Director of Music - Edition 3 - 2019

Welcome to Music

Music at Westminster has a significant practical emphasis, with a focus on doing. In music that could mean singing or playing an instrument. We have over 22 ensembles that cater for a variety of genres and encourage students to take part where possible. Although there are some limitations depending upon instrument choice, our vocal ensembles can cater for most students, providing they can sing! (and most people can, perhaps even without realising it).

There are many benefits to taking part in ensembles which in some cases are ability based and therefore vertically grouped. Anyone who watched the documentary on the ABC last year “Don’t Stop the Music” with Dr Anita Collins and Guy Sebastian won’t need convincing!

Most of our rehearsals run in the morning. It certainly is a great way to start the day.

Attendance at Rehearsals

The year has started well with most of our ensembles now underway with rehearsals. Students are already preparing for various events later this term and early next term.

A reminder to all students that it is good practice and good manners to be at rehearsal 10 minutes before the advertised starting time. This allows time to get music, instruments and set up organised, as well as a warm up.

Please aim to arrive by 7.15 am for morning rehearsals, as students should be ready to go by 7.20 am.

I often use the analogy of sport. You don’t arrive once the game has started, you get there to warm up and are then ready to start together. I ask all students to keep this in mind with music rehearsals as well, especially for early morning rehearsals.

I thank parents for their support with music rehearsals and punctuality.

The people you meet in Shanghai!

One of our cello teachers, Mr Cameron Waters performed in a string quintet concert in Shanghai in January.

It was at the Shanghai Conservation of Music to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Westminster students Kitty Huang and Lily Huang, who learn violin from Ms Jenny Symonds also attended the concert.

Michael Degenhart
Director of Music