Music at Ruyton
Music at Ruyton has continued to grow and expand in 2010. It is very much part of the School Community, with over 400 girls involved in its many facets. Whilst music is a wonderful experience in itself, it also provides the girls with many skills and experiences that they can take with them on their life journey beyond Ruyton, including discipline, teamwork, commitment and confidence.
In the classroom, all girls in Years 7 and 8 studied Acid, Film Music, Musicals, Popular Music, Rhythm Performance, Aboriginal Music, World Music, Musicianship, Singing and Composition. They were able to create and perform music using both the latest software and technologies, as well as the more traditional musical settings.
The Year 9 and 10 girls, within the context of Film Music and Musicals, analysed and composed music, enabling them to gain a greater understanding of the challenges faced by musicians when creating music for moving images. It was also our pleasure to host the Year 12 Unit 3 and 4 Music Solo Performance class. Congratulations to all the girls that took on the challenges required as a performer engaged in this subject.
Other Highlights
• Establishment of the Grade 5 Band Programme
• The Junior Concert Band and WindChimes combined for a rehearsal and workshop with composer Mr Brian Hogg, performing together at the Melbourne Schools' Band Festival and the Annual Music Concert
• The Senior Strings performed at the Melbourne Schools' Strings Festival for the first time
• The Senior Concert Band took part in a workshop with Dr Rob McWilliams from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
• CINQUE continued to perform at various venues around Melbourne under the leadership of Mr Bob Sedegreen
• MiniMads received first place in the Waverley Eisteddfod
• Paganini Strings received first place in the Boroondara Eisteddfod
• Over 90 girls performed in the Ruyton Piano Festival – a record
• Several new ensembles were formed – Marimbafied, Junior School Guitar Ensemble, Junior Concert Band, Saxophone Ensemble
• Eight Senior School girls performed at a Cancer Council Bequesters' Luncheon at the Kooyong Tennis Club
Mr Paul Smith, Director of Music