Our talented music students shone at the Adelaide Choral Eisteddfod on Thursday 12 June, with outstanding results: Brightones (led by Luke Thomson & Rhys Williams) – 1st place Bel Canto (led by Georgie Simmons & Sue Rodger) – 1st place Treble Choir (led by Paige York and accompanied by Andrew Barrett) – 2nd place This week, our choirs also had the incredible opportunity to work with renowned choral clinician Timothy Wayne-Wright, a former King’s Singer. It was inspiring to witness the rapid growth in choral musicianship and performance refinement during his visit, a great example of curiosity and resilience in action in our music department.

Over the June long weekend on the 8th-9th June, the Adelaide Horn Jam hosted  2 days of horn days at Elder Hall and Madley Studio. Both days consisted of lots of horn playing as well as learning lots of valuable tips from inspirational horn player, Lin Jiang, who is the Principal Horn player in the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. It was super fun to be able to play with so many horn players in an ensemble and I didn’t realise what a beautiful sound a horn choir could make!

On Friday 23rd May, Big Band 1 had the pleasure of welcoming Killarney Heights High School from NSW for a combined big band workshop. The day began with our school performing a piece, followed by a full-band rehearsal of All of Me and Waltzing Matilda with both schools joining together. It was exciting to play as such a large ensemble and hear how the music came to life. During the break, we shared cookies and had the chance to socialise and connect with the visiting students. Afterward, we watched their school perform four impressive pieces, before joining them once more to close the session with our two combined pieces. It was a fun, collaborative experience and we hope everyone who listened enjoyed it as much as we did performing it. Lia K and Rushvi K

On Monday the 19th of May, a group of music students from years 9, 10, and 11 performed at the Volunteers' Morning Tea at the Adelaide Town Hall. We had the opportunity to sing the song Unity, written by Andrew Barrett, using lyrics originally from a poem by a student Rebekah Rath. We also provided background music during the morning tea. Overall, it was a fun experience that we all enjoyed, especially the snacks at the end!

Generations in Jazz 2025 was such a positive and thrilling experience for the students involved. All of us were provided with the opportunity to listen to one of the best big bands in the world, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, and many other incredible artists. While jazz choir 1 was the only group to place (1st place), everyone gave it their all and were very encouraging to one another. Congratulations have to be made for Ollie S for getting into the Div 1 Superband on tenor sax, and then Elinor H who not only got into the Div 1 Superband on trumpet but was also nominated as a Future Finalist and won the Wayne Bergeron Most Outstanding Trumpet Player award. The weather was perfect with blue skies and not a drop of rain! Thankfully there was no mud but everyone has come home quite dusty. Marisen T and Isla G Over the course of the last 25 years, the Big Phat Band has been fortunate to have participated in a number of memorable concerts. A great many of them stick out in my mind and are unique in their own way. I try not to over use superlatives, but I cannot escape the conclusion that the gig we did last night at Generations in Jazz in Australia may been the most exciting and unforgettable gig we’ve ever done.This was our third appearance at GIJ and while the first two concerts remain high points in my mind. The experience we had last night maybe cannot be topped.We played for an audience of 5000 Australian music students, who started screaming at our first note. I figured they would chill out a little bit eventually, but in fact, the intensity grew throughout the entire concert when we got to our last two songs, the crowd rushed the stage, and we had a Big Phat Band mosh pit on our hands. During our last song called THE JAZZ POLICE I think the level of the crowd easily overwhelmed the level of the band itself.I admit that I started to wonder about the level of hearing damage I was experiencing, the truth was it was an overwhelming and exhilarating experience. Here we had 5000 young people cheering wildly, not for Taylor Swift, but for big band music! It truly was something I will never forget.I am so happy and proud for the members of the Big Phat Band. It was so gratifying to see them receive the respect and adulation they deserve.Wayne Bergeron , who is possibly the best lead Trumpet player on the planet right now, said that out of all of the concerts, recording sessions and gigs that he has done in historic career, this one might be the most memorable of them all.Thank you to the Australian music students and to the staff at Generations in Jazz for providing this fantastic experience.Gordon Goodwin's Facebook post after Saturday night's concert. https://youtu.be/rPpWqJa4sI0 https://youtu.be/DYfQVMM0hu0 https://youtu.be/cm4Bs_3QZ0o https://youtu.be/4SSAH9XxH7s https://youtu.be/iJJly0VLsNQ https://youtu.be/aNoYzk6rlK4 https://youtu.be/jmwADY-vY9c https://youtu.be/aAeTecQpkHs

