Term 1 2013 - Churchlands Senior High School

Term 1 2013
CSHS SPECIALIST
MUSIC PROGRAM
1972 – 2013
musicnotes
1962 – 2013
CREATED FOR
MUSIC PARENTS
AND STUDENTS
CHURCHLANDS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC PARENTS’ COMMITTEE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Lights. Camera.
AQUIFER!
You may have heard that during the Christmas
holidays, the Churchlands School of Music was
involved in shooting a scene for a movie adaptation
of a book, The Turning by prize-winning Australian
novelist and short story writer, Tim Winton.
The Turning consists of 17 interconnected short
stories and each is filmed by a different director. Six
of the 17 ‘shorts’ will be filmed in Western Australia.
Aquifer is the title of the short film our music
students were involved in. The movie will receive
cinematic release in the second half of 2013 – after
which it will feature on the ABC.
ab ove : Students rehearsing
with West Australian actor,
Callan Mulvey, Director &
Producer, Robert Connolly
and his wholly West
Australian crew.
(p hoto: Glenn Robinson)
(continued on page 5)
Convenor’s Cadenza
Christine Price MPC Convenor
W
elcome to new and returning Churchlands
SHS families, and welcome to our first
issue of MusicNotes for 2013.
This publication is produced as a labour of
love – thanks to our volunteer design and
editing team, and all its contributions are
provided by music parents, students and
staff whom I thank.
In this issue!
The Music Parent Committee (MPC) at
Churchlands, is a large and vibrant body, and
is perhaps better known as the Music Parent
Community! Having conducted our AGM in February,
I congratulate and welcome this year’s 59 elected
portfolio and general committee members!
MPC AGM “If the hat fits...”
3
Filming The Turning at Churchlands
5
From the Music Director’s Desk
6
Les Misérable Churchlands Style
8
Quarry Concert
10
We exist to support our music staff and to
enhance the musical journey for our students
and families.
Spotlight! Benn Hodgkin 
12
Year 8 BBQ – a parent’s perspective
14
Principal’s Postlude
15
Life after Churchlands – Henry Gunson
16
(continued on page 2)
PAGE 2
Music Parents Committee 2013
Convenor Christine Price
inspire2@bigpond.net.au
Treasurer Louise Storey
lestorey@aapt.net.au
Secretary Kirrily Filmer
kfilmer@gmail.com
P&C Liaison Adrian O’Brien
creinao@bigpond.com
MusicNotes Coordinator & Designer
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
Convenor’s Cadenza (continued from page 1)
It is a privilege to be so intimately involved in our student’s
education – and when, at the other end, they can write with
such warmth and gratitude – as has last year’s graduate,
Henry Gunson (see page 16) – one can appreciate the
specialness of our school.
Going above and beyond (happily!) typifies the level of
commitment and enthusiasm of so many students and staff
(and I can’t forget the parents!) with high levels of involvement
for rehearsal and performances, before and after school,
Saturday mornings, and during school holidays.
Linda Grant
linda@greatcircledesign.com.au
Life in the music school is full, and it’s rewarding.
MusicNotes Senior Editor
I invite you to join with us. Together, let’s build on the
wonderful work of the many parents who have gone before us,
and help create another terrific year for our music community.
Leeanne Biemmi
biemmi@bigpond.com
Office Roster Coordinator Anne-Laure Gunson-Bouillet
alcoccinelle@hotmail.com
Email Coordinator Susan Igglesden
May you find joy
in the journey.
cshs-mpc@amnet.net.au
Stagecrew Coordinators
Gary Kynaston & Lawrence Greed
gary@ronmack.com.au
lagreed5@bigpond.net.au
Front of House Coordinator Carole Elliot
carole.elliot@bigpond.com
Concert Hall Community Event Coordinator
Jo Exon
exonjo@gmail.com
There was a great turnout
at the MPC AGM.
(p hotos : Kelvin Price)
Approved Manager for Licensed Events
Louise Storey
lestorey@aapt.net.au
Festivals Food & Refreshments Coordinators
Bev Petrie & Helen Schurmann
bevjohn@iinet.net.au
Helen.s@internode.on.net
Festivals Sausage Sizzle Coordinators
Anita Greed & Alison Stanning
lagreed5@bigpond.net.au
alison.stanning@bigpond.com
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Coordinator Ellie Savory
esavory@bigpond.net.au
Concert Supper Coordinator Kristy Lee
ksqlee@hotmail.com
Art Show ‘Cuppas ‘n’ Cakes’ Coordinators
Angie Angus-Ha & Lucy Liau
aangusha@tpg.com.au
lucyv6@bigpond.net.au
Wembley Downs District Fair Coordinator Janet Ryan
tonyjan@bigpond.com
PR Coordinator Geoff Sinclair
geoffsinclair@iinet.net.au
Entertainment Book Coordinator Gladys Voon
gladyslee_668@msn.com
The MusicNotes team would like to acknowledge the support given by its
newest members, Angie Angus-Ha and Geoff Sinclair, and the wonderful
photographic contribution of Rob Hall whose photos can be viewed and
downloaded at www.perthimages.info/ChurchlandsSeniorHighSchool
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General MPC Committee Members
Ramin Ahmad-Panahi, Debbi Alloway, Angie Angus-Ha, Craig Berry, Deepa Bhowmick,
Marina Biddle, Phil Blann, Sue Blann, Julie Carmichael, Brooke Carnes, Jenny Easton,
Charlene Farrell, Tracey Gralton, Deirdre Hall, Jen Harwood, Diane Hunter, Mary
John, Tes Lynch, Mari May, Santhi Menon, Jayne Moore, Karen Murray, Creina O’Brien,
Hendrik Overmeire, Amanda Pintado, Dharminder Reshi, Jas Reshi, Lisa Smith,
Nicole Stewart, Tracy Taylor, Louise Tero, Anna Thetford, Lea Vogas, Heather Wayte,
Rachel West, Sue Zehnder.
