The Kinnear theatre was the venue for the Winter Ensembles Concert on Wednesday June 17.
Featuring eight groups of student musicians, the audience was treated to a wide variety of styles and groupings of instruments, demonstrating the range of opportunities students have to engage in musical activities through our Instrumental Music Program.
From strings to brass, woodwind, percussion and choirs, our wonderful Instrumental Music team had thoroughly prepared each ensemble for this first formal presentation of their work for the year. Many of the ensembles had music especially arranged by their teachers to challenge and show off the different talents of their students. For some performers, this was their first or second public performance on the instrument they elected to play in term 1.
What a lot of promise was shown for the years to come, along with some continued development for others who have appeared at various performance events over the last few years.
There are already plans for the next big ensembles concert in spring, so stay tuned for details.
There are still vacancies for some instruments, especially in the brass department (trumpet, trombone, french horn and tuba) and it is never too late in the year to get started. If any year 7 students are interested, use this link to express interest. Students from years 8-12 use this link.
Did you know the benefits of engaging in music are far broader than simply developing a musical and technical skill? There is a growing body of research examining the wider benefits of developing musical skill focussing on brain development. In one study, the authors look at how wind playing connects breath with sound in a powerful way. As students control their breath to produce sound, they also receive instant feedback through the sound they create. This steady breath-sound rhythm can support the body’s ability to regulate stress and settle into rest. Early findings suggest that regular wind instrument practice may reduce anxiety and help people sleep more soundly, with fewer nighttime wake-ups.
