Music Department
A highlight of the year was the Senior Spring Concert presented on Friday 11 September in the Dickinson Centre. This concert showcased all of the Senior Ensembles that rehearse diligently each week and it was a great opportunity to thank and farewell the senior musicians who have given so much of their time and energy to the musical life of the School.
The concert began in the foyer of the Dickinson Centre with the Jazz Ensemble and the Big Band performing while parents enjoyed tea and coffee before moving into the main auditorium. The audience was then treated to the Combined Symphony Orchestra performing The Lord of the Dance followed by Combined Vocal Ensemble performing Butterfly and Nine Hundred Miles.
The programme continued with performances by Scotch Vox, the Senior Guitar Ensemble and the Senior String Orchestra with a special performance by the Senior Vocal Ensemble that was joined on stage by singers from the University of Western Australia with their Director Mr Andrew Foote.
My thanks to the girls and Music Staff of PLC for their enthusiastic participation and to Mr Foote and his UWA vocalists.
The programme concluded with two pieces performed by the Senior Concert Band, which were interspersed by thanks and congratulations given to the leaving Year 12 musicians. Special commendations were given to many boys with special awards given to Vaughan Chin (Ferguson),Liam Bayly (Stuart), William Goyder (Ross), David Honey (Ross), Hamish de la Hunty (Shearer), Connor Henderson (Ferguson), Mac Hanlin (Stuart), Mark Barwood (St Andrews) and Stuart McCowan (Ferguson). Stuart McCowan was thanked for his outstanding work as Captain of Music, and additionally, he was awarded the 2015 Old Scotch Collegians Music Medal for his contribution to the musical life of the College over his time at Scotch College.
The performances continued on Sunday with the two Combined Ensembles performing as guests of Presbyterian Ladies' College at the Perth Concert Hall as part of the PLC Centenary Concert. My thanks to all boys who participated in this event and to the many parents who chauffeured boys in and out of the city.
Sunday's performance concluded Arts Week with a range of performances having been presented at lunch time in the Senior School outside the Dickinson Centre. Congratulations to all boys who performed (and their Music Teachers) which included the General Music Classroom boys, Senior String Quartet, Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble and Scotch Vox.
Upcoming Events:
There are several entertaining events scheduled for the remainder of the term outlined below, and I commend all of these performances to you.
Middle School Music Classes are presenting a range of performances this week during their normal timetabled classes with information sent to specific families as invitations.
Junior School Strings present their Soiree event on Thursday 17 September in MacKellar Hall. This is a chance to enjoy the developing sounds of the younger string musicians who have been working hard all year developing their skills to share. Everyone is invited to enjoy this event.
Supporting the musical activities is Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department. FOSM meets once or twice each term with all meetings beginning at 7.00pm. Meetings go for approximately one hour, and are held in the Senior School Music Room with everyone welcome. Please consider becoming involved in the FOSM Parent Support group as an excellent way to support your son and the Music Programme at Scotch College.
Contact Details
The Instrumental Programme is administered by the Senior School Music Department and all queries should be directed to the Music Administrator, Julia Robinson (9383 6841) music@scotch.wa.edu.au
Alternately, please contact Mr David Coughlan, Head of Music, via email DGCoughlan@scotch.wa.edu.au or phone 9383 6842.
If you wish to become more involved in supporting the Music Department by receiving information about the work of FOSM, please contact FOSM@scotch.wa.edu.au.
Mr David Coughlan
Head of Music