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
PAGE 3
MPC AGM 2013 –
If the hat fits...
M
onday 18th February saw 70 enthusiastic music
parents and music teachers pack the school
staffroom for the 2013 Music Parents’ Committee AGM.
Convenor, Christine Price, thanked everyone for
their attendance and, in particular, the wonderful
team of volunteers who organised the supper.
For the benefit of parents new to the school,
Christine pointed out the sense of community
and camaraderie that exists within the MPC and
discussed the Committee’s 3 main roles:
(i)Serve the music staff through (i) daily clerical
assistance in the office, and (ii) practical concert
support e.g. Stage Crew for concerts;
(ii)Fundraise to keep resources and musical
equipment at a premium level for our children;
and
(iii)Be a positive social network to help build
the fabric of the music community here at
Churchlands. It is a privilege to be a part of the
MPC – a unique opportunity to be involved,
connected and engaged with our children during
their high school years that pass by all too quickly.
In his absence, Christine acknowledged Principal
Neil Hunt ’s support and leadership which has
enabled this programme to flourish as evidenced
in the development of the Concert Hall, new music
office, teaching facilities and world class piano.
“He is an advocate for our students, our school in general,
and our music school in particular. Neil has been willing to
go where other Principals fear to tread, to champion the
cause.” The meeting gave their applause and thanks
to Neil.
Christine introduced and thanked Cornelis De Groot
(music parent) who last week resigned after 5 years
as P&C President and announced that Ross Elliott
(also a music parent), is the newly elected 2013
P&C President.
Christine described the music staff as
“...passionate, inspiring, empathetic,
firm and joyful teachers, well loved by
the children” and welcomed them,
including Robyn Griffin, the 2IC
and Instrumental Coordinator, and
Director of Music, Glenn Robinson
who formally addressed the meeting.
For 2013 MPC, Christine is keen to see parent
volunteers flourish in their area of passion and ability,
and to harness the parent potential. She used the
expression, “If the hat fits, wear it”, in describing how
there are a number of different roles within the MPC
but the role must ultimately become ‘comfortable’.
Christine encouraged people to take risks in becoming
involved and reminded parents that there is always
support and encouragement available from other
experienced members. All of us are important and
are needed to share the load.
(continued on page 4)
Music parents helping to serve
wines and supper on the night
and simply being a part of this
enjoyable meeting.
(p hotos : Linda Grant
& Kelvin Price)
PAGE 4
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
D
If the hat fits... (continued from page 3)
It was a year full of concerts, festivals, fundraisers and
an overseas music tour. Christine outlined some of the
Committee’s achievements in 2012 which included:
• The Year 8 BBQ to welcome new families;
•Production of 4 MusicNotes newsletters;
•Maintenance of parent communications;
•Mentor phone contacts with Year 8 parents/carers;
•Hosting the annual Meet the Instrumental
Teachers Night (a unique event at which parents
meet their child’s instrumental teacher and can
build relationships.
•Provision of parent volunteers in the music office
each school day;
•Provision of parent volunteers (including a couple
of teachers and a doctor) at the all-day rehearsal
in the Concert Hall for the Farewell Anniversary
Concert;
•Concerts’ support – Front of House, Stage Crew
and suppers;
•Numerous Fundraisers including: 3 Bunnings
(Innaloo) sausage sizzle stalls; a sausage sizzle at
school for the Choral Festival; tea/coffee/cakes
stalls for the Choral Festival and Community Art
Show; car parking attendants at community events
held at the school; and the Wembley Downs
District Fair stall.
• RSA training undertaken by some music parents.
•Training of an Approved Manager for Licensed
Events.
•Provision of the bar for happy hour at the
50th Anniversary/Back to School Day.
•Purchasing through parents’ monetary gifts of
a 40th birthday present for the music school –
a conductor’s podium.
•Presentation to staff of Christmas hampers,
collected from the music parent body as token
of our sincere appreciation.
•Assistance with promotion and set up of
Carols by Candlelight.
•Provision of Santa at Carols by Candlelight
(we thank ex music parent, Gary Collinson).
•Provision of information to Year 7s at the
New Parent Information Evening.
•Serving Supper for the Year 12 Music
Presentation Evening.
•Awarding the top Music student, the $200
Dux Award.
•Provision of the individual medallions for all
graduating students.
•Hosting of community events held in the
Concert Hall.
irector of Music, Glenn Robinson, thanked
Christine and Treasurer, Louise Storey, and
then outlined the major events of 2012 as being the
establishment of the Concert Hall, the overseas
music tour, the 50th anniversary of the school and
40th anniversary of the Specialist Music Program:
a memorable year, one good to reflect upon.
Glenn expects 2013 to be less hectic for the music
department and families and an opportunity to look
at what can be accomplished together.
Music parent, Cornelis De Groot
(front, right), has served as the
P&C President for the past 5 years.
