Term 4 did not start with a bang!
In the Music Department, we always look forward to hearing the Jazz Band rehearsing on the first morning of the week, and the subsequent tunes emanating from rehearsals in the Kelson Room each morning before school. Mrs Feenane in the Music Office and our Music Staff were very much looking forward to seeing some students back on site this term, ready to re-commence music lessons and some ensemble work. As Music Educators, we know that participation in music provides many students with a place of connectedness and an oft-needed outlet for relaxation. The immense benefits of music making on mental health and academic achievement are well documented. Involvement in music groups provides extensive opportunities for developing friendships with like-minded peers, and co-operation and collaboration with them.
Whilst we are disappointed that our music lessons and rehearsals are still being conducted remotely, I thank our wonderful Music Staff for sharing their love of music with their students and the students for their ongoing commitment to their music, albeit in the online forum. It is wonderful to know that the instruments are not rusting out nor the voices atrophying from underuse. This will make your return to school so much smoother and getting back into lessons and rehearsals ever so much easier, when the time comes. Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later!
Concerto Competition in 2022
The Concerto Festival is an event for experienced musicians currently attending Tintern Grammar. The Festival provides a valuable performance experience for all students who enter. All students are eligible to participate whether they learn at Tintern Grammar or outside the school.
The preliminary event will be held in the CM Wood Centre on Wednesday 9 March 2022. Students are required to perform one movement only from a concerto, or for singers, a recitative and aria, with piano accompaniment. A school accompanist will accompany these performances and should be approached early in 2022 to arrange rehearsals for this event.
An external adjudicator will choose the top three or four performers from the preliminary evening. These students will then be invited to perform their concerto movement, or recitative and aria, accompanied by orchestra (or other appropriate ensemble) at the Final Showcase on Wednesday 15 June. Rehearsals for the showcase will take place during the latter part of Term 1 and into Term 2, 2022.
Students may enter and perform in the preliminary event on (no more than) two different instruments. In the event that both of these performances are deemed to be worthy of a ‘top four’ place, the student will select one work (only) to be performed with the orchestra, and an additional performer will be selected by the adjudicator.
If you are keen to enter the Concerto Festival, please contact Mrs Feenane in the Music Office at music@tintern.vic.edu.au to request an entry form. This should be returned to the Tintern Music Office by Friday 3 December 2021. Please note that a copy of the music, including piano accompaniment, must be attached to the entry form.
