Our school recently achieved its very first entry of three ensembles into the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. The GC Eisteddfod is in its forty-first year, and is the largest youth competition for performing arts in Australia. It is held in various venues including the Home of the Arts (HOTA) in Bundall, where this year our students performed in competition alongside private and public schools, from throughout the Gold Coast.
The entry of a String Orchestra, Concert Band, and Jazz Band into the Eisteddfod is in itself an achievement, given the lengthy process of preparation, organisation, regular weekly rehearsals throughout the year, and challenging repertoire. Throughout this process our students have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, leadership, team-work, and musicianship, and we are immensely proud of all of them. Furthermore, this endeavour would not have been possible without the commitment and work of our three instrumental music teachers, Fimka Hampson (strings), Matthew Armstrong (brass), and Sue Purton (wood winds).
The results of our appearances were:
String Ensemble (A Grade), Silver Award, 3rd place
Concert Band (A Grade), Silver Award, 3rd place
Jazz Band (B Grade), Platinum Award, 1st place
Thank you very much to students, parents, teachers, and our entire school community for supporting this endeavour, we look forward to next year!
Patrick Emery
Music Coordinator