(p hoto: Linda Grant)
After introducing new and present music staff, Glenn
outlined some of the 2013 music calendar of events
including: The Quarry Concert, performed in
conjunction with Perth Modern and the music students
from John Curtin; Les Misérables, the 2013 musical
production under the directorship of Paul Sealey,
the usual six school Concerts; two productions to
date – the Concert Band was a “prop” in a movie
filmed at CSHS, based on Tim Winton’s book of
short stories The Turning, and a performance was
given by the String Quartet at a UWA presentation to
top performing schools by the Minister of Education,
Hon. Peter Collier.
“The office support that music parents
provide has a direct positive impact
on children as it allows the staff to
focus on the students and develop the
music program. Staff are grateful for
their support, as well as the financial
support that is provided.”
Glenn Robinson
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
PAGE 5
ab ove : Students rehearsing in
the school gymnasium with West
Australian actor, Callan Mulvey
‘conducting’ the ‘Churchlands
Senior High School Wind
Orchestra’ (for the purposes
of the film).
(p hotos : Glenn Robinson)
Lights. Camera. AQUIFER!
Excerpt from a letter of thanks from
Director of Music, Glenn Robinson
(continued from page 1)
In Aquifer, the scene takes place in the gymnasium and
involves the main character (who is a band director,
played by Callan Mulvey) conducting a rehearsal after
school. While he is conducting, he is reflecting upon
the events of his childhood. As the audience, you
are the band.
The Turning’s overall Producer, and also the Director
of Aquifer, is Robert Connolly. Robert is a politically
conscious film director, producer and screenwriter
who is best known as the director and writer of the
feature films Balibo, Three Dollars and The Bank, and the
producer of the high-profile Australian films Romulus
My Father and The Boys.
Following the State Government’s commitment to
invest in the production of a children’s film in WA
called Paper Planes, The Hon. John Day, Minister
for Culture and the Arts, visited the Churchland’s
set of The Turning to briefly to observe the shoot.
He later said, “Today I was able to meet and observe
a number of talented WA filmmakers at work on
Tim Winton’s The Turning and the production of
Paper Planes should also employ the majority of its
cast and crew from WA.”
ton is ou
OW that Tim Win
PS: DID YOU KN
Winton’s brother?
Chaplain, Andrew
r
Hi kids and parents (with cars),
Thank you all for your support today at school. It was a
fun experience and a few parents may have received more
media attention in the morning’s session than they had
anticipated!
I would like to also pass on the thanks from the production
team – all of whom commented on your attitude, patience
and tolerance, especially given the less than ideal rehearsal
space and temperature. Well done and again from me,
thank you.
Thanks to Laura and Gen who really went above and
beyond to help us out. Good luck with your post secondary
exploits this year!
Particular thanks also to Mrs Caron Walker, conducting
coach extraordinaire, for her work with Callan Mulvey
yesterday and her work in getting you up to a respectable
standard in a very short time today.
Please enjoy the remaining days of the holidays safely and
I look forward to seeing your smiling faces in a couple of
weeks.
Kind regards,
Glenn Robinson
Director of Music
PAGE 6
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
From the Director’s Desk
Glenn Robinson
W
elcome back to what promises
to be another stellar year in
the School of Music. Our year started in
the middle of January with students and staff involved
in a full day film shoot. It was fun and provided our
students with a behind the scenes look at how a film
is made.
For the first time in many years we have a venue that
can accommodate all of our enrolled music students.
The last time we had a gathering of all music students
was in 2003 when our numbers were under 250
music students and we could all fit in the Auditorium.
We took advantage of this in the first week this
term to hold a music assembly to go over various
housekeeping details, welcome the year 8 students,
and to celebrate the year 12 results from the previous
year. Yet again the Churchlands music students had
come out on top; a snapshot of the results is provided
below.
SPREAD OF GRADES
A
B
C
D
E
Department
of Education
22% 35% 38%
4%
1%
Like Schools
19% 46% 31%
4%
0%
Churchlands
58% 21% 21%
0%
0%
At the music assembly I also briefly discussed the 2015
tour, including who is eligible to tour (Current Years
8, 9 and 10 students – irrespective of the music course
or stream they are in at the time of touring), with
an excellent record of attendance and effort in class,
lessons, rehearsals and performances. We are already
watching them closely!
My intention is to build a tour around places of
historical and cultural significance in central Europe.
Don’t expect to hear more until Term 2 next year –
I’m still recovering from the last tour.
The music teachers have recently spent time
considering how the program will look in 2015 when
the Grade 7’s join our program. We are very excited
about it as it will solve a number of issues that were
created a few years ago when Gifted & Talented
(G&T) testing moved to Grade 6, rather than Grade 7
as it had been previously. We have trialled timetabling
classes and rehearsals based on the larger numbers
and an additional year group and it looks as if they will
be easily accommodated. We are anticipating another
two FTE teaching positions will be needed to meet the
increased size.
I would like to draw your attention to the new faces
in the music department. Two new teachers are
Department
Christie Sullivan and Miranda Sims, both proving
of Education 63.08%
themselves to be teachers of the highest calibre.
The non-teaching staff member we have gained is
Like Schools 65.81%
Karina Musto who is the new Facilities Manager. She
Churchlands 75.26%
is responsible for managing the bookings and fielding
enquiries of people and organisations wanting to hire
school facilities, principally the music performance and
MUSIC COURSE EXHIBITION
teaching spaces. She joins Jim Bowman who is our
Congratulations to
100%
intrepid Audio Video Technician and since the latter
David Gioia
part of last year has worked to ensure that teachers
and students get the maximum benefit out of the
Well done also to former
100%
wonderful facilities with which we are blessed.
