Music Department
"The heart of the melody can never be put down on paper." - Pablo Casals
On Wednesday 28 May, boys from the Big Band Programme enjoyed a performance presented by the West Australian Youth Orchestra (WAYJO) entitled "A Journey Through Jazz".
Late last year, Scotch College became the hosts of the WAYJO. In a similar way to the relationship that has developed with the Perth Symphony Orchestra (PSO), the Music Department provides rehearsal spaces and links in with performances and workshops where appropriate. WAYJO is a progressive youth organization currently comprised of three Big Bands, and it draws its membership by audition from students in High School and Tertiary Institutions. Several Scotch College Music Department alumni have been and continue to be involved.
Each year, WAYJO performs one or two Schools' Concerts and traditionally, these performances are held at venues in the Perth CBD, but as the Music Department now hosts the WAYJO rehearsals week, the performance is to be held on campus at Scotch. This arrangement is of great benefit to our boys as they no longer need to waste time in travel, and their tickets are free! This concert "A Journey Through Jazz" is designed to encompass music from a range of Jazz periods to provide an overview of styles, instrumentation and musical development.
Congratulations to Jordan Bowling (Year 8, Ross) who was awarded Second Place in the Grade 5 Strings section of the Fremantle Eisteddfod earlier this term. This is a great result given the high standard of participants who are drawn from all over Perth and beyond.
Upcoming events this term and beyond include the Junior and Middle School Music Camp 3 - 4 June, the Junior and Middle School Autumn Concert 20 June, Reporter Photos 23 July, Senior Recital and Upson Award 31 July, Jazz Night 8 August, Performance Festivals 9 - 10 August and Con Brio 12 - 13 August. Please make a note of the new date for the annual Jazz Night - now to be held at the end of Week 3 Winter Term.
Each of the events listed above are supported by FOSM. If you would like to join the Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM) - a group of parents who enthusiastically support the work of boys and staff in the Music Department, the process is very straight forward via the FOSM email below. 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. The next FOSM Meeting is to be held Monday, 9 June.
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.