Scotch College

Percussionists were a big hit

Scotch rang to the beat of a host of skilled percussionists, as Scotch hosted the 2008 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod.

WORDS: Ms JUDE HALLUM • HEAD OF PERCUSSION

About 60 Scotch percussion students participated in groups and solos, joining percussionists from all over Australia in the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod, held in the James Forbes Academy on the weekend of 15 to 17 August. All were striving for the national title in their own sections, and the whole weekend was an absolute buzz.

To start the eisteddfod on a highly positive note, on Friday night our own John Au (’06) won the open-age solo marimba section with a stunning performance against very strong competition from interstate. The rest of the weekend followed suit, as Scotch obtained a prize in nearly every event entered.

As well, Aidan Chu (Year 11), Harry Hughes (Year 11) and Teddy Hookey (Year 7) competed in the solo drum kit section as their first solo public performances.

We have had very positive responses about students and facilities from the staff and students who travelled from around Australia to participate in the eisteddfod. All the boys conducted themselves in a manner befitting Scotch’s reputation in percussion circles, as competent, encouraging, responsible and well-mannered boys, and I’d like to thank you all for helping instil these values into our students. Many thanks also to the staff who assisted on the weekend, and to Ailsa Wilson and family for arranging food which raised $200 for spinal research. GS