Music Captain, Rachel Chan AVERAGE FINAL SCALED SCORE
who received 100% as her
final scaled mark, which was
the 3rd highest of the three
100% music results achieved
in the state.
Our beautiful Concert Hall makes possible, fantastic one-nightonly performances by our talented students in Junior, Intermediate
and Senior Concerts! We thank Rob Hall www.perthimages.info/
ChurchlandsSeniorHighSchool for his continued valued contribution
to MusicNotes and music families.
(p hotos : Rob Hall)
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
Early next term the School of Music is hosting a special
free presentation by Casting Director Lilly Dawson.
On Wednesday 8th May (Week 1, Term 2) at 1pm
Lilly will be speaking with students interested in a
career in the entertainment industry.
Lilly Dawson is the Director of a company called
Hollywood Immersive, a boutique training program
for performers in Los Angeles. Lilly has worked on
movies such as Knowing, Ghost Rider, and The Cup
and now primarily works with aspiring artists in
Los Angeles. Lilly is briefly back in Australia running
a limited number of complimentary school sessions
where she will cover:
•
Why Australians are doing so well in Hollywood.
•The steps you need to reach your goals – how are
you going to get where you want to be?
•Insights into the audition process – what they’re
really looking for.
•The business side of the acting and music
industries – what you need to know before
you start.
•Getting an agent – do you need an agent and if
so, how to get one.
These educational sessions provide young people
with insights into a career in the entertainment
business. All music students are welcome.
PAGE 7
The music teachers would like to thank the
Music Parents for providing the funds for a new
keyboard laboratory situated in the Alan Bishop
Choral Studio. The means that we now have 4
keyboard labs which are necessary as we frequently
have 4 simultaneous classes needing to use them.
We would also like to congratulate and welcome
the new Music Parents’ Committee and wish them
well for 2013.
New CSHS
staff members
clockwise
from top :
Christie Sullivan
Karina Musto
Miranda Sims
Jim Bowman
PAGE 8
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
themselves with their characters and honing their pick
pocketing and begging skills, their sullen and down
trodden appearances and for some, their ‘seedy’ and
‘prostitute’ like demeanours. And having a ball doing it!
Les Misérables –
Churchlands Style
Move over Hugh, Anne and Russell.
Here come Jarrad, Laura and Brandon!!!
W
hile Hugh Jackman, Ann Hathaway and
Russell Crowe may have wowed audiences
with their portrayals of Jean Valjean, Fantine and
Javert in the recent film adaptation of Les Misérables...
the year’s best performance of the ‘Les Mis’ is yet
to come...
Students from Years 8-12 are currently rehearsing for
the Churchlands SHS production of the musical Les
Misérables. To be performed in May this year, it will be
the inaugural musical performed in the new Concert
Hall, and both students and staff are very excited at
the prospect.
The camaraderie between the cast, and across the year
groups, is already evident and those who have been
involved in previous productions claim the musiclas are
one of the highlights of their time at Churchlands. So
much so that ex students often come back to assist
with productions, as is the case with Kate Goyder and
Tay Broadley who were on hand at the rehearsal to
share their expertise with students, many of whom
were performing in a musical for the first time.
Jarrad Linke has been cast to play the lead role of
Jean Valjean and is looking forward to being part of
the ensemble cast. Jarrad admits to not knowing much
about the story prior to auditioning but knew he wanted
to be part of the musical experience having had roles
in previous productions of Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolour Dreamcoat and Fiddler on the Roof.
“I didn’t have my mind set on a particular part I wanted to
play,” explained Jarrad, “I just wanted to be part of it all.
The rehearsals are great fun and are a nice way to end the
day after school.”
Like many of his peers, Jarrad is watching many a
YouTube clip, familiarising himself with previous
performances, as well as having seen the movie and the
10th Anniversary Concert of the production. Jarrad is
looking forward to singing the classic song ‘Bring Him
Home’ which will surely be a hit with audiences.
The performance’s Musical Director, Paul Sealey,
has been busy working with soloists, ensemble cast
members and auditioning musicians for the musical’s
orchestra. Ms Sally Banyard and Ms Robyn Griffin
will be rehearsing the orchestra.
Actress Amanda Seyfried played Cosette in the
movie Les Mis but she has strong competition
from Churchlands’ Sharmaine Tan (Year 11).
No stranger to the stage, Sharmaine has sung at the
This is the sixth musical that Paul has been involved
with at Churchlands, and he has an impressive
dossier of more than 10 other musical productions
at previous schools. Our wonderful and experienced
Drama teacher, Angela Padley who loves working
collaboratively with Paul and Dance teacher,
Ruth Sutherland, is bringing her creative expertise
to this production.
school and is looking forward to her
role as the adult Cosette.
This experienced group of talented teachers
have all remarked on the incredible energy being
demonstrated by the students, even at this early
stage of the rehearsal schedule. Rehearsals are three
afternoons per week, with the orchestra rehearsing
separately before combining with the performers at
a later stage.
This enthusiasm was evident when MusicNotes took
a sneak peak at a recent rehearsal and spoke to some
of the cast members. Students were familiarising
WA Government Schools Music Society (WAGSM)
Concert at Burswood Theatre every year since primary
Sharmaine has been enjoying the
rehearsals and has been watching
the 25th Anniversary concert
production of Les Mis, as well
as the movie, and YouTube clips.
