn Concerts in the Band Room. It was wonderful to see many of the School’s younger ensembles present such fine, cohesive performances so early in the year. For many students, the Autumn Concerts were their first opportunity to perform at Girls Grammar. Congratulations to all involved.
Thank you to Band Captain, Rebecca Groves (12H), for being a warm and welcoming Master of Ceremonies and to the music staff for their constant hard work and guidance. Thank you to the parents who assisted with the barbecue, provided refreshments and contributed to the raffle hampers.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra Harp Masterclass
Last Friday, three students participated in a Masterclass with principal harpist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms Marie-Pierre Langlamet, as part of the School’s Education Partnership with Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Harp students, Lisa Chang (11E), Remi Hirayama (9L) and Aily Chang (7E), were given the opportunity to be mentored by and perform in front of Ms Langlamet. The students played exceptionally well and are to be commended on how they absorbed Ms Langlamet’s advice and direction.
Mrs Emma Dron
Director of Instrumental Music
Principal harpist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms Marie-Pierre Langlamet, Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, and harp students, Aily Chang (7E), Lisa Chang (11E) and Remi Hirayama (9L).
