Music across the School

Music is truly an international language; it is an art form which can be enjoyed throughout an entire lifetime.

Our 2021 Co-Captains of Music have already gained a wealth of musical experience, and I know that they will continue to make and enjoy music throughout their lives.

James Greenwood and Kai Wong are outstanding ambassadors for Music at Trinity and in the wider community.

James has studied the violin for 12 years and is currently under the tutelage of Moirsheen Kelly-Keesing. He holds leadership roles within the Symphony Orchestra and Senior Strings. James is a fine singer and is also a member of the School Choir.

Kai has undertaken eight years of oboe study with Anne Gilby, and he is a leader in both the Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He enjoys chamber music and is a senior member of the Awesome Oboes and the Woodwind Trio. Kai is also an accomplished pianist, formerly studying with Maureen Mahon, and currently with Chiah Quah.

These two fine young men have strong interpersonal and time management skills, they understand the art of negotiation, the influence and impact their behaviour has on peers and younger students, and the wider benefits of engaging in music making. Below are two excerpts from their Gala Concert speeches to the wider community with reflections on ‘togetherness’ and ‘rising to the challenge’.

Trintones at Jazz at the Courthouse: Charlie Shaw, Lachlan Morrison, Daniel Marcou, Andrew Zhang and Harry Johnson

Michelle Stanic

Director of Music

James Greenwood

2021 Co-Captain of Music

‘So, what is togetherness in music? Some may believe that togetherness in music is simply staying in time or with your respective orchestra, band, or choir in those hard pieces which we all at one point or another have struggled with. However, coming together to play music as a group or ensemble, whether small or large, requires more than just that. Togetherness in music is about community. Although playing together and experiencing what

Therese McCoppin conducts the Senior Strings at the Strings Concert

it is like to be part of a musical collective is an extremely important part of community, it is also the small things that we do in our ensembles and groups to support each other that truly build up this community. Whether it is annotating music for yourself and your desk mate or simply helping to pack up the stands and chairs at the end of rehearsal, these actions contribute to the positive environment in the Music School, enabling us to work together to prepare the many wonderful pieces you have heard tonight. This togetherness has contributed to the success we have had in terms of the concerts this past year and will no doubt continue to bring success in the many events still to come.’

Kai Wong

2021 Co-Captain of Music

‘Of course, quarantine music was not without its high points. The occasional breaks from after school and early morning rehearsals were much appreciated, and the creativity and ingenuity of some individuals was put on full display. The clever use of technology in the stitching together of parts, along with with the power of editing, simultaneously highlighted the hard work of many of the ensembles who did not have the chance to perform, and also the talents of those editing and organising these projects. The final results always sounded amazing and highlighted how, even in a difficult year, Trinity’s musicians will always be heard and appreciated for their hard work.

Which brings us to tonight, a somewhat normal concert and, for many of these ensembles, the culmination of almost two years of hard work. Through it all, we have gained a new appreciation for our fellow musicians, but also for the importance of lessons and ensembles. We will never take after school rehearsals for granted again. Of course, we still miss having parents and friends sitting in front of us. That will be the final step between our COVID-normal and truly being back to where we were a couple of years ago. Enjoy the concert tonight, and we hope to see you all live, soon.’

Kevin Nimalraj, Year 12, at the Courthouse

Gregory Whittenbury and Raphael Columbine at the Courthouse Junior Jazz with Tiger Yan, Jake Alexander, James Chu, Jonathan Moutsios, Derek Qian and Sam McDonald