Showcasing our Music Curriculum

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Week 4 was filled with performances that showcased the music curriculum in the Junior School and the Music ensemble programme across the College.

Mini Musos

On Monday 7 November, students from Reception to Year 2 presented an array of performances to demonstrate what they had been exploring through music in the PYP. The performances included singing with choreography, tuned and untuned percussion. The repertoire featured a wide variety of music from different cultures around the world.

There was an excellent turn out and I would like to thank all of the parents, friends and staff who supported the students through their attendance.

A special mention goes to the Junior School Music Leaders for compering the performances. In particular, I thank Ms Loretta Bowshall, and Mrs Rebecca Pfitzner for their commitment to the Music Department and for organising this wonderful event.

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R-12 Art Exhibition

On Wednesday 9 November, a variety of music ensembles entertained members of the Mercedes College community at the Art Exhibition.

The Mercedes Drum Line opened the event with gusto. An array of choirs also featured including Junior School Choir, Petites Voix, Vivace, and VoxPop - Festival Choir was the headline act. Stringed instruments were celebrated through the evening with Junior Guitar Ensemble and Middle Years Guitar Ensembles leading the way, and most impressively, an army of ukuleles!

Finally, our Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble filled the air with toe-tapping tunes. Performances of this calibre would not be possible without the dedication of our instrumental music staff and ensemble directors.

In particular, I would like to thank Ms Loretta Bowshall, Mrs Rebecca Pfitzner, Mrs Emma Rowe, Mr Robin Pratt, Mr Emile Ryjoch, and Mr Andrew Wiering for directing their respective ensembles so efficiently. I also thank our student comperes Clementine Murton (Festival Choir Student Compere 2016), Megan Crossing (Music Captain 2017), and Sarah Martin (Visual Arts Captain 2017) for hosting the music performances.

This event could not have occurred without the meticulous planning of our Arts Coordinators, Ms Luisa Stocco and Mr Anthony Kelly. In addition, I am excited to welcome Eleni Galanos to our department as a temporary Performing Arts Education Support Officer and her work is much appreciated.

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Other exciting news

The Festival Choir has been given a replacement concert date following the state-wide blackout. The students will be performing on the evening of Saturday 19 November at St Michaels College, Henley Beach. We wish them all the best and congratulate them on their dedication to this ensemble throughout 2016.

The Arts Department is very excited about production week for the Year 8 musical coming up in two weeks! Please come and support our students at one of their performances on Wednesday 23 November and Thursday 24 November, 2016.

Jennifer Trijo
Coordinator of Music & Performance R-12