Piano Concerts
To the outsider, the piano may seem like a fairly straightforward instrument, which it seems that nearly anyone can play (think “Chopsticks”!). In fact, its accessibility makes it one of, if not the most popular instrument of young, aspiring musicians. But, diving deeper into the craft of the instrument, one might find that there are many intricacies involved in the craft of playing the piano, having to do with technique, musicality, and hand co-ordination.
The Tintern Grammar Piano Concert was an opportunity to celebrate the craft of piano students at Tintern. The Junior Concert took place at 5:00pm and the Senior Concert at 7:00pm on 18 May. After last year’s remote concert, it was a relief and privilege to be back, playing wonderful live music again!
The Junior Concert featured many performances under the theme of ‘your favourite song’, so the audience had the pleasure of hearing a few pop songs, Classical pieces and nursery rhymes. This concert had an excellent turnout, with families, parents and staff attending to show support for Tintern’s burgeoning young players.
At 7:00pm, the Senior Piano Concert commenced, and secondary school students (Years 7-12) offered audiences a wide variety of pieces. A highlight of the concert was a Year 7 student’s performance of his very own work, masterfully inspired by the symphonies of Mozart. This concert concluded with a Spanish dance written for 8 hands and 2 pianos – an ensemble work performed by our piano teachers at school is a tradition of these concerts.
All in all, 2021’s Piano Concerts allowed piano students at Tintern to flex their artistic muscles, take on new opportunities, and celebrate the music programme at the school with skilful, fun music-making. A special thanks to the piano teachers, whose commitment and great teaching made this all possible – Ms Heather McKenzie, Mr Ben Taylor, Mrs Fiona Thompson and Mrs Catherine Wilson. Thanks to all the parents and teachers who attended to make this occasion a successful and enjoyable one!
Joshua Choong
School Pianist 2021
Senior String Duo entertain residents at Olivet
Year 12 musicians, Lydia Tan and Joshua Choong, provided a delightful program of musical treats for residents at the Olivet Aged Care Facility on the morning of 18 May. Lydia’s violin pieces ranged from Vivaldi to De Falla to some lively fiddle music, and Josh took to both his viola and the piano to provide a range of offerings from Billy Joel to Bach alongside some toe-tapping Klezmer tunes. A memorable element of the musical morning for the residents was the inclusion of two sets of timeless sing-a-long tunes, including “Tiptoe through the tulips”, “Tea for two” and “We’ll Meet Again”. Many thanks must go to Lydia and Josh for giving up their time to bring the joy of music to some elderly members of our local community.
Flute Ensemble provides fittingly tasteful prelude music for Mayor’s luncheon
Hot on the heels of their performance at our recent Small Ensembles Concert, the Tintern Flute Ensemble represented Tintern Grammar in a most appropriate fashion last Wednesday 19 May at the Maroondah City Council Volunteers’ Luncheon at the Karralyka Function Centre. The ensemble looked very smart performing their beautiful prelude music as Maroondah Council Mayor, Cr Kylie Spears and her guests arrived at the venue. We received many compliments on the music and our students during our visit to the event.
Many thanks must go to flute teacher, Ms Patton for preparing the students for this occasion and accompanying them on the excursion. We look forward to hearing them perform again at future functions.
Announcement of recipients of Ilma Kelson and Penelope Thwaites Music Awards
Every year, Tintern Grammar offers music students at the school the opportunity to audition for the Kelson Music Scholar Awards. These awards are named in honour of Mrs Ilma Kelson, a former music director at Tintern between 1958 – 1973. In their eighteenth year this year, the Kelson Family have endowed annual encouragement scholarships to be awarded to students in pursuit of musical excellence. We will be welcoming Mr Michael Kelson to Tintern on Friday 11 June to present this year’s awards at a Principal’s Assembly.
Awards will be presented to the following recipients:
KELSON SCHOLAR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Outstanding Performer Helen Yang Piano Year 9
Desirable Instrument Awards Etienne Meddings Double Bass Year 7
Averil Lee Clarinet Year 6
Penelope Thwaites Music Awards
Australian Composition Sophie Liu Flute Year 7
Original Composition Sebastian Humphrys Piano Year 7
We congratulate these students on their successful auditions and look forward to hearing their performances in the Assembly in June.
