Music

As I write my final article for The Trinity Grammarian, I contemplate the individuality, uniqueness and wonder of our school, and the amazing things that have happened here over many years, in particular, during 2020 and 2021.

Teaching and learning music is important, but it is only one of many vehicles at school through which we grow and develop the ‘whole person’: the OTG who is well known and respected for their qualities of friendliness, humility, hard work, generosity, and many for their outstanding musicality.

To thrive is to feel good, be good at something, be healthy, to flourish, bloom, grow, succeed, shine, and prosper, and yet also to be able to cope with stress, obstacles which impede our direction, and conflict.

Music teaches us how to live a good life. Our boys continue to demonstrate this in every online lesson, through their (usually) joyful interactions with each other and their teachers, their willingness to solve problems and debate various approaches to playing, and their pure pleasure of performing.

This term, the entire TGS Music community became highly proficient at oscillating between face-to-face and Distance Learning; classroom music, individual instrumental and voice lessons, ensemble sectional rehearsals and student recitals took place at school, then suddenly…did not.

Instruments, music, microphones, books and other paraphernalia were quickly assembled for another departure – we were now experts in the art of the hasty exit.

Planning for external examinations, recording of scheduled performances and special endof-year events began in earnest through online communication, still with an air of uncertainty as to when we would actually return to school. A special virtual recording of The Blessing, was created, involving a range of musicians from Anglican schools, resulting in a magnificent musical record of 2021 which was shared throughout the community. If you would like to access this recording, it is available on the Anglican Schools Australia (ASA) facebook page.

Junior School Music staff initiated themed rehearsals where students were encouraged to bring their pet along, resulting in much hilarity and good humour! Senior musicians attended online instrumental workshops in preparation for VCE studies, and others made recordings at home to be enjoyed by the school community at assemblies.

Instrumental staff organised online recitals, which ensured all members of the family could attend and enjoy hearing their son’s musical progress from the comfort of their home. Extended family members, some overseas, were frequently invited to attend these recitals, and their appreciation and enjoyment was positive and palpable.

At the time of writing, we eagerly anticipate a return to school, but in the meantime, we know that music will sustain and energise us in ways we previously did not know were possible.

A still shot from The Blessing

Michelle Stanic

Director of Music