Music

The Co-Curricular Music Program has begun 2024 with strength and exuberance. Over 100 students are now enrolled in a private instrument or vocal lesson, 48 in the Kilbreda Chorale and many are participating in our Kilbreda Orchestra, Concert Band, extended String Ensemble sessions, and our new Band Academy. We look forward to the upcoming performances of all of these students!

Symphony in a Day

In January, past pupil Nicole Marshall (Class of 2012) held an afternoon recital as she prepares to further her professional opportunities in orchestra conducting overseas. Many musicians, including members of the MSO, volunteered their time to work on Nicole’s, ‘Symphony in a Day’, which resulted in a delightful afternoon performance of a range of classical masterpieces. It was also the world premiere of ‘When Thunder Speaks Softly’ by Robert McIntyre and ‘Scintillation’ by Bridget Bourne.

We wish Nicole all the best with her future endeavours and we thank her for supporting the Kilbreda Music Program.

Try Out Day

At the start of the term, all Year 7 students participated in a Music Try Out Day. Students were introduced to our wonderful private music tutors, who demonstrated the various instruments on offer and the benefits of learning a new skill. Students completed an aural aptitude test, then rotated through instrument try outs, to see what they had a natural gift for! Parents will be contacted by Performing Arts Assistant, Mr Dominic Schepis if a student demonstrated potential in each of the areas on the testing day.

Beginner Strings – Coming Soon!

All new string students (violin, viola, cello) will soon be invited to join the Beginner Strings Ensemble once the basics of playing the instrument have been mastered in private lessons.

We are still requiring viola and cello players to fill out the group and we are always on the look out for anyone willing to take on the challenge of the double bass! Please note, that subject to availability, cello and double bass students are offered two instruments to assist with ease of travel (one for home and one for school).

Band Academy – Spots still Available!

The new Band Academy is now open to all students in Years 7 to 9 and begins on 13 February with Ms Kara-Lee Rabbetts – Performing Arts Leader: Music.

Students have the fantastic opportunity to learn a brand-new, high-quality wind instrument, for a low-cost fee of $400 per year plus $200 to hire the instrument. We will continue to accept registrations for a few more weeks. Instruments remaining include flute, trumpet, one saxophone and one clarinet.

Band Academy workshops will run each Tuesday morning from 7.45am to 8.30am and will give students the opportunity to be involved in our upcoming Music Retreat and bi-annual concerts.

Kara-Lee Rabbetts
Performing Arts Leader: Music