Music

Paul Toole

Last year I mentioned that it was a challenging time for the Music Department; a flood in the music/drama area, the beginning of a global pandemic and the unfortunate cancellation of our planned combined musical with St Joseph’s. Well hasn’t 2021 been interesting? Next to zero face-to-face teaching for Semester 2, and enough online lessons to drive anyone to breaking point. But we survived yet again. For a practical subject area to continue to make an impact throughout this year and still engage our students, is testimony to the hard work and creative efforts of our wonderful Music faculty, the resilience of our fantastic students and the support and leadership of our College.

We started the year with renewed enthusiasm with our combined St Edward’s and St Joseph’s Concert band increasing in numbers and general skill level. Mrs Maloney continued the charge to get the boys over to the girls’ school for Wednesday rehearsals, and the band really started to gain some momentum. The musical development of this band is obvious, but the social opportunity for both schools cannot be emphasised enough. Once again, however, COVID reared its head, and restrictions were again enforced to prevent us continuing this valuable ensemble. Yet again, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Mrs Maloney for her dedication to this group. Mrs Maloney is a strong advocate for the band program and goes above and beyond to make sure it continues to flourish.

I would also like to thank the team at Coast Academy of Music for the private tuition they offer our boys during lunch times. Music is certainly an area where this type of one-to-one lesson is essential in fostering confidence and developing instrumental skills. It has been another difficult year for this company as they have attempted to navigate the transition to Zoom based lessons, but many of our students have shown patience, the ability to adapt to this new way of learning and have remained steadfast in their pursuit of musical growth.

I would also, once again, like to thank our parent body for their patience and assistance with the ongoing challenges and frustrations we have collectively had to face. Students playing drums on clothes baskets, dusting off old guitars with rusty strings, and bashing on out of tune pianos were the order of the day, with amazing results exhibiting some remarkable ingenuity and resourcefulness. Thank you for encouraging your boys to try music. If we teach our students anything, we should teach them to have a go. Regardless of their musical ability, the lessons they have learnt regarding persistence and grit will stay with them forever.

Our HSC Music class was yet another great example of determination and adaptability. Despite having constantly changing scenarios thrown at them throughout the Semester, they demonstrated an admirable capacity to go with the flow and work with the trials placed in front of them. This

The Concert Band Year 7 on the drums

group was top class and were more than ready for their final performances at the end of Term 2. This was made very clear in a concert performed infront of parents, friends, and family just prior to lockdown. It was a tremendous evening which was an excellent presentation of their musical skills, but also an extremely entertaining night for which they should be very proud. Indeed, they should be extremely pleased with all their efforts throughout the course. We look forward to hearing of their HSC results, which I have no doubt will reflect both their undeniable talent and strong work ethic. Special thanks also, to our Entertainment students, expertly guided by Mrs Josephine Emmett, who provided outstanding lights and sound for the evening. It would also be remiss not to mention the contribution of Mr Kane Charles (keyboard), Mr Marcus Missio-Spiteri (drums), Sacha Byrne (drums) and Charlie Jacobsen (bass) to our ensemble work, their passion for music and their commitment to our HSC group was clear in their unwavering involvement and enthusiasm. Mr Charles was of course also teaching many of our students this year whilst Mr Droz was on leave. His friendship and teaching contribution to St Edward’s this year was very much appreciated by both staff and students alike.

Notably, it is my sincere honour and privilege to again take the opportunity to acknowledge the more than 40-year contribution of our longest serving staff member, Mr Richard Drozdzewski, who has now officially made the decision to retire from teaching. Richard was Music Coordinator at the College for 35 of those years and over this time has contributed an extraordinary amount to the music area with a multitude of musicals, concert bands, guitar groups and jazz ensembles, and as an exceptional classroom teacher. We wish Richard and his family all the best for his future endeavours. Congratulations Richard on a stellar teaching career which has certainly left a lasting influence on the musical education of the boys of St Edward’s.

Finally, I will also make mention of my own resignation from the position of Leader of Learning Music. It has been a very rewarding role for which I am very grateful. I wish all the very best to whoever takes the opportunity to step into this demanding, but exciting position, for next year and beyond.