2 August 2024
Girton Grammar School is pulsing with music as hundreds of students prepare to share their talents with the community at the school’s annual Ensembles concerts.
Featuring 24 instrumental and vocal acts, the event will be held at the Ulumbarra Theatre over two performance nights on 13 and 14 August.
Girton’s Head of Arts, Mrs Cally Bartlett, said the Ensembles concerts provide a moment for the music program to enjoy the spotlight after playing a supporting role in many other school events throughout the year.
“Featuring a full symphony orchestra as well as classical, jazz and modern ensembles, the concerts showcase what every group across the school has been working on, promising two very enjoyable evenings” Mrs Bartlett said.
“It is a magnificent opportunity to get a snapshot of the breadth and depth of the Girton Grammar School music program from Year 3 to Year 12, which is something we value so highly working in a P–12 school.”
Girton’s Head of Senior School Music, Mr Josh McGuffie, has been working with the school’s secondary students and music staff to hone their performances for the opening night on Tuesday 13 August.
The school’s youngest students will then take to the stage the following evening under the guidance of Mrs Laura Dusseljee, Head of Junior School Music, culminating in a truly spectacular final number featuring every student in Years 3 to 6.
The concerts will be a memorable occasion for both the students and the school’s music staff, who have been working to bring together their ensembles since the beginning of the year.
According to Mrs Bartlett, this includes helping students to develop skills that will prepare them to attempt any repertoire challenge, from teamwork and listening skills through to building the confidence and resilience needed to deal with nerves and overcome challenges.
“I love seeing the joy on students’ faces when they have overcome nerves to put on a fantastic performance. There is nothing quite like the thrill of live performance, and seeing students experience this – whether Year 3 or Year 12 – makes our job so worthwhile,” she said.
The event comes amid a busy term for the school’s Arts Faculty, which is also preparing to showcase its annual Art Exhibition at the Bendigo Town Hall and its Middle School Production of Disney’s Frozen, both in September.
Events such as these provide students with the opportunity to uncover their passions and engage with them at a high level, which are important aspects of a Girton education.
“It is wonderful to see Girton’s arts program continue to grow and thrive, allowing our students to experience creative expression and receive expert guidance to build their technical skills in whatever art form they choose,” Mrs Bartlett said.
Ensembles tickets are now available for public purchase at bendigoregion.com.au.