Sensational Strings Day was on Thursday the 10th of April, and was a day when we got to work with professional musicians from the Elder Conservatorium of Music. This day was so much fun, as well as being extremely beneficial, with workshops on how to clean instruments, and much more. During the day we worked with each of these professional musicians and worked on different techniques. For some, we worked on vibrato, as well as glissando and staying in time as a group. We started rehearsing pieces with the help of these musicians, and at the end of the day, we were given the chance to perform the pieces we have been working on as an ensemble, as well as a piece written by Ms Kleinig with all string students. In the last session before the concert, we were given our own cloths to clean our instruments. We also were able to see how dirty our instruments were which was a lot of fun. It was remarkable how different our instruments sounded after we cleaned them! We were given the chance to have workshops with the professional musicians that played our instruments, helping with us to work on bow holds, as well as creating a better sound. Overall, this day was amazing and such a great opportunity for all strings players to improve and learn from others that have pursued music as a career.

On Wednesday 9th April the Adelaide Youth Orchestra’s Percussion Ensemble directed by Sami Butler came to Brighton to perform for us. They played a range of pieces in a wide variety of styles such as classical, Mexican and jazz. Including Five On Five (Stephen Primatic), a piece which features five percussionists playing on a single 5 octave marimba, showing ways that a marimba can be played that we’d never seen before. Another piece they played was a version of the Theme From Up that had been remodelled for a percussion ensemble. This showed how even without lyrics the music can tell a story that makes you feel certain ways. We really appreciate the ADYO Percussion Ensemble for stopping by, it was a very inspiring experience to see them play.

On Monday April 7th, Associate Professor Jamie Oehlers (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) worked with both Big Band 1 and 2 in the lead up to Generations in Jazz. I feel that Jamie's workshop was very beneficial to all students involved. He went back to the basics and had us focusing on rhythm and subdivisions, which was an ongoing problem in Cayenne. He gave very supportive and effective feedback to the entire band which showed immediate impact, and after this workshop I'm sure the band will continue to excel. I'm very grateful to be able to participate in this opportunity.

On Friday, the 29th of November, the Brighton Chamber Orchestra went on an excursion to the Adelaide Town Hall to watch the ASO's "Rehearsal Unwrapped." We had the opportunity to hear them perform Death on the Pale Horse, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor (performed by the ASO’s concertmaster, Kate Suthers), as well as Mahler's Symphony No. 1.We were even lucky enough to be invited on stage by guest conductor, Keitaro Harada and sit among the orchestra as they rehearsed. It was an incredible opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes of a professional orchestra in action.

On Wednesday the 20th of November, the year 7, 8, 9, and 10 Core Music students showcased the music that they have been working hard on over the second semester of 2024. The ensembles that performed included bands, string ensembles, percussion ensembles, TB choirs and SA choirs from each year level and an SATB choir from the year 10s. The year 7s and 9s presented the first concert together, and the 8s and 10s, the second. This gave the younger year levels an opportunity to see where they could be in a couple of years. For the year 10s, this was a special showcase as it was our last one ever. I’m sure the year 10s have enjoyed their journey with their ensembles and will miss all the memories. All the hard work has paid off across all the year levels after a great performance.

On the 10th of September, we were lucky enough to have trumpet player Yoram Levy visit us, who is one of the most influential brass educators in Australia. Yoram ran several workshops with brass players from different year levels to work on solo pieces, improving technique and providing other valuable feedback. He also worked with Brass Ensemble and Year 10 Band on their repertoire. It was a great opportunity for those who participated and our brass players definitely benefitted from this experience.

On the 30th of August and 3rd of September 2024, our school's Music program held our 'Music Spectacular'. Music Spectacular is almost like an annual festival in the music community, where all extracurricular ensembles get the fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent. Every year consists of a theme, and this year it was 'Out of this World'! Over the two nights, we got the opportunity to see other ensembles we aren’t involved in, and also watch unique ensembles, like a combination of Big Band with stringed instruments and singers, perform as well! Some students were also fortunate enough to be part of a stage crew, which involved setting up the stage between ensembles, and side-stage dance parties. We were fortunate enough to invite the Woodville High School Saxophone Quintet on our trip to space, as our Brighton Chamber Orchestra played at their Showcase Night, earlier in the year. Overall, there is no doubt in saying that Music Spec was definitely one of this year’s biggest highlights! You can view the live streams from both the concerts on our YouTube playlist.

