Friends of Music Practice-athon

The music faculty would like to thank all who participated in the Friends of Music & Performing Arts Practice-athon throughout August and September. Students across both Williamstown and Truganina campuses raised a total of $3,489.95. It is hoped that all students involved reaped the benefits of increased skill and enjoyment in their music making over the 21 days of the campaign, forming practice habits that will continue with them into the future. Over the past couple of years, FOMPA has been able to support the purchase of instruments and provide transport to events, whilst also awarding 2 annual music scholarships. A huge thank you to the parents and friends who supported their children both morally, and financially, throughout this wonderful fundraising effort. Awards for most hours practised and funds raised will be presented in Junior School assemblies late November.

European Music Tour, January 2019

Preparation is well under way for the music faculty’s 21 day tour through 5 countries over the coming European winter. 43 students and 5 staff have been rehearsing all year for a variety of concerts in Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Salzburg and Vienna. While a majority of the repertoire performed will be choral works, the group will also present some smaller orchestral and wind band arrangements, supported by a brass ensemble, jazz ensemble, cello ensemble, clarinet trio and a variety of soloists. The tour group participated in a special Remembrance Service at Holy Trinity, Williamstown on Sunday 11 November, presenting a moving work; In Flanders Field. In January the group will have an opportunity to pay their respects on the Western Front, visiting significant memorials on the way to Ypres, Belgium for the daily Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate.

The European Tour group will present a showcase of their repertoire in a public performance on Monday 3 December 11am at The Arena, NAB Docklands, 700 Bourke St.

AMEB Exams Session 4 & 5

Over the past couple of months, Westbourne has had approximately 100 music Junior and Senior students undertake an AMEB exam on Cello, Clarinet, Double Bass, Flute, French Horn, Oboe, Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin and Voice. Most of these have been held on campus, while others have been at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn. Congratulations to all students and respective Instrumental and Vocal staff for an outstanding set of results so far:

Andrew Leach – Director of Music