James meets world-renowned bassoonist
I was lucky enough to attend a Bassoon Masterclass conducted by, arguably, one of the best bassoonists in the world, Lyndon Watts. He is a principal bassoonist of the Munich Philharmonic, a world-renowned orchestra. The masterclass was held at the Victorian College of the Arts and was part of the MYO (Melbourne Youth Orchestra) program. It was the first of their masterclasses for the year. Four players, all of whom were above AMEB Grade 7 standard, performed and were “mentored” by Lyndon. By the end of their 30 minutes, their pieces were completely transformed. Lyndon also played many of the pieces himself. They sounded entirely different from everyone else when he played them. I definitely benefited from this one-of-a-kind experience, and I am ready to put his tips into action!
James Manson, Year 8, Bassoonist
Performers at Assemblies
It is always a pleasure for staff and students to hear soloists and ensembles perform at our school assemblies. Sometimes it is on stage in the CM Wood Centre during a Principal’s Assembly on a Friday afternoon. Last week we enjoyed performances by two soloists during our Girls’ and Boys’ Middle School Assemblies on Wednesday. Annabelle Guscott played cello in Area C for the Year 7 to 9 girls and their Pastoral Teachers, while Isaac Hong performed in the Theatre for the Year 7 to 9 boys and their teachers. It is not an easy task to perform in front of your peers, so congratulations to both performers on your preparation and performances. Any music students, whether they learn at school or outside school, who would like to be considered for an Assembly performance should email Mrs Bezaire and be willing to audition their piece for Mrs Bezaire when it is performance-ready.
Kelson and Penelope Thwaites Music Award Applications Now Open
Music students in Year 5 to 12 may apply for the following Music awards:
Ilma Kelson Music Scholar Awards
~ Outstanding Senior Performer (Years 7-12)
~ Two Encouragement Awards for students learning ‘desirable’ instruments (see application form for details) for the orchestral program at Tintern Grammar (Year 5-12).
Penelope Thwaites Music Awards
~ Best Performance of an Australian Composition Award (Years 5-12)
~ Original Composition Award (Years 7-12)
Click on this link for an application form: *** Application forms also are available from Mrs Wagner and Mrs Casey in the Junior School and from Mrs Feenane in the Senior Music Office. Auditions for the awards will be held on Wednesday 3 May. Applications close on Friday 31 March.
Music Theory Club
Senior Music Leaders and Ms McKenzie are available in the Music Lab (Room S111) at lunchtimes on Mondays to assist with Grades 1 and 2 theory tuition. Students should bring their lunch and theory book (if they have one – if not, we have them available for purchase). Parents – this tuition will have a positive effect on the student’s learning in their instrumental lesson. Please note: in order to receive a Grade 6 certificate for an instrumental/vocal exam, a student must have passed Grade 2 Theory with credit.
by Alison Bezaire, Director of Music
