4 minute read
A Celebration of Music-Making
Annual Music Concert
Reflection by Helena McArdle, Music Captain
On Tuesday 30 July 2019, 700 students from Loreto Toorak came together to exhibit their hard work and talent at the Annual Music Concert. Girls from across all year levels performed at amazing standards, showcasing a diverse range of styles, instruments, genres and skill levels, which allowed each individual person’s love for music to shine out through unified performance. Right from the Preparatory-Year 2 item at the beginning of the concert, all the way through to the show-stopping finale of 500 girls, led by our Year 12 Choir, the unfaltering commitment, love and authenticity was never more evident than on a wonderful night such as this. Whether it was a piece full of excitement and playfulness, or one of nostalgia and emotion, the music that was played and sung that night highlighted the passion that all Loreto Toorak musicians possess. The audience witnessed a spectacular night of musical entertainment, with the talents of all 700 performers and staff radiating from the stage of Hamer Hall.
2020 Music Events Performing Arts Festival Thursday 20 February 2020 7.00pm, MCEC Annual Music Concert Tuesday 4 August 2020 7.00pm, Hamer Hall Showcase Concert Wednesday 9 September 2020 7.00pm, Melbourne Recital Centre
Reflection from Constance Meehan, Leader of Symphonic Band
On Friday 19 July 2019, many excited students, Year 12 Music Leaders and staff left for the Music Camp at Oasis in Mt Evelyn; the first Music Camp away from school since 2016. The weekend was a whirlwind of rehearsals and enjoyable time spent together making music and growing community. The traditional quiz took place on Friday night, with the favourite section arguably being the ‘guess the teacher from their baby photo’ section. The camp provided an ideal opportunity for girls from different year levels to get to know each other throughout the activities and hone their skills in rehearsals. It was wonderful to see the progress the girls made over the weekend.
On Wednesday 11 September 2019, 18 of our top musicians performed in the Showcase Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre. It was a wonderful evening that highlighted the amazing talents of our music students. The Loreto Symphony Orchestra and Mandeville String Orchestra accompanied our performers in presenting a beautiful program of music. We farewelled our Year 12 Music students and celebrated the contribution each student has made to our music community. We congratulate our talented performers on their dedication to their musicmaking and celebrate their fine example to all Music students.
Below (L-R): Showcase Concert performers, Olivia Di Cocco (Year 12), Amy Bourbon (Year 9), Helena McArdle (Year 12), Vivian Jin (Year 12).
We celebrate with pride the success of our Loreto Toorak Athletics Team, who this year were awarded champions of the GSV Athletics Carnival for the sixth year in a row.
In sunny conditions, the Athletics team were positioned for success. Loreto Toorak placed first out of all 24 participating schools which is an outstanding achievement. The team were led by Athletics Captains, Ellie Ansett and Vivienne Johnston, along with Intermediate representatives, Madeleine Hume, Niamh O’Callaghan and Mia Ooi, and Junior representatives, Bridie Hill, Lauren McGarry and Mia Destefanis. A total of 46 first places were awarded to our students with most finishing in the top three of their event. The team won with a clean sweep in all age groups – Junior, Intermediate and
Senior, demonstrating the remarkable level of talent and skill overall. We acknowledge Head Coaches, Kate Richardson and Kath O’Connell, for their exemplary work and leadership of our girls. Progressing from this success, many students qualified for the GSV Athletics Finals Night, having placed in the top 10 across all schools from the Championship Carnivals. At this event Loreto Toorak finished top on the medal tally with an incredible 47 medals, with the school in second place securing 19 medals. This is an incredible effort competing against all 24 GSV schools. To compliment the GSV season, the Athletics team competed in a number of events such as the State Nitro Challenge and the Victorian All Schools Relays State Championships. We are very proud of the relay teams who won six medals across the day finishing as the second school in the whole state.
