No matter your background, language, or culture, there is nothing like music to bring us together at the end of a long year. In a kaleidoscope of sound, the Boys’ School End of Year Musical Extravaganza celebrated all the talent at our school, with each musical ensemble performing a taste of their years’ work. The audience was even treated to a surprise performance from one very talented saxophonist teacher!

Our Pipe band welcomed the audience into the hall with the lilting notes of Barnyards of Delgaty, Bluebells of Scotland, and Corriechoilies’ 43rd welcome to the Northern Meeting and Teribus. It is so special to have young bagpipe players coming through the school, maintaining its heritage, and adding extra flair to our formal ceremonies. The Pipe band opened the night by marching into the hall to combine for the first time with the Performers Choir for Highland Cathedral. Liam Jarvis opened with a piping solo, joined by Eason Liu on drums, and Alex Hitch as a vocal solo bringing in the rousing verses from the choir.

A series of instrumental ensembles followed, including a Jazz Combo, the Orchestra, a Chamber Trio, the String Orchestra, and Rock Band. Each of these played dynamically and showed the diversity of instruments and music styles being learned at the school. A highlight from this section was the conversation like ‘Be Still, Be Calm’ performed by the trio consisting of Liam Zhao, Andrew Xin, and Cooper Liu. The two flautists responded to each other’s sections as if they were friends in deep dialogue. They drew the audience into their discussion with incredible stage presence. On the other side of the coin, the Rock Band thoroughly entertained with Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’ and guest feature Mr Matthew Baker on the saxophone.

The next portion of the evening had a large variety of acts, including solo performances from Cooper Lui and Liam Zhao. They completed their Grade Eight exams in piano and flute, respectively, this year. We also enjoyed the Recorder Consort, Saxophone Ensemble, the Saint Kentigern Singers Choir, and experienced Jazz band players. A polished performance from the Performers’ Choir of the beautiful ‘There is Peace’ by Jon Papoulis brought all the performers back to stage for the finale. Combining the orchestra, choir, recorders, flutes and Jazz bands with students and staff to perform the old classic ‘Wellerman’ even had the audience singing along. We love sharing what the boys have practised this year, but the heart of this evening is always to bring people together through music.

Thank you to all the staff who have worked so hard this year, rehearsing that same tricky passage repeatedly until it was perfect. Mrs Georgina Jarvis, thank you for your leadership in our music program, and thanks to her team, fellow music teacher Mrs Janet Grierson and Itinerant teachers Mr Matthew Baker, Mr Paul Herbert, Mr Thomas Chester, Mrs Louise Inglis, Mr Chris Townsend, Mr Darmatin Harmadi and Mr James Milner. We would also like to thank the parents for all your hard work in practising, driving, and encouraging your boys to be the best musicians possible. We look forward to seeing many of you next year.

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