Welcome to Mrs Talluah Harper (Music Administration Officer)
We welcome our new Instrumental Music Administration Officer, Mrs Talluah Harper, who joins us with a wealth of experience in Music Administration. Mrs Harper will be located in the Director’s Office (A1.13) with Mrs Davidson (Acting Director) and Mr Johnston (Acting Assistant Director). Mrs Harper will be the new friendly face and voice for our music students and parents. We are certain everyone will make Mrs Harper feel very welcome here at BGGS. Mrs Harper can be contacted at tharper@bggs.qld.edu.au
BGGS Instrumental Music Staff Achievement
BGGS private violin teacher, Ms Neridah Oostenbroek, is one of Australia’s finest composers of pedagogical music for young musicians. She is represented by International Publishing company FJH and was recently selected to contribute to the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Syllabus and Violin Series 10 grade books. She also co-wrote the AMEB Sightreading Book which will be a part of all AMEB Violin exams nationally. This is a tremendous achievement, and the Instrumental Music Department of BGGS is honoured to have her teaching and mentoring our young musicians.
Extra Rehearsal Day—Saturday 12 February
Some of our Senior Ensembles, who missed out on the Senior Music Camp after it had to be cancelled, will be participating in an extra rehearsal day on Saturday 12 February. Ensembles participating in the rehearsal day have been made aware of this date via their ensemble directors. General times for the day are as follows:
- 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Symphonic Winds (Band Room)
Chamber Strings (String Room) - 4 pm to 6 pm
Symphony Orchestra (Band Room)
Chorale (Choir Room)
Year 7 New Music Student Sign-Up
This week, our new Year 7 students had the opportunity to hear more about the wonderful Instrumental Music program at BGGS from Ms Sophie Mynott (Deputy Principal, Co-curriculum). Students who have either never played an instrument before or, perhaps, stopped playing during primary school and would like to start again, are invited to complete this survey to explore beginning a new instrument. Group lessons are provided free of charge (private lessons are an extra charge). Students do not need to have a musical background—we will teach you everything from scratch. Currently enrolled students do not need to complete this survey.
Once the survey is completed, teaching staff will be in touch to explain the next steps.
After a student has been officially placed on an instrument, parents will be required to complete an Online Enrolment Form. Please do not complete this form until your daughter has been officially placed on an instrument by an Instrumental Music staff member.
Ensemble Rehearsals
It was exhilarating to hear Symphonic Winds, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings, and Chorale creating beautiful music in the CLC again after our delayed return to school.
All remaining ensembles will commence rehearsals over the next two weeks, as per the following timeline:
Week 4 (commencing 14 February)
- Continuing (from primary school) Year 7 Students commence lessons. Students in Years 8 to 12 continue lessons
- Ensembles starting rehearsals—Wind Symphony, Chamber Winds, Concert Winds, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Big Band, Stage band, Jazz Ensemble, Little Big Band, Vivaldi Strings, Albinoni Strings, Bartok Strings, Copland Strings, Dvorak Strings, Euphonix, Voices, Vox, Grammar Singers, Encore, All Percussion Ensembles, Guitar Ensemble, Celtic Ensemble, Gypsy Band
Week 5 (commencing 21 February)
- All students (Years 7 to 12) continuing lessons
- Ensembles starting rehearsals—Wind Band, Elgar Strings.
Remi Hirayama (Harp) Assembly Performance
On Wednesday, Remi Hirayama (12L), displayed her immense skill on our new BGGS Harp, performing Prelude (Op.12, No.7) by Sergei Prokofiev. Remi had the school mesmerised with her beautiful musicianship. Thank you and congratulations, Remi. See the video below of our new harp being unwrapped at the School.
Upper Intermediate String Festival
On Wednesday 23 February, we will be holding our Upper Intermediate String Festival which is always a highlight in the calendar for our advancing string students and their families. There are two rehearsals and a concert for this festival. A memo will be distributed soon. Some general details are:
- Monday 21 February
3.30 pm to 5.30 pm—Rehearsal - Wednesday 23 February
3.30 pm to 5.30 pm—Rehearsal
6 pm to 7 pm—Concert
Music Support Group (MSG) Meeting
On Wednesday 9 February, our Music Support Group met on Zoom for the first time this year. The MSG committee and interested families had the opportunity to meet and speak with key Instrumental Music staff and learn about the crucial role the MSG plays in supporting the excellent program within the school. If you are interested in finding out more about the MSG, please email msgbggs@gmail.com