“I am not nervous,” said Sharmaine,
“I am very excited and am looking
forward to singing all the songs,
especially ‘A Heart Full of Love’,
‘Rue Plumet (In My Life)’ and
‘One Day More’.”
rehearsals are great fun
“ The
and a nice way to end the day
after school”
Jarrad Linke
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
Year 10 student, Jordan Price, has been in a number
of school stage productions and musicals including lead
role in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King
and I; but Les Mis will be the biggest production overall.
“I am looking forward to playing the roles of sailor and of a
student in the uprising,” said Jordan, “I get to sing solo the
first lines in the song ‘Lovely Ladies’ which is exciting.”
Jordan is enjoying the rehearsals even though it feels “still
new” to be acting and singing together. Like most of the
performers that spoke to MusicNotes, Jordan is happy to
be involved in the production, regardless of his role.
Enjoying the role of seedy Bamatbois, is Andrew
McLean. Following in the family footsteps, Andrew’s
mum Kirsten was also a music student at Churchlands.
Like many performers, this is Andrew’s first role in a
musical.
“My favourite song is ‘Lovely Ladies’, explained Andrew,
“I’m having fun rehearsing and singing and am looking
forward to performing in the Concert Hall.”
Laura Igglesden will perform in the role of Fantine
while Jocelyn Campbell and Megan Wills will share
the role of Eponine. Kier Shoosmith will tackle the role
of Enjolras and Noah Bateman has won the role of the
love struck Marius. Brandon Williams West is already
wowing the rest of the cast, and staff, with his portrayal
of police inspector Javert.
Churchlands’ production of Les Mis is not just attributed
solely to the Music Department. Drama and dance
teachers work in tandem with the music staff and the
Design and Technology Department assist in costume
design and production as well as sets and props. It is
a fine example of collaboration across learning areas
throughout the school.
top le ft: Dance Teacher, Ruth Sutherland
works with the students at rehearsal.
top right: Musical Director, Paul Sealey with
Kate Goyder and Tay Broadley lending a hand.
right: Students rehearsing.
b e low: Drama teacher, Angela Padley.
le ft: Lead, Jarrad Linke.
(p hotos : Linda Grant)
PAGE 9
Not all performers are music students as auditions
are open to all students resulting in students from
other disciplines joining with music students in a truly
collaborative venture. The production assists students
with their sight reading and musicianship and also serves
as an assessment piece for the Year 12 ATAR Dance
students.
Considering many of the performers are at school at
7.30am for band and choral ensemble rehearsals, then
attend a full day of school prior to rehearsing after
school, shows how dedicated these performers are.
The fact that these students audition for such ‘extra
curricular’ activities demonstrate their passion and
commitment to the production and their school.
We can’t wait for opening night!
PAGE 10
WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S MUSIC SCHOOLS
TRUST – MUSIC SCHOOLS IN CONCERT
Quarry Concert
WED 20 MARCH & THU 21 MARCH 2013
N
estled in an inner city pocket of Perth is the
Quarry Amphitheatre, which seems a world
away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. This
picturesque amphitheatre is certainly different
from the traditional concert hall, yet the feeling of
informality and community set the stage for what
were two nights of wonderful performances by the
combined symphonies and wind orchestras from
Churchlands SHS , Perth Modern School and
John Curtin College of the Arts.
The Western Australia’s Music School Trust exists for
the purpose of supporting specialist music programs
in WA schools. A government initiative, the trust
makes available small grants to schools to assist music
students to participate in music tours and also to
enrich the music course offerings with master classes
and visiting musicians. The two night concert series
raises funds that supplement the capital fund to ensure
the trust continues into the future.
The concerts are held every three years, therefore,
for many Churchands music students, it may be a ‘once
in a lifetime’ concert performance. The concert offers
students the rare opportunity to collaborate with
other schools alongside students with a passion for
music similar to their own.
Hosted by Mary-Anne Goyder, herself a graduate
of the Churchlands School of Music, the evening’s
repertoire was a blend of well-known classical
favourites as well as some popular contemporary
pieces. The program began with the combined Wind
Orchestra performing A Copland Portrait conducted
by Caron Walker. The Pixar Movie Magic collection,
conducted by Nicole Turner, was a particular
favourite amongst the younger audience members.
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
Churchlands graduate, Kate Goyder, now studying
classical voice at WAPPA, performed I See the Light
from the movie Tangled alongside Perth Modern
graduate Louis Hurley. Kate was not the only 2012
graduate to perform at the concert, with saxophonist
David Gioia featuring as the soloist in Persuasion
conducted by Caron Walker.
There was an extra buzz in the crowd when a selection
from ‘Les Mis’ was performed, under the direction
of Amanda Johnson. Given that many families are
‘living and breathing Les Mis’ at the moment due to the
popularity of the recent film and the excitement of the
Churchlands musical production in May this year, this
was one of the highlights of the concert. This concert
goer was particularly grateful for the ‘picnicing’ facilities
one can enjoy while watching the performances. This
avoided the temptation to ‘sing along’ with the Les Mis
pieces. Thank goodness for a full mouth as the audience
would not have been ready for the classic “Do you hear
the people sing...” to be morphed into “Do you hear that
Churchlands mother sing...?
