2021 Events |
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Merit Ceremony
Our first major excursion for 2021 was to Government House for the SACE Merit Ceremony on Monday 1 February. The Brighton Secondary School Symphony Orchestra performed to parents and students who received a perfect score of 20/20 for one or more of their SACE Stage 2 subjects in 2020.
John Morrison & Jacki Cooper: Artists in Residence
On Thursday week 5, John Morrison and Jacki Cooper came to Brighton Secondary School to workshop with some of the school’s jazz ensembles,
John worked with Big Bands 2 and 3 on the basics of jazz improvisation, focussing on riff-based ideas over a 12-bar-blues. Students of all skill levels were able to produce develop a strong set of soloing ideas on the spot!
In the afternoon, the Salsa Band worked on African Rhythms. Students learned the sticking of the Mozambique pattern, Students then applied the Mozambique pattern to instruments using the 'wheeling' concept. They spent the rest of their session workshopping songs for Jazz on the Green.
Jacki spent the day with Treble Choir, Bel Canto, both Jazz Choirs, and year 8 girls choir. She worked with students on how to develop their skills in scat improvisation and gave them tips on the development of their repertoire.
John worked with Big Bands 2 and 3 on the basics of jazz improvisation, focussing on riff-based ideas over a 12-bar-blues. Students of all skill levels were able to produce develop a strong set of soloing ideas on the spot!
In the afternoon, the Salsa Band worked on African Rhythms. Students learned the sticking of the Mozambique pattern, Students then applied the Mozambique pattern to instruments using the 'wheeling' concept. They spent the rest of their session workshopping songs for Jazz on the Green.
Jacki spent the day with Treble Choir, Bel Canto, both Jazz Choirs, and year 8 girls choir. She worked with students on how to develop their skills in scat improvisation and gave them tips on the development of their repertoire.
Stompin' at the Capri
On Sunday 14 March Big Band 1 was invited to play at the Adelaide Fringe event, Stompin' at the Capri - The Best of Big Band Jazz From Adelaide's Finest High School Musicians. It was produced by Prince Alfred College and also featured bands from St Peter's College and Marryatville High School.
All bands played exceptionally well. The format was very educational too, as students were able to watch bands from other schools perform, something that is not normally possible at events like Generations in Jazz.
All bands played exceptionally well. The format was very educational too, as students were able to watch bands from other schools perform, something that is not normally possible at events like Generations in Jazz.
Grigoryan Brothers at Ukaria
On Monday 29 March the Year SIM students and the Guitar Ensemble travelled to Ukaria (Mt Barker) to see the Grigoryan Brothers perform songs from their latest album, This Is Us.
The songs on the album were all inspired by their visit to the National Museum of Australia. After rummaging through drawers and boxes "like Indiana Jones", they composed a series of pieces for two guitars (and a number of other similar stringed instruments). Some of the objects from the museum were brought to Ukaria for the students to view after the concert.
We heard 6 songs:
Our students (and staff members) were thoroughly impressed with the technical mastery as well as the incredible musicianship demonstrated by these wonderful artists. We will be inspired for years after witnessing some of the finest musicians in the world play in such a beautiful and intimate setting.
Mark Cameron-Smith
Music Teacher
The songs on the album were all inspired by their visit to the National Museum of Australia. After rummaging through drawers and boxes "like Indiana Jones", they composed a series of pieces for two guitars (and a number of other similar stringed instruments). Some of the objects from the museum were brought to Ukaria for the students to view after the concert.
We heard 6 songs:
- Love Token - inspired by a convict's love token for his brother (Leonard played an 8-string tenor ukulele)
- Hunter’s Edge - inspired by an Aboriginal Kimberley Point, a glass spear tip from north-west Australia
- Đàn Tre - inspired by a twenty-three stringed instrument made by Minh Tam Nguyen in 1976 out of an old olive oil tin and a bamboo tube
- Fred’s Vision - inspired by the collection of trial lenses and frames that belonged to Professor Fred Hollows
- Don’s Bat - inspired by Don Bradman's cricket bat from the 1934 Ashes series Test Match in Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- Song for the Road - inspired by the Prototype No. 1, the only surviving vehicle of three test Holden sedans built by hand in 1946 (Slava played an electric guitar)
Our students (and staff members) were thoroughly impressed with the technical mastery as well as the incredible musicianship demonstrated by these wonderful artists. We will be inspired for years after witnessing some of the finest musicians in the world play in such a beautiful and intimate setting.
Mark Cameron-Smith
Music Teacher
Jazz on the Green
Tuesday 20 March 2021
