Music Assembly

To start off our Musician in Residence program with Ross Irwin, the whole school was treated to performances at the annual Music Assembly on Monday 22 May.

Big Band 2 performed ‘Chile Today, Hot Tamale’, directed by Mr Damien Hurn, featuring Madi Chau (Year 10), myself and Ross Irwin. Following this, Jazz Choir (directed by Miss Kara Manansala) performed ‘I Remember You’ with soloists Georgina Gross (Year 12) and Amaia Thomas (Year 9). The students were then shown a music video of Generations in Jazz highlights made by Year 11 student Victoria Phan, which provided insight into the amazing weekend had by the students earlier in May.

This assembly was a wonderful way to begin our time with Ross, and the students loved getting to experience these amazing performances.

Eva Barrett
2023 Year 12 Music Representative

Workshop and Rehearsal Experiences

On the Monday and Tuesday of Week 5, we were joined by Ross Irwin, not only as he prepared to play in our annual Jazz at The Gov concert, but as our Musician in Residence, which enabled students to work alongside him in a workshop setting. Each ensemble was given the chance to explore their music and receive feedback that helped to further shape each song to be performed at the concert on Wednesday evening. Girls studying Music as a subject across Years 9 to 12 were also able to gain valuable knowledge and insight from Ross in workshops that looked at composition and arranging, as well as performing. Ross imparted his wisdom on the individuality of each person's musical journey, and the value of working toward a goal whilst listening actively to professional musicians who serve as a source of motivation.

Collaborating with a professional musician such as Ross is an invaluable experience, which allows for insight into the world of music and fosters the growth of musicality among all participants. All students who were part of this week had a thoroughly wonderful time.

Georgina Gross
Year 12

Jazz at The Gov

On Wednesday 24 May, it was amazing to return to the Governor Hindmarsh for our annual Jazz at The Gov concert, which is always a favourite event for the students due to the cabaret-style, relaxed atmosphere and the ability to play for family and friends. It was great to see a lot of student support this year. We were privileged to welcome back Ross Irwin as our Musician in Residence, and it was a fantastic experience to play alongside him.

Across the night, our amazing jazz ensembles, along with soloists, were able to showcase their hard work, as we heard from Jazz Choir, Jazz Incorporated, Dream Girls, Old Scholars' Jazz Choir, Big Band 1, Big Band 2, Saxophone Quartet, Jazz Combo, Street Band and some solo items from Ross. Both students and audience alike thoroughly enjoyed hearing him sing and play the trumpet.

We had some new ensembles this year, in addition to the jazz choirs and big bands that have always performed. The Year 12 Music students, along with talented musicians from other year levels, had fun playing with Ross for a piece called ‘I Got Burned’ by the Bamboos, which is a band he has been part of. It was fun to explore a new style of music alongside Ross and benefit from his expertise. The Year 12s, along with Ross and our band director Ms Cassie Pope, played the upbeat crowd-favourite by Taylor Swift, ‘Shake it Off’ (arranged by Adam Page), and it was fun to get the audience involved with a rap led by Allegra Kleinig (Year 12).

We finished a night of great music with Big Band 1, including the trumpet feature piece ‘Backrow Politics’ by Gordon Goodwin, in which we were able to showcase Ross alongside the band’s trumpet section.

Siena Heffernan-Lucic and Charlotte Thomas (Year 12)
Big Band 1 Leaders 2023

Farewell To Miss Kara Manansala

At the beginning of this year, we were lucky enough to welcome one of Wilderness’ vocal tutors, Miss Kara Manansala to direct Jazz Choir while Ms Jo Tropeano is on maternity leave. Kara has decided to take up a wonderful opportunity to travel overseas and we would therefore like to sincerely thank her for all the hard work that she has put into Jazz Choir during this short time, leading us through both the Generations in Jazz competition and Jazz at The Gov. We are extremely grateful for Kara’s support, leadership, generosity and dedication, and for creating such a strong bond within a relatively new line up in Jazz Choir this year. We have absolutely loved having the opportunity to work with Kara this year; she has been an inspiration to us all and we will all miss her immensely.

Jamila Macris
Year 11