A half an hour interval allowed us all to stretch our
legs, re-fill the wine glasses and prepare for the second
half of the concert. And what a start to the second
half it was! Stick Schtick was a vibrant percussion
piece involving amazing timing and choreography from
the combined group of percussionists from all three
schools. It was wonderful to see the percussionists
take center stage and showcase how talented they
are. Certainly different to the traditional role of
percussionists in a formal concert setting, this piece
was very well received by the audience and it is hoped
that we get to see these talented musicians perform
similar pieces in the future.
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
PAGE 11
Which instruments
form a brass quintet?
A
Conducted by Bruce Herriman and Neil Coy, the
combined symphony then performed pieces from RimskyKorsavok, Dvorak and Bizet, intertwined with some well
known favourites including Moon River and The Pink Panther.
The evening concluded with an alumni choir comprising ex
students, teachers and parents who, under the direction of
Paul Sealey, performed Verdi’s Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah.
The weather was beautiful, the venue divine and the music
outstanding. Not even the ‘4 legged visitors’ who must
also share a passion for good music, could dampen the
experience of what was a wonderful concert series over
two special evenings.
For parents new to Churchlands, mark 2016 in your
calendars so you are ready for the next one. These concerts
are like Halley’s Comet – they don’t come round often but
you certainly don’t want to miss them when they do!
Leeanne Biemmi
far le ft: David
Gioia.
from all three schools.
top : Mary-Anne Goyder.
ab ove : Kate Goyder.
le ft: Percussionists
(p hotos : Rob Hall)
brass quintet is a small chamber group consisting
of 2 trumpets, a horn, a trombone and a tuba.
Five instruments. A chamber group, like the brass
quintet, is quite a different experience when compared
with the Wind orchestra. In the Wind orchestra, a
conductor is standing out the front keeping everyone
in time, gesturing when to play differently. In the
brass quintet there is no conductor, which means the
musicians have to keep in time by themselves. The first
trumpet player leads the group. Also, there is only one
player per part whereas in the Wind orchestra there
can be up to three people playing the same part.
Having the opportunity to play in the brass quintet is
a great experience which I am thoroughly enjoying.
Madison Smith
Year 9
Trumpet 1 – Kellan Starkie
Trumpet 2 – Madison Smith
Horn – Mark Warrener
Trombone – Jeremy Mazurek
Tuba – Jonathan Exon
(p hoto: Robyn Griffin)
PAGE 12
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
Benn conducting
Jazz Orchestra 1
at a Monday
afternoon rehearsal.
(p hotos : Linda Grant)
“I was honoured to play trumpet
on his (Tim Minchin’s) first album...
for $50 and a bottle of wine.”
Q4. Who are your musical heroes?
Benn Hodgkin
Interviewed by Linda Grant
Q1. You’re a trumpet and flugelhorn player.
What first inspired you to play these instruments?
Although I had played some piano while I was very
young, I started learning music more seriously through
the goverment schools’ SIM program. At Woodlands
Primary School (1989) I was offered a choice of
clarinet or trumpet. Because my sister already played
the clarinet, I chose the trumpet. This continued into
the music program at Churchlands from 1991 to 1995.
Q2. When you are not teaching, you front a band
called Backlash Jazz Quintet. How did you first
begin playing in jazz bands, outside of your school
music committments?
Being part of the music school at Churchlands, meant
I was mixing with some of the best music students
in my age group. I had opportunities to play in high
quality ensembles as well as participating in the 1994
Music Tour. A couple of school friends introduced me
to jazz and we started our own jazz combo. We had a
trumpet player, a piano player, a clarinet player and a
bass player. Then a drummer joined us later. Backlash
was formed after university, in 2002.
Q3. What is it that you like
most about jazz?
I like the improvisational aspect
of jazz. While I always enjoyed
classical playing at school, it
was jazz that actually made
me want to become a musician.
The improvisational aspect
of it allowed me to create
my own original music.
Most of the artists that ultimately influenced my
playing I didn’t hear of until university, but some
Australian groups that I had the chance to see live
included James Morrison, trumpeter Scott Tinkler,
who I also attended a workshop with, and the Perth
Jazz Orchestra, which I am now a member of. Seeing
successful local artists made the concept of becoming
a musician seem realistic, and live music (rather than
recordings) was a real inspiration.
A major influence on me at university was my trumpet
teacher Steve Williams who is one of the most
inspirational educators in the country if not the world.
Some other musical heroes include contemporary
jazz trumpeters Terence Blanchard, Tim Hagans,
Dave Douglas and Ambrose Akinmusire as well
as Perth’s brilliant music comedian Tim Minchin
who was studying at WAAPA while I was there. I was
honoured to play trumpet on his first album before
he was famous, for $50 and a bottle of wine.
Q5. What hobbies do you have aside from music?
I play squash & masquerade as a golfer occasionally
but outside of music recently, all of my time has been
dedicated to my young children aged 5, 3 & 1.
Q6. What advice do you have for students
considering a career in music?
Be prepared to be completely focussed and dedicated.
Find a second string to your bow so you are not only a
performer. This could be Arts Management, education,
piano tuning, sound engineering or any number of
other supplements. I’d strongly suggest you have to
put your life into it to succeed as a performer.
For more information on Benn and Backlash Jazz Quintet, visit www.backlash.com.au.
Backlash’s first album “Through the Rubble” was released on 2nd December 2010
and can be purchased via their website.
re fe re nce s :
See also, an interview by Robert Sutton at JazzCorner News.
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
Music ESSENTIALS!
