As I begin to write this, I am sitting in the main rehearsal at Amberley Retreat Centre listening to a Symphonic Band percussion sectional. Nine students ranging from Year 9 to Year 12 are undertaking focussed work on consolidating rhythmic strength and security in their parts. It is great to watch the collaborative approach, the concentration, listening to each other to ensure they know how their own part fits against the other eight. Violinist Yehudi Menuhin was quoted as saying, ‘Music is a therapy. It is communication far more powerful than words, far more immediate, far more efficient.’ Not only does the communication exist between music maker and listener, but between the musicians. It is a communication without words, but through listening, feeling, responding, collaborating. This has been evidenced in all the sectionals taking place and will continue as the camp progresses.
Back to the camp later! There is much to celebrate in the Performing Arts in the past few months. The Middle School Musical, 13, was performed to full audiences with great engagement and enthusiasm. With an important message to share, the cast brought much joy, humour and reflection to the stage. Thanks to the creative team for supporting the students both in the cast and the crew to deliver something pretty special over the six shows.
During the middle weekend of the holidays, Carey hosted the Australia National Band and Orchestra’24 Conference, with clinics, workshops and performances presented in the De Young Performing Arts Centre and MGH over the four-day program. We were honoured to have both our Wind Symphony and Big Band selected to perform at the event. Additionally, our Big Band served as the demonstration ensemble for a workshop led by a clinician from Sydney. We are incredibly proud of how the 56 Senior School students and two Middle School students who dedicated their holiday time to participate represented Carey and the music department. The students were aware of the significance of the event and given that they were performing to an IWA full of ensemble directors and music educators from all over Australia and the United States, there were some understandable nerves, but also excitement and pride. Congratulations to Daniel, Roger and the ensembles for their fabulous performances.
And back to the camp, where it is now the final day. We have been fortunate to have Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Spenner join us as a guest clinician, working with our Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Senior Strings. Assistant Conductor of the United States Coast Guard Band, Jeffrey brought much knowledge to the groups and engaged enthusiastically with the chosen repertoire. Our Carey musicians were focussed and responsive in the sessions, making excellent progress on their Term 3 repertoire. In each rehearsal he posed the question, ‘what is the purpose of playing music?’, each group responded with ‘to communicate’. Further discussion elaborated on the response – to communicate expression, intent, mood. Expressive communication has been evident all through the weekend. As Victor Hugo is quoted as saying, ‘Music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent.’
Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts
