Scotch College

Krumins: a 27-year musical legacy

Music teacher Peter Krumins resigns after a colourful career at Scotch.

Words: John Ferguson • Director of Music

After almost 27 years as a music teacher at Scotch, Peter Krumins has resigned, bringing to an end a colourful career which has benefited two generations of Scotch strings students.

Peter joined the Scotch staff in 1978 as a sessional teacher of cello. He quickly demonstrated a rare ability to motivate and enthuse students, and he was appointed to permanent staff in 1983. Later, Peter’s duties became more focused on teaching double bass, and we consistently saw large numbers of bass players in the symphony orchestra.

Among Peter’s many strengths was an ability to help plan essential concert logistics – whether loading the truck and packing instruments for international tours or helping to plan logical program orders and suggesting suitable venues.

His contribution to many international tours has been huge: helping to plan the logistical complexities, and using his quick wit and humour – particularly in difficult situations – to maintain the morale of staff and students.

Another great strength is Peter’s ability to relate to students, particularly those who – were it not for Peter’s influence – would have given up music altogether. This ability to ‘rescue’ students (often reluctant violinists) from the musical wilderness and equip them to enjoy making music throughout the Senior School and often beyond, is probably his greatest legacy.

During Peter’s time at Scotch, he involved himself in other parts of the School, coaching cricket in the summer and helping with ski camps in the winter. This interest in sport also helped him guide students through the occasional tension between music and sport that can arise from time to time in any school.

A most popular and colourful personality in the music school, Peter will be missed by both students and staff. We wish him and his wife, Gwen, all the very best.