Lunchtime Fundraisers
FRIDAY – 19 APRIL & 10 MAY
Please consider purchasing a delicious sausage sizzle
and drink on Friday 19th April (the last day of Term 1)
and 10th May (in the first week of Term 2). The funds
raised will go to the Music Parents’ Committee and
directly benefit our children.
De-COMPOSERS
What you didn’t know...?!
By Laura Biemmi (Year 11)
:-O In 1935, Richard Stauss
refused to remove the name of
Jewish librettist Stefan Zweig off
the program for his opera ‘Die
schweigsame frau’. This resulted in
Strauss resigning from the Reich
Music Chamber and Zweig, fleeing
to Brazil.
:-O Edward Elgar’s
daughter bought a white rabbit
in 1905 and Elgar himself became
strangely attached to it. He used the
rabbits name (Peter/Pietro d’Alba)
as an alter ego for a music critic and
grieved profusely when the rabbit
finally went to the carrot patch in
the sky.
:-O Stravinsky was
commissioned to write a very
unusual ballet in 1946; a ballet
PAGE 13
Dates for your 2013 Calendar
Thu Apr 25 ANZAC Day Parade (Perth City)
May 16 – 18
Les Misérable – BOOK TICKETS NOW!
Tue May 21
Meet the Instrumental Teachers Night
Thu May 23 Senior Concert
May 27 – 30 Year 11 and 12 Performance Exams
Thu May 30 Intermediate Concert
Thu Jun 6
Junior Concert
Jun 23 – 25
Choral Camp (New Norcia)
Thu Jun 30
St Joseph’s Concert (Subiaco)
Thu Jul 1
OPUS Concert (Perth Concert Hall)
for elephants. Despite the show
closing after just two months,
Stravinsky remains the only
composer to ever write an
elephant-ballet.
:-O Copland came close
to getting persecuted for his
involvement in the ‘Composers
Collective’ group, formerly affiliated
with the American Communist
Party. When he was summoned
to appear before Senator Joseph
McCarthy for questioning, he
provided no names and answered
every hypothetical question with
‘I haven’t given that matter much
thought.’ He got away with it...!
Thank you to Laura Biemmi for offering
to ‘find the dirt’ on some our esteemed
composers, for each edition of MusicNotes!
If YOU would like to contribute your own article
or artwork to MusicNotes, please contact
Leeanne Biemmi (Editor) at biemmi@bigpond.com
quote s source : “Secret Lives of Great Composers” (2009) Lundy, E.
Published by Quirk Productions Inc. Philadelphia USA.
PAGE 14
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
Year 8 BBQ – A Mother
& Daughter’s Perspective
B
eing new parents at the school, we were feeling
somewhat anxious as we attended the Year 8
BBQ. Armed with our folding chairs and cooler bag,
we found a vantage point and sat ourselves down. A
staff member took a family photo of us and then our
daughter, Chevonne was off in search of her friends. I
was on the lookout for familiar faces of people I had
the pleasure of meeting at the recent whole school
assembly and at the MPC AGM so we could embrace
the evening together. Collectively we sat and pointed
to our respective children in the distance who were
bonding with their friends and looking at their Year 8
camp slide show which was playing in the foreground.
Mr Bernie Dunn welcomed all parents, introduced
us to key members of the staff and the P&C and
explained how dinner would be served. As we
queued for our meal, we chatted with other families,
exchanging tales about our teenagers, laughing and
enjoying the “buzzing” atmosphere. We got to meet
some of Chevonne’s friends and their parents, thus
increasing our circle of acquaintances at the school.
The entire evening was well organized, the meal was
tasty, the company was delightful and I even met a
parent I knew from Chevonne’s primary school days. I
have to congratulate the Year 11s on a job well done in
serving the meals. They were polite and helpful. I need
not have felt anxious, in fact, we left feeling extremely
relaxed and happy to be part of this school community
for the next five years. Thanks CSHS.
Angie Angus-Ha
Year 8 Music Parent
T
he Year 8 Churchlands BBQ
was a great occasion for us
students as it encouraged new
friendships and we learnt more
about the school. My parents
and I had a lovely evening and
we met many new students and
their parents. It was awesome
seeing my friends and eating
delicious food. I especially
liked our camping powerpoint
presentation, they were fond
memories. My parents interacted with teachers and
new people and I introduced some of my classmates to
them. All in all, the BBQ meet-up was a very enjoyable
experience for me.
Chevonne Ha
Year 8 Music Student
top : Our Year 11 Sausage
Sizzlers!
Hunt and Associate Principal – Lower School,
Bernie Dunn welcome new families to the school.
ab ove : MPC Convenor, Christine Price and P&C President, Ross Elliot.
le ft: Principal, Neil
(p hotos : Linda Grant)
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
PAGE 15
Year 10 Brass Quintet
I
have had the privilege of being selected as a member
of the first Year 10 brass quintet for this year.
During this time I have learnt the importance of being
in a small performing group, working together, learning
new pieces and understanding the challenge of
playing without a conductor. While playing in
a quintet as a performer, it has been a challenge to
maintain a steady tempo and keep in time. This has
given me an opportunity to extend
my knowledge and grow as a musician.
my part and how it fits with the rest of the players.
Because of the lack of variety in instruments it is
also more important to understand the style of
the phrases/sections to keep them interesting and
different. My introduction to the brass quintet has
given me a better appreciation and understanding
of each individual piece of music that I perform as
a group.