After much hard work and preparation over the year, it was time for Sinfonia, BCO and Concert Band to compete in ABODA over Tuesday 13th August-Thursday 15th August. Sinfonia (directed by Jenny Symonds) played very well and competed in the Intermediate Strings Division, being awarded a Bronze award. BCO (directed by Hilary Kleinig) were awarded Gold in the Advanced Strings Division with their amazing performance. In the Advanced Concert Band Division, our Concert Band directed by Hannah Lewis were awarded a Gold Award after a stunning performance of their two pieces. All ensembles did an amazing job and we are so proud of all the students involved and their directors for all the hard work, extra rehearsal times and individual practice that meant they could take their performances to the next level. ABODA is a fantastic opportunity for the students just in these classically streamed ensembles to experience a competition. It was a great opportunity to compete in a friendly but competitive atmosphere, and helped us all to grow as a team within our ensembles.

Upon invitation from residents at the Brighton Dunes, BCO (Brighton Chamber Orchestra) performed an hour-long concert featuring varied program of music - classical, jazz, folk and pop - that was enjoyed by all. Some beautiful feedback from The Dunes Music Group was that 'We found it exciting, and the musicianship displayed by the students showed a maturity beyond our expectations'. BCO has been invited back again next year to perform.

On Monday, August 12th, music students took part in the ASO Big Rehearsal. This event allows students to join a professional ASO player in a rehearsal at Granger Studio, concluding in a small concert. This year's repertoire included 'Indian Pacific', 'Finlandia', and 'España'. It was a super fun experience that gave students a taste of playing in a professional orchestra. There are different sections for various skill levels, so everyone is welcome to participate next year.

WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION OF THE DUNGEON! The Dungeon is a monthly newsletter for music kids, named after our music centre's very own dungeon. It features each month’s music events, photos of those events and an advice column for some problems that you may come across as a music kid. As always, our email address is the place to send suggestions on topics to cover for the advice column, and/or photos for the newsletter, so don’t be afraid to send ideas over! A huge thank you to everyone who read the pilot edition, it means a lot 😀 SHOWCASE 1 - JUNE 18 Showcase is an event that occurs twice a year, and is a chance for all SIM and Core music students from years 7 - 10 to perform the pieces they have been working on during the semester. There are two concerts (7 and 9s, 8 and 10s) that include percussion, band, strings and choir from each year level. It’s designed in a way that younger students can look up to older ones, and see where they could be in a couple of years time. It’s a great thing to be in awe of more advanced performances, and also to be on the other end of that when you get older, getting the chance to be a role model for younger students. Both concerts were super great this year, really fun to watch. Some teachers this year had to direct ensembles they may not normally direct or accompany with instruments they wouldn’t normally play, and we commend them for that. This was the first year in probably a good 20 that S.W.A.T was not performed in year 7 or 8 percussion, resulting in varying levels of disappointment or relief. Many of the year 10s remembered the mallet beheading incident of 2022, in which they witnessed the head of a bass drum mallet flying off in the middle of band, and wondered if they too would be subject to this now that they were in that year level. Luckily, no such incident occurred (although it would have been hilarious) and we look forward to the next one in semester 2! SYMPHONY BY THE SEA - JUNE 22 Symphony by the Sea is an annual concert in collaboration with the Rotary Club and showcases some of our school’s ensembles and symphony orchestra. As well as those ensembles, they also give winners of the Rotary Solo Competition in years 7-10 opportunities to perform and flex their musical abilities a bit. This year Sinfonia, Brighton Chamber Orchestra (BCO), Stimson Wind Quintet and Brighton Symphony Orchestra (BSSO) all performed to a full house, and were rewarded with a thunderclap of applause after every piece. Each piece had thought put into it, ensuring that the audience enjoyed the concert to the fullest. Personally, editor 1 and 2 agree that Ritual Fire Dance composed by Manuel de Falla and performed by BSSO was pretty fire (we’re funny we know), as well as Tango Sentimentale composed by our very own Mr Barrett. We also commend the soloists for their amazing performances, and the self-directed string trio playing in the foyer of the Concert Hall playing music for audience members as they walked in. We look forward to next year’s concert and what pieces it will bring to the table. CHORAL EISTEDDFODS: 6TH JUNE The Adelaide Choral Eisteddfods are a competition for Adelaide school choirs, and this year we took 3 choirs: Bel Canto, Brightones and Treble Choir. To put it simply, we cooked.Brighton has an extremely strong choral scene that was definitely bumped up when the class of 2026 joined (arguably). Treble Choir tied for 3rd place, Bel Canto came 2nd and Brightones took the crown as 1st place champions. Huge congratulations to the participating choirs! WOODVILLE CONCERT: 19TH JUNE As tradition, the SIM schools invite one ensemble from another SIM school to perform at their school’s version of a Music Spectacular. This time, Brighton Chamber Orchestra performed in Elder Hall for Woodville High School with 2 pieces: In the Dreams of Zhou, a more classical piece, and a killer arrangement of Waltzing Matilda. They also snuck Blue Rhythmico (a jazzier, energetic piece) in and disguised it as a “warmup” but it was enjoyed nonetheless. Shenanigans ensued backstage, and everyone had fun. ADVICE COLUMN: SECOND INSTRUMENT SYNDROME “Second instrument syndrome” refers to the feeling that you can’t possibly ever be good at your second instrument. It occurs because you naturally compare your proficiency to your first instrument, and it can be frustrating when it doesn’t match. But just because you aren’t as good at your second as your first, doesn’t mean that you aren’t good at your second. Often, you learn your first instrument when you’re relatively young, and you might not remember how difficult it was to get to where you are now. So, when you face the same issues learning your second, it might feel like you aren’t progressing as fast as you should be, but that’s not true. Some people come into the music program on one instrument, and leave with a completely different one as their main instrument. It’s a learning process just like everything else, you will improve, and you never know what might happen. Never forget that you can be just as capable of delivering a good performance and offering your skills on your second instrument as you are on your first, even if you don’t think so.

