Music

Jazz Under the Stars

On Friday 2 August 2024, Churchie hosted James Morrison and Darren Percival in what was the largest Jazz Under the Stars, with 1,000 audience members in attendance. Throughout Thursday and Friday, Darren Percival and James Morrison were extremely generous with their time, workshopping with each of the three Viking Vocal ensembles and all five of the Big Bands at Churchie. The end result was an amazing night for the Churchie community, culminating in an outstanding set of music featuring both James Morrison and Darren Percival backed by the Queensland Youth Orchestra Big Band.

Big Band 5 stole the show with an enthusiastic rendition of ‘Jammin’ with Charlie’ (or perhaps we should call it ‘Jammin’ with James’). Following this, Big Band 4 featured almost every soloist in the band with Mr Williamson’s composition called ‘Oaklands 830’, which could indeed be the new ‘Jammin’ with Charlie’ for Prep Band. Big Band 3 stole the show with an epic version of ‘Route 66’ featuring James Nash (Year 8) and James Morrison trading choruses. Big Band 2 managed to memorise the entirety of ‘Lindy Hopper’s Delight’, setting a high standard for years to come, and Big Band 1 went to a new level on James Morrison’s composition ‘Ease On In’ with one of the most virtuosic trumpet cadenza’s including the highest and fastest notes possible on the trumpet.

Viking Vocals were also in top form, with Viking Vocals 3 featuring Darren Percival on vocals with their arrangement of ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin‘. Viking Vocals 2 then took it up a gear with an arrangement of ‘Sunny’ featuring the soulful sounds of Darren Percival once again, before Viking Vocals 1 showed why they are the premier vocal group with an outstanding version of ‘Sh-Boom! ‘ featuring Darren Percival.

We hope that everyone in attendance will have wonderful fond memories of the evening—it is not every day that you get to see James Morrison and Darren Percival live on Main Oval, let alone have the opportunity to perform with them. There are so many people to thank, and we are grateful to everyone who helped to make the night a success, from our Administration team, Events team, Property and Works, Music Support Group, Stage Crew and, of course, our Music Staff who all helped to make the night a success. Certainly not to be forgotten is the huge contribution from all of our volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and around their students’ performance schedules to help make the night a success:

Alice Liu, Andrea Genest, Angela Rae, Angelique McIntosh, Angie McWilliam, Anita Chang, Belinda Fleming, Belinda Midson, Belinda Sutherland, Ben Duke, Bridget Stobie, Brooke Wilson, Cath Neill, Catherine Shooter, Claudia Fusca, David Hughes, Diya Javiya, Donna McCart, Elita Saines, Erica Clark, Fiona Li, Gail Tarditi, Jacquie Dwyer, Jill Trevethan, Julia Godfrey, Julia Han, Kate Zavros Bode, Kathryn Quarterman, Kirsten Allen, Kirstin Aralar, Kirsty Brittain, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Kelly, Lisel Robbins, Lori Dhupelia, Lucy Evans, Mary-Jane Blackburn, Michelle Carr-Brown, Nabeela Furtado, Nat Moloney, Paul Robbins, Pip Englund, Renae King, Roma Clayton-Tweedie, Sharon Staggs, Shirley Cheung Mullins, Stacy Bailey, Suyang Jiang, Tai Ma, Teresa Shulman, Tricia Carr and Trudy Naylor.

We also thank the wonderful members of our community who donated prizes, and I trust that the lucky winners will enjoy these amazing donations:

• Hayley Johnson of PowerArts for the donation of Peter and The Star Catcher tickets
• Russell Luhrs from the Springfield City Group for the donation of the golf package
• Nick and Danielle Buick for their donation of the Lamborghini experience
• Carla Haddan Place Estate Agents for the donation of the beautiful hampers with vouchers to White Label Noba and Ristorante Tartufo
• Chez Nous Catering for the donation of the Jeroboam of Champagne for helping the support group with supplying the champagne for tonight
• Marie Meek from Bird’s Nest Yakitori Bar and Restaurants for their donation of a voucher to their restaurant
• Angie McWilliams from Cesco Work Solutions for her donation of a career coaching session
• Greg Aiken at Brass Music Specialists for his donation of a $200 voucher

Senior Voices Assembly Performance 

Senior Voices presented an engaging performance of ‘Space Oddity’ by David Bowie at Headmaster’s Assembly as a preview of what is to come for the Time and Space Gala Theme next week.

Please follow this link to a recording of the Senior Voices:

Gala Concert

Think of your favourite space movie or a theme that relates to time. Chances are you will hear it and see it at the Gala Concert on Thursday 15 August 2024. Save the date for this spectacular night of themed music with an audio-visual extravaganza.

Audition music

Audition music for 2025 ensembles is now available on myChurchie. Please take the time to consult your tutor about the best excerpt to perform and the best selection for your own choice. You may wish to use your soiree piece and dedicate your time to perfecting the excerpt. Your tutor will also be able to assist you with any other questions about the process. Upload recordings are due by the end of Week 7 to allow for new ensembles to begin in Term 4, 2024. If you are successful in your audition for a premier ensemble, you will be expected to attend Music Camp from 18 to 20 October 2024, so please save the date. For more information on the cocurricular selections for 2025, please follow the link:

Musicfest

On Sunday 4 August, both Churchie Strings and Chamber Strings 2 String Orchestra performed at Musicfest at Indooroopilly State High School. This year they were both awarded a silver award and represented the School to a high standard. The adjudicator, Mr Mark Sullivan, encouraged all ensemble to master the art of music making through listening and good technique as well as working through the challenges. Most importantly, he said, make sure you enjoy the process and result.

Thank you must go to Ingrid Rochet and Ben Hooper for directing these ensembles and to Ms Jules Hanlon for her administrative support.

Bravo to the boys on their first competitive performance this year.

Bohdan Davison
Director of Music