Music

Bright future for gifted young musician

ANYONE who ever heard Year 12 student Alex Isted play the violin during one of the College's musical events, would know she has a remarkable future ahead of her.

Alex is a gifted musician who has audience members on the edge of their seats during her performances.

Her musical talents were recognised in 2007 when she was one of threerecitalists selected to perform in the National Youth Concerto Competition (NYCC) in Queensland in October.

The NYCC was established in 1976 to encourage the development of exceptional young Australian string players, and is the most significant competition of its kind in Australia.

Applicants must be 17 years of age or younger, and not studying at a tertiary institution.

Alex was required to submit an audio

recording featuring a concerto, selected movements of Bach's solo compositions and two pieces of her choice from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Each applicant's recordings were labelled alphabetically with no names assigned, and then assessed by a panel of professional musicians and teachers.

Three finalists and up to three recitalists are selected and invited to participate in finals week.

Alex spent a week playing the violin in a series of six concerts and joined the Queensland Youth Orchestra to accompany finalists in the grand final.

Previous winners of the competitions include the Australian Chamber Orchestra's Richard Tognetti (1980), violinist and conductor Nicholas Milton (1985), and violinist Jane Peters (1978).

Many previous participants have pursued a successful musical career both nationally and internationally.

To top off a very successful year for Alex, she was also awarded her AMEB Licentiate of Music.

rincipal wins national music award

ALL Saints' College Principal Or Geoffrey Shaw is one of only two school leaders in Australia to win a prestigious 2007 National Award for Excellence in School Music Education, and the only one to receive the highest level of commendation.

The then Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training Julie Bishop presented Or Shaw with his award at the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) National Conference, held at Perth Convention Centre on 7 July. The awards are part of the Australian Government's Quality Teacher Program. "I congratulate these outstanding teachers and school leaders who have made a positive difference to the lives of their students and school communities through their devotion to quality music education," Minister Bishop said.

The citation for Or Shaw's award referred to his proactive approach to strengthening music education at the College, his strong support of staff, and his encouragement of staff and students to aim for and achieve the highest possible standards.

The College received a $5000 professional learning grant for Or Shaw's achievement. The money will go towards commissioning the composition of a new choral work, followed by the composer in-residence visiting the College for a series of workshops.

All Saints' Junior School Music Coordinator Anette Kerkovius said Or Shaw was a deserving recipient of the award and a wonderful supporter of music and other arts programs at the College. "Or Shaw attends every music performance that takes place at the College, amounting to between 15 and 20 occasions a year," Mrs Kerkovius said. "He is a frequent visitor to music workshops and attends the annual College music camp. Or Shaw understands the intrinsic educational value of music; not just as an extension for talented students, but as an important tool for the holistic growth and development of every student," she said.

Music program hits the right notes

THE All Saints' College Music program soared to great heights in 2007 and among many achievements was the College's success at Eisteddfods.

THE Junior Voices choir has 48 members from Years 4 to 6. Under the direction of Mrs Anette Kerkovius, the choir was placed first (87 per cent) in the Fremantle Eisteddfod and second (87 per cent) in the Joondalup Eisteddfod.

The choir was also selected to take part in the Junior Kodaly Festival in Melbourne in August. The group of 24 students participated in the festival and workshops with St Michael's College Junior School Choir and Waverley Christian College Choir.

The Little Saints' Choir, for students in Years 2 and 3, has 20 members and made excellent progress this year under the direction of Mrs Susan Bal-Short. This choir took part in their first eisteddfod on 14 September in Joondalup, and was awarded a first place with 85 per cent.

There has been outstanding development in the String program this year with the appointment of String Coordinator, Mrs Thea Kotze. The senior ensemble, Saints' Strings, took part in both the Fremantle and Joondalup Eisteddfods this year, and was placed second with 87 per cent at the Joondalup event.

The commitment of Mrs Agnes Weinstein (viola and violin) and Ms Jessica Johnston (cello) to the growth of the String program is also acknowledged.

Many students also entered solo and duet sections in piano, strings and vocal, and excelled, with many students awarded first or second placings.

Twilight Carols at Saints'

HUNDREDS of members of the College and wider communities embraced the Christmas spirit when they attended the annual Twilight Carols at Saints' on Sunday, 2 December 2007 in the Performing Arts Centre.

The carols are a popular event in the College calendar and audience members enjoyed performances by the Junior and Senior School choirs, instrumentalists and dancers from Years 2-12.

The program for the evening included a variety of traditional, modern and medieval-style carols. Student performers wore red Santa hats, adding a touch of colour and festivity to the evening. Another highlight of the event was a Christmas story reading to the children by All Saints' Principal, Dr Geoffrey Shaw.