On Wednesday the 19th of June, Woodville High School held their Music Showcase at Elder Hall, similar to our Music Spectacular. Brighton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) was invited to perform at their concert as guest artists. This was a good opportunity for us as it was our first time as an ensemble, performing to an audience, and a good practice run for Symphony by the Sea, which was happening a couple of days after. We performed our favourite pieces, ‘Waltzing Matilda’, ‘In the Dreams of Zhou’, and ‘Blue Rhythmico’! The whole night was lots of fun as we got to know each other as an ensemble better, but also got to know other musicians from Woodville High School and built connections with other music students!

On 18th of June 2024, music students in year 7 through 10 in Core and SIM music showed off what they had been working on for the past two terms. Showcase is a great opportunity for parents to come in and see their hard work in action. Each year level had a choir, band, string ensemble, and percussion ensemble. Two concerts were held one after the other each showcasing the awesome talent among our core and SIM students. It’s a great time for all that come and I have loved performing in it over the past 2 years. Keep up the hard work everyone and we’ll see you for next semester's showcase!

On the 9th and 10th of June, over the long weekend, the Adelaide Horn Jam took place at Elder Hall in the city! This was an engaging weekend, which gave me several opportunities to learn lots of new things, particularly about historical baroque horn. We had several jam sessions and played our horns as a big group. Who knew what so many horns put together sounded like! Anneke Scott, one of the world's best horn players, came in and gave us several information sessions on the baroque horn and how it works. We even had a workshop with her where we only played on our natural horn F side, and altered the pitch of the notes with our embouchure and hand position! Although it was an interesting and new experience, it left me chopped. I think I'll stick to the valves haha! It was an enjoyable weekend where I met many more talented horn players, and I’m excited to attend lots more Horn Days!

On Thursday 6 June, our 3 core choirs competed in the Adelaide Choral Eisteddfod with outstanding results amidst tough competition. Treble Choir - 3rd placeBel Canto - 2nd placeBrightones - 1st place Congratulations to all students and their directors and accompanists: Emma Borgas, Sue Rodger, Simone Brock, Luke Thompson & Rhys Williams. Thanks also to Georgie Simmons for her work with Bels last term.