Music Report – September 20, 2018

The St Patrick’s College Music program had a very busy week with six ensembles entered into various sections of Royal South Street.

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Monday- September 3

Rising Stars

The Rising Stars Concert Band, under the co-directorship of Katrina Bird and Fiona Wilson, presented three works. This was the ensemble’s first experience in a competitive environment and we were both very proud of their performance.

The section comprises students who have been learning for 12 months and under. Our Year 7 boys have only started learning their instruments since the beginning of the year. It was with great excitement that we gained an Honorable Mention in a competition of nine ensemble.

Well done Rising Stars!

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Concert Band

The Concert Band competed in the afternoon under the baton of Mrs Katrina Bird. The section was hotly contested, with upwards of 10 ensembles competing in the section. Although the group played three works beautifully, showing improvement from the Sydney tour, they did not gain a place. However, the adjudicator’s comments indicated that the group were within reach of a place.

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Tuesday- September 4

Symphonic Wind Ensemble

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the leadership of Miss Fiona Wilson competed in the Intermediate Concert Band section. The group competed against 11 other ensembles who had travelled from Melbourne and the local Ballarat region.

Symphonic Winds was one of the smaller bands in the section. This made our Highly Commended equal placing with Wesley College, St. Kilda campus very exciting.

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Thursday- September 6

Junior Stage Band

Mrs Claire O’Brien led the Junior Stage Band in an exciting program of works that demonstrated their growing understanding of swing and rock styles. The adjudicator congratulated the group for the lovely warm sound that the group produced throughout their performance. Although they did not gain a place this year, we are very proud of the progress made, which is a great indicator for next year.

Friday- September 7

Stage Band

Mr John Crowley has worked tirelessly with the Stage Band this year. The section consisted of more than 10 intermediate ensembles, who all performed to an outstanding standard. The boys produced a performance for which they should be truly proud. They unfortunately missed a place, but the points awarded indicated that they were within a hair’s breath.

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Saturday- September 8

Percussion Ensemble

Congratulations to the Percussion Ensemble under the baton of Mr Michael Evans-Barker. I am so proud to announce that we were successful in gaining first place. The boys performed two works superbly, wowing the audience and the adjudicator.

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I sincerely wish to thank each of the ensemble directors who prepared each ensemble beautifully and the students who showed dedication, persistence and the pursuit of excellence.

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Fiona Wilson

Head of Music