2023 Term 4 Newsletter
Monday, October 16, 2023 by Joanne Trewick | newlsetter
Hi music parents!
There is so much to address in this newsletter, hoping you have time for a cuppa to sit and read it ;)
Thanks for taking the time to stay informed.
WEEK 4
In week 4 of this term all classes will be conducted by Miss Rebekah Ives as I have to be away. She will have the “Recital Bible” and be prepared to rehearse all classes on all of their performances, along with some work on the group song which will be new to most students. For any classes that get through that in record time, she is prepared with some theory review games. So classes will remain uninterrupted, however, please note that communication with me will not be possible form Oct 20-29 inclusive. So if you need to ask me something, please get in quickly!
And please note if you have lessons at Miallo SS - there are no lesson in week 4 as Miss Rebekah is not available that Wednesday morning.
2024
The first draft of the 2024 home studio (afterschool) schedule was emailed during term 3, I have nearly finished formulating a final timetable based on the responses I got. Big thanks to those who responded. If you haven’t yet had a look at when your classes are next year, just reread that email in the portal and let me know what will work for you. The wait list asking about next year is growing and I want to make sure current students have a class that works for them before opening up spots to new students in the advancing classes. We will however be able to open up new options for beginner classes and early childhood music classes, so all new beginner students will be welcome. If you have friends considering music for next year, please encourage them to come along to recital for a look, and contact me as soon as possible for information.
Also on the subject of thinking ahead….
If your child would like to consider applying for a music scholarship/music extension program or any other audition associated with entering high school - it is never too early to let me know so that we can make plans to give you the best options possible. There is also a bursary available to hard working music students in year 7, year 6 students should be preparing now if they intend auditioning. And - another bursary is offered to year 12 students who intend to study tertiary music. If any of things might be on your radar for your child, please be in touch to chat about your options and what is required.
INVOICES
Two note about invoices - the term 4 resource fee was not charged in October as promised, it will appear on your November invoice. Also, if your student is at Saints, the changing of days for lessons in the week that crosses from October into November might give you a class that becomes a “carried forward” amount on your invoice, from October, don’t worry, the amount owing will be correct. Let me know any questions with your invoice if you are concerned.
WELL DONE
The Term 3 Showcase was really wonderful, Grandparents Day at Saints was fabulous, music assembly performances have been going from strength to strength. Nikita and King made us very proud at the recent Cairns Classical Concert where they were invited to perform amongst professional artists. And many students have been super busy preparing for their grade exams, receiving terrific marks and feedback!
All this growth and experience makes me even more excited for our Recital event….which is getting very close now.
Please check the specific Recital email sent on Oct 6. It was absolutely essential reading, please double check that all those details are carefully recorded in your diary to make the day a success for your student, and to make sure they are not the student that lets the rest of the team down on the day.
There really can’t be exceptions for attending the morning rehearsal, it will need everyone there. I know some other music events by schools in Cairns have now been announced for the same day, but it just will not be possible to do both. Please clarify with me immediately if you are at all unsure about what times your child needs to be at the hall.
5 Years or more families…..( a note to the families that have been part of our studio for five years or more)
Another email will be out to you very soon about your role in the recital team.
It is with sadness though that I have to postpone our celebration lunch. The venue that was organised for Nov 5 has just fallen through and I now need to choose a new venue and new date. That is too hard for me to do before recital, so I will be excited to figure that out after recital and will then let you know the new details!
AWARDS since last newsletter
Well done to all of these students on their achievements since last newsletter! This is a lot for one term…..how exciting :)
Ryder Melchert - 60 piano pieces
Zac Williams - 30/40 piano pieces
Ching Dang - 10 Grade 4 piano pieces
Ivy Shaw - 10/20 piano pieces/finished her first piano book
Anastasia Frahn - 30 Grade 3 piano pieces
Jimmy Scott - 10/20 piano pieces
Oliver Johnston - 10 drum pieces
Nova Hilton - 100 piano pieces !!!
Emma Coiutti - 80 piano pieces
Marsden Smyth - 30 Grade 1 piano pieces
Francesca Hughes - 30 grade 1 pieces
Saxon Keech - 10 Grade 1 piano pieces/ 20 drum pieces
Callum Moffat - 40 piano pieces
Ava Dwyer - 80 piano pieces
Mia White - 20 Grade 4 piano pieces
Quinn Kelleher - 40 piano pieces
Bailee Weier - 40 piano pieces
Finn Gray - 50 piano pieces
Mietta Hilton - 100 piano pieces !!!
Tiago Wilson - 10 Grade 4 piano pieces
Zoe Wilson - 10 Grade 3 piano pieces
Jasper Keech - 60 guitar pieces
Giovanni Molinari - 10 guitar pieces
Eleanor Hinde - 10 Preliminary piano pieces
Anastasia Frahn - High Distinction Grade 3 piano exam
Carys Rigby - Distinction preliminary grade piano exam
Marsden Smyth - Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Callum Moffat - Distinction preliminary grade piano exam
Tiago Wilson - High Distinction grade 4 piano exam
Erik pese - Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Jasper Keech - High Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Francesca Hughes - Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Mario Molinari - High Distinction preliminary grade piano exam
Nakeisha Wellham - High Distinction grade 2 piano exam
Lola Gonsalves - High Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Amelie Zonai - Distinction Grade 2 piano exam
Nikita Farraway - Distinction Grade 7 piano exam
CURRENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
I’m guessing you have figured out by reading this section in all the newsletters this year, that ongoing learning and growing is very important to me. There is always so many interesting things to learn to keep my teaching ideas fresh and relevant.
- An online workshop and study module - Skills for the Next Generation of Music Teachers
- I did a two day workshop in Brisbane on teaching stringed instruments in primary schools as well as a class on repairing stringed instruments.
- A percussion workshop with Queensland Symphony Orchestra members on their recent visit to Cairns.
- ‘Beyond the Foundations’ an online course on teaching brass instruments and advancing brass techniques. This was followed up with an opportunity to do some online trumpet student adjudication.
- Reading ‘The Process of Effective Practice’
LOOKING AHEAD
NOV 12 we have three students representing us at another QMTA concert at St Monica’s Cathedral. Congratulations to Matilda, Gemma and Jasper on your selection and we wish you the best with your performance.
NOV 22 a number of our Saints students will be visiting Kubirri aged care home to give a concert for the residents.
DEC 8 a team of students will be making a musical visit to the residents at Ozcare Port Douglas.
Christmas street party in Mossman - details yet to be confirmed
Our music studio runs right until the end of week 10 of this term, as we have aged care and Christmas performances to prepare for as well as making sure that students have lots to inspire them over the break. Week 9 will be the final week of lessons at school though, and students that learn at school are welcome to join our after school classes in week 10.
Towards the end of term 4 an invite will go out for students to participate in the 2024 Junior Eisteddfod. I am hoping for a big performance team this year, so start to think now about whether you can commit, in week 9 of term 2 next year in Cairns.
That’s it for now, another recital email will be sent before the big day, but please do double check you received the one on Oct 6. Thanks for your continued support in everything we do to make learning music successful for your child.
Thank you
Ms Joanne
