Furthering the Education of Young Musicians
In music this term, our classroom music and co-curricular music students have actively engaged in a series of extension workshops with industry professionals. These workshops have further extended our students’ musicianship and instrument specific skills, whilst developing their 21st century skills of Collaboration and Teamwork, Personal and Social skills, Communication and Creative Thinking (QCAA, 2021). Students have had the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with students in different year levels in a smaller group setting than regular music ensemble rehearsals. Music is one of the few activities at the College where students get to regularly work in a collaborative environment with older and younger students to achieve the same goal.
The first of our workshops was the Middle School Rock Band Workshop run in Term 2 week 2. The annual Lizid rock and pop festival has been a tradition since 1998.This festival is student led under the direction of Ms Angelina Ellis. The festival sees students from across the College form aspiring bands who rehearse, audition and perform in the week-long festival held at morning tea and lunch breaks. Famous musicians who themselves were a part of Lizid include Aria winning artist Conrad Sewell, and Matt Copley who worked as the Musical Director for Delta Goodrem before they became engaged, and continues to collaborate with Matt performing as her lead guitar player.
Thirty students from Years 7, 8 and 9 took up the opportunity to hone their knowledge and skills as contemporary singers, guitarists, keyboard players and drummers before combining forces to perform as a mega rock band. We thank SLC piano teacher and jazz and contemporary expert Meg Burstow, vocal and piano expert Mr Brown, guitar expert Ms Ellis, and Director of Music, Mr Capern for giving their time and expertise to lead the afternoon. We look forward to seeing these musicians perform in Term 3.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 15 May, students from Years 7-12 engaged in a jazz improvisation and vocal technique masterclass with expert clinician Charlotte Mclean. Charlotte Mclean is the Course Co-ordinator of Jazz Voice at Jazz Music Institute, Brisbane. JMI is the jazz focused tertiary music institute of Australia. Charlotte is a renowned jzz singer, vocal teacher and clinician so we were privileged to have her run a workshop afternoon. All students and music staff were engaged in a masterclass in improvisation and jazz theory, before vocal students and Big Band singers performed solo to receive individual feedback to develop their skills in jazz specific vocal techniques. 
On the mornings of 16 and 23 May, String Orchestra One and String Orchestra two were privileged to have internationally renowned educator, musician and composer Loreta Fin AM to work with String Orchestra One and String Orchestra Two. Loreta, who was recently appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her significant contributions to music, education, and professional associations, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience. Loreta has also generously donated some of her own compositions to the College.
MR JULIAN LEINENGA
Assistant Head of Faculty - Music