Music

As Term 3 comes to a close, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the wonderful opportunities that are on offer to you at Churchie. The opportunity to perform solo at the Soiree to a warm and supportive audience as you seek improvement on your chosen instrument; or even the chance to challenge yourself at Churchie’s Best Solos with one of the best adjudicators in the nation in Simon Hewitt. To perform and share the stage with James Morrison and Darren Percival is a memory to be treasured and the Gala concert with its audio-visual extravaganza finishing in a massed orchestral arrangement of the Interstellar theme will also be a treasured memory.

These opportunities for the young men of Churchie do not happen without the immense support of our parent community and the dedication of our teaching staff. As we farewell our Senior Musicians (whilst asking them to return for Tri-Service Cadets and Speech Night performances in Term 4) and as we move into our new ensembles for the 2024/25 season, it’s a great time to reflect on the benefits of music. Below is an article from Dr Diana Tolmie on the benefits of music education, with a great focus on the humanitarian and mental health qualities.

Sheet Music

All Years 7 to 12 students with barcoded music are to return their original copies to the Textbook Room next to The Centenary Library lecture theatre. You will notice an overdue notice on this music. Those members of Morris Winds and Symphony Orchestra should retain their Speech Night and Tri-Service Cadet Parade music, including ‘Jupiter’, Interstellar and ‘American Barndance’.

Senior farewell

On Tuesday 10 September 2024, the end-of-season senior farewell took place in Magnus Quad with a spectacular gathering. The Senior Students were presented with cuff links from the Music Support Group and in return shared their favourite experiences and gave some sage advice to younger students of Churchie Music. Please take the time to read one of the responses from the senior students when asked what advice he would provide for a young musician at Churchie: 

‘My advice for any current or future Churchie boy within music is something you’ve likely heard a thousand times and that is to take advantage of every opportunity you can, especially within cocurricular music. The experience you will gain from joining that extra ensemble and attending that extra competition or concert will be monumental and every time you turn up to a rehearsal in the morning, you will feel that bit more content with the progress you are making. In simple terms, what you put in is what you get out.’

The night concluded with a huge thank you to the Music Support Group, who we would simply not be able to do without and our dedicated music staff before a Massed Orchestral performance of Interstellar in Morris Hall from the amazing Gala concert. Thank you to everyone who came along to attend and celebrate what has been one of the best music seasons yet.

We look forward to seeing the Seniors at Tri-Service Cadets and Speech Night for their final performances in Term 4, whilst we reform ensembles for the new season ahead.

AHEP and SHEP

Congratulations to the following students who will perform as part of the AHEP and SHEP programs over the holidays at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University from Thursday 26 September – Sunday 29 September.

AHEP Concerts and held on Saturday 28 September and SHEP QLD Concerts are held on Sunday 29 September.

Please see below a list of participants and which ensemble and concert they will be performing in:

AHEP participants

• Ellis Hogan – Bassoon (Wind Orchestra, Concert Two, 4 – 6 pm)
• Alex Ma Vocal – Tenor (Vocal Ensemble, Concert Two, 4 – 6 pm)
• Noah Oxenford – Vocal (Baritone Vocal Ensemble, Concert Two, 4 – 6 pm)
• Luka Roberts – Trumpet (Symphony Orchestra, Concert One, 11 am – 12:30 pm)
• Alex Smith – Trombone (Symphony Orchestra, Concert One, 11 am – 12:30 pm)
• Damien Ting – Cello (Symphony Orchestra, Concert One, 11 am – 12:30 pm)

SHEP participants

• Lufti Furtado – Tuba (Brian Hogg Wind Orchestra, Concert One, 8:30 – 9:30 am)
• Archie Goodison – Vocal (Alto Betty Beath Vocal Ensemble, Concert Five, 5:30 – 6:30 pm)
• Lucas Shan Tenor – Saxophone (Graham Lloyd Wind Orchestra, Concert Two, 10:30 – 11:30 am)
• Benjamin Shepherd – Vocal (Alto Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Concert Five, 5:30 – 6:30 pm)

Music Camp 2024

Congratulations to those members who have been selected in a Premiere Ensemble for the 2024 Music Camp. It is an exciting time with guest conductors for each ensemble and lots of new repertoire. All premiere ensemble members are expected to attend. A reminder to complete your consent form and payment link by the end of the week Friday 13 September, 2024.

Bohdan Davison
Director of Music