Scotch College

Junior School Concert Review

While Shackleton might very well been able to use some of Batman's tricks (and possibly the Batmobile) on his epic journey, the Junior School Choir need no such help at the Junior School Concert this year in their performance commemorating Shackleton's expedition – but more of that later. The concert opened with the Junior School Concert Band performing The Batman Theme and Tunes That Go Bump In The Night under the baton of Jude Hallum who lovingly coaxed some fine sounds from the band of over 60 players. The concert moved on to feature the Year 5 Woodwind Ensemble paying tribute to yet another hero – James Bond, followed by the Year 6 Brass Ensemble and the huge Junior Drum Corps. Liberty Bell performed by the Combined Years 5 & 6 Brass Ensembles with Drum Corps was particularly stirring – even the sight of the huge number of brass instruments was one to behold on the Camberwell Civic Centre stage. But back to Shackleton. A highlight of the evening was a performance by the Junior School Choir singing of the exploits of that great explorer. It was a comparatively large scale choral work and featured three soloists; James Dawson-Smith, Mitchell Wong and William Brack. It also featured a String Quintet drawn from players in the Senior School, four of whom had come through the Junior School. The work was beautifully directed by Head of Junior School Music, Jenni Allen, and the pianist was the excellent Julia Piggin. The choir's second work was Hey Rain! by Bill Scott arranged by the celebrated Australian composer of choral music, Stephen Leek. It featured two percussionists from the Senior School, Oliver Blake and Thomas Gin.

By tradition, the Junior School always features a solo from one of its Year 6 students, and this year Captain of Junior School Music, Steven Stamopoulos, performed a Rachmaninov Prelude for solo piano. Steven played with a real sensitivity and displayed a considerable understanding of the dramatic qualities inherent to the work. He also had considerable stage presence, and all this combined to delight the audience with a memorable performance. Co-ordinator of Junior School Strings, Robert Wakely, bounced onto the stage for a Hoedown, complete with western hat and effective regalia with his band of Suzuki Violinists all playing with characteristic flare and panache. Mississippi Reel was followed by Millionaire's Hoedown and concluded with a marinade of cowboy hats flying into the audience. The Junior School String Orchestra fresh from the Junior School String Camp, performed three items by Keith Sharp under the direction of Angie Robertson, Head of Strings. The lively playing and precision of that group was well up the characteristic excellence we have come to expect over recent years. The Junior School Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Peter Rickard, Head of Woodwind, provided the final instrumental item of the night with an exceptional performance of The Girl From Ipanema. What was particularly commendable was the subtlety of the ensemble, and the controlled playing of the various soloist who were featured throughout the piece, it was subtle and superb – congratulations to all who were involved.

Junior School Drama Teacher, Georgina Halpin did a superb job of coaching the students with their presentations. Georgina also prepared a troupe of Junior School dancers who delighted the audience during the final item. Called the Movers and Grovers, complete in their tuxedos and black hats, this cool troupe delighted the audience with their very polished and tightly choreographed compliment to the Years 4, 5 and 6 Massed Choir who sung Swinging on a Star and On the Sunny Side of the Street. It was a fabulous and spectacular end to what had been an entertaining and enjoyable concert demonstrating that the musical future of Scotch is indeed on the Sunny Side of the Street.

John Ferguson - Director of Music