Nexus Arts Workshop

In Week 1, music students were treated to a very special performance brought to us by Nexus Arts as part of the Our Sound workshop. This intercultural workshop aims to support the next generation to engage with arts and music in a culturally rich context. Students were introduced to Noriko Tadano, a Japanese shamisen player as well as Koleh David, a Malaysian sampe’ player. They experienced a rich and colourful performance filled traditional textures and contemporary influences, and some lucky students even had the chance to try their hands at playing these instruments.

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Big Rehearsals

In Week 2, thirty-four music students had the amazing opportunity of participating in Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Big Rehearsal. Across three different days, students rehearsed pieces alongside professional musicians under the baton of Graham Abbott. Students participated with enthusiasm and showed a lot of professionalism in their playing and conduct. Well done to all involved!

Music Showcase

On Wednesday August 3, the staff and students of the music centre presented the first Music Showcase since 2018. We were pleased to be able to present this concert in Elder Hall for the first time. Elder Hall is the flagship concert venue of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide. This is also the venue where many of the music staff performed concerts and recitals whilst studying at the Conservatorium. The evening was compered by the Music Captains, and began with a Kaurna Welcome to Country, presented by Robert Taylor. The evening showcased our co-curricular ensembles, which rehearse after school and comprise students from all year levels. We were pleased to welcome the Woodville Gardens School Senior Band as our special guest artists. The audience were treated to outstanding performances by the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, String Ensemble, Senior Choir, Big Band and Stage Band. It was a delight to be able to showcase the talents of the staff and students of the Music Centre in a celebration of performance.

Balaklava Eisteddfod

On Friday August 5, the students of Polyfonics, our before school a capella vocal ensemble), braved the stormy conditions and travelled to perform in the Balaklava Choral Eisteddfod. They presented 2 songs and received a bronze place for their efforts. Well done to Kerrie Polkinghorne and the students from Polyfonics.

Tuesday on Flinders -Choirs/Strings

This term we have been pleased to present 2 concerts at the Flinders Street Baptist Church as part of their Tuesday on Flinders concert series. On Tuesday August the students from Senior Choir and Polyfonics presented a celebration of choral singing. This was an excellent performance with a great variety of styles.  On Tuesday September 20, the Chamber Strings presented a selection of chamber music. Once again it was a great performance with a range of composers and styles featured. Both concerts were very well received by the enthusiastic audience, made up of parents, church members and people who work in nearby businesses. Congratulations to the students and staff Kerrie Polkinghorne, Jakub Tengdahl and Celeste Wong.

ABODA South Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival

Congratulations to the students and staff of the music centre for their successes at the SA School Band and Orchestra Festival during week 4 this term. 32 schools were represented in 117 performances, and Woodville High School was pleased to be among the 8 public schools in the festival.

Results:

String Ensemble: Silver Award in Intermediate String Ensemble

Concert Band: Silver Award in Intermediate Concert Band

Big Band: Silver Award in Intermediate Stage Band

Stage Band: Silver Award in Advanced Stage Band

Wind Ensemble: Gold Award and Overall Winners of Advanced Concert Band.

Wind Ensemble also received the Bob Hower Memorial Award for the Best Concert Band.

IM String Workshop

On Wednesday 10 August, the music centre hosted students from local primary schools as part of the Instrumental Music Beginner String workshop. Our students worked alongside the primary students and helped and mentored them. Thanks to the year 10 string students, Celeste Wong and staff from Instrumental Music.

IM Beginner Band Workshop

We were also privileged to host the Instrumental Music Beginner Band workshop on Thursday September 8. 44 wind, brass and percussion students from our feeder primary schools came together to workshop 4 pieces. They were mentored by our year 9 and 10 band students. The workshop culminated with a concert for parents.

Festival of Music

The Public Schools Music Festival was begun in 1891 as the Thousand Voice Choir and has a 130-year history. It brings students from government primary schools together to present a series of choral concerts, accompanied by student orchestras. We were successful in auditioning 3 ensembles to perform as guest artists. On Thursday September 15 the Big Band performed, and Tuesday September 20, the Saxophone Quintet and Stage Band performed in the Adelaide Festival Theatre, in front of packed audiences’ of 1800 people.

String Tour to Mt Gambier

During Week 10, the staff and students of the String Ensemble set off on a 4-day tour to the southeast of South Australia, presenting a series of concerts and workshops in a range of locations. This included a combined workshop with Instrumental Music in Mount Gambier.

Forthcoming events:

Wednesday 26th October: Year 7-12 Special Music student excursion to the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Wednesday 26th October: Jazz Cabaret: 7-10:30pm: Big Band, Senior Choir and Stage Band

Friday 28th October: Arts Assembly: Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Big Band, Stage Band, String Ensemble, Senior Choir Sunday 30th October: 2-4pm: Government House Open Day, Stage Band