Daniel Smith
Year 10
As opposed to my experience as a
part of Symphony orchestra, playing
as an individual section can be rather
confronting as my part is more
exposed. To play in the brass quintet
means calls for more attention to
Trumpet 1 – Mathew Leak
Trumpet 2 – Alec De Carvalho (Yr 9)
Horn – Daniel Smith
Trombone – Kelan Moore
Euphonium – Ross Stewart
(p hoto: Robyn Griffin)
Principal’s Postlude
Mr Neil Hunt
L
ast year was the Music Tour, our school’s 50th Anniversary and the opening of the
Churchlands Concert Hall. This year began with the promise of two major events;
the Quarry Concert and a new musical, Les Misérable.
The Quarry Concert has always been a favourite event of mine and 2013 was no
exception. Hosted by Mary-Anne Goyder, our current and past students provided
a wonderful evening under the stars much to my enjoyment.
The title for the 2013 musical is well known by now. Les Misérables will not only carry
the distinction of being the first musical conducted in the Churchlands Concert Hall but
will be produced at a time of huge interest in the show due to the recent movie starring
Hugh Jackman. With Angela Padley, Paul Sealey and Ruth Sutherland working long
hours with a wonderful cast of students, this should be an event not to be missed.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the music teachers of
Churchlands and the exceptional ATAR results gained by our Year 12 students in 2012.
The Year 12 group results were by far and away the best in my ten years at Churchlands
and individual honours were taken out by David Gioia who won the Exhibition, with
Rachael Chan a close third, and both scoring 100%. Students don’t score such great
results without great teaching, so well done to Glenn and his team.
PAGE 16
The Life and Times of
Henry Gunson (Yr 12 in 2012)
MUSIC NOTES TERM 1 2013
CALLING
all CSHS Alu
mni!
Contribute
your story
in the next is
sue o
MusicNotes! f
LIFE DURING HIGH SCHOOL
didn’t realise til now that I was so fortunate to be
sheltered under such a prestigious and renowned
music school. My life at school was tough, of course,
as for any student doing TEE. Sometimes the music
program got the best of me, but the highlights of my
day at school would definitely be visiting the music
teachers, and playing in orchestra. As many people
have said, the music department is pretty much your
“second home”, and for me, that’s exactly what it was.
I
Starting in Year 8, playing drums, I auditioned for the
music program, and after getting in I realised there
was a lot more to percussion than just drums! I soon
developed my love for the timpani and tried to play
it as much as I could for our class concert prac’s.
Soon enough, after turning into the lazy teen I am,
or was... I began to dread early morning starts,
especially for choir (please no h8 hopdaddy or
seal-dawg). But reaching into Years 11 and 12,
I started to really grow a love and passion for
all the music we were performing.
One of the best aspects of being in this program was
the concerts. Every night, when a concert was on,
there was this true sense of excitement and buzz. We
were only high school students, 99% of the audience
was always our family and we knew that, but we
still loved the feeling of performing in front of
people and getting a deserved applause at the
end. THIS is what kept me going in the music program
(not to mention the teachers of course!)
MUSIC TOUR 2012
ow, what an experience it was! France is
where I grew up, so I was looking forward to
visiting again. On Tour, I realised there was something
very unique to this trip – it would be made possible
only once: the new friends we made; the closer we got
to ones that already were; the concerts we performed
every night; tiring memorial ceremonies; and exciting
plane trips. These memories will be truly remembered
for the rest of my life. Never ever will I experience
something as amazing as this. It was the highlight
W
of my high school life!
LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
fter contemplating whether to take a gap year
I decided not to. Mainly because all my friends
were starting first year uni and I didn’t want to miss
out on everything they were doing. Graduating
in 2012 was a sad but exciting moment of my life, there
were some people I knew I would never ever see in
my life again, and to this day I still question myself
A
what they must be doing, and I’m sure they’re asking
themselves the same for me. I applied for UWA, and
got accepted. I am currently doing a double major in
Psychology, with Anthropology and Astronomy classes
as complementary units. Now: I’m sure you’re asking,
what happened to the music? Well, I missed playing
in the orchestra so much and being involved with
classical music, that I auditioned for the UWA
Wind Orchestra and got accepted. It’s nothing the
same as Wind orchestra on the Saturday mornings.
Everything is so much more serious, and everything
is done independently.
I hope to complete my degree and specialise in
Psychology or Neuroscience, but no matter what,
I will keep music in my knowledge, it will never be
forgotten. Everything I learnt and experienced at
Churchlands will be kept.
I REMEMBER
ne of the things I liked most about Symphony and
Wind, is that I was part of the best percussion
team one could have asked for. Going into Year 12,
Zack, Alin, Aiden and I weren’t really sure what we
would be expecting, and for the first time in years,
an all-male percussion section! We were so happy,
and every single one of them, Alex, Jamie, Nick,
Jerry, were super fun to hang out with. I think people
have to understand that you can enjoy playing in an
ensemble, but it makes such a big difference if the
people you play with are people you love to play with!
O
These guys were also the reason why I got out
of bed in the morning!
IN CONCLUSION
o any year 10, 11 or 12 reading this, the main
thing I wish to say to you guys, is to make
T
the most out of high school and realise how
fortunate you are. University is a completely
different life altogether: suddenly, you are
independent. I miss high school very much, because
I could meet all kinds of people every day and
everyone had a sense of belonging and connection.
Trust me when I say this. Make the best of every
situation. Enjoy everything you do and stay positive
the whole time, because once you’ve graduated
you’ll look back on you high school life and wish
you could live every moment again!!!