The capabilities of our students amaze me every day. This term, I have witnessed our girls take part in band, string and piano competitions and perform together on a huge stage at the most amazing standard. I am incredibly proud and privileged to help support the girls in their learning journeys, and that these girls want to have music in their lives. This is a privilege that I will never stop being grateful for.

As Term 3 draws to a close, and we commence the musical madness of the Term 4 and the Christmas period, we must acknowledge and congratulate the following:

• All 204 students who participated in the Annual Showcase of Music on Thursday 31 August—taking place for the first time at the Adelaide Town Hall, the evening was a huge success (see below for a write up from Year 12 student, Eva Barrett)
• Concert Band – received a Gold award and were crowned outright winners for the second consecutive year in the Intermediate section at the ABODA festival
• Symphonic Band – received a Gold award in the Intermediate Band Plus section at ABODA
• Junior Band – received a Silver award at ABODA
• Big Band Two – received a Silver award at ABODA
• Senior String Orchestra – received a Silver award at ABODA
• Intermediate String Orchestra – received a Silver award at ABODA
• Lara Wu (Year 6) – won the prestigious Gwen Robinson Piano competition, against 16 highly talented students who all performed beautifully, displaying an extremely high level of musicality (congratulations to all the girls who played)
• Combined String Quartets – won Section S803 (Year 12 and under Senior String Ensemble) in the Adelaide Eisteddfod on Thursday 10 August.
• Yilin Ella Gu (Year 7) – Ella is a highly talented musician, playing piano, violin and flute, and she took part in various sections of the Adelaide Eisteddfod Season. Ella received numerous honourable mentions, as well as silver and bronze awards, and also achieved a Gold medal in Section P224 (Own Choice two contrasting pieces Piano Solo, 14 years and under). Ella received high praise from all of the adjudicators for her impressive energy and reliable clarity, accuracy and attention to all the expressive details.

Recently, Jessica Mah (Year 6) was awarded First Prize for the 2023 MTASA (Music Teachers Association SA) Miriam Hyde Competition (Junior section for 15 years old and under), where she played three pieces on flute from three different periods, with one composition from Miriam Hyde (Australian composer). The competition was highly competitive against mostly pianists and one violinist. Jessica was also the second youngest entrant. This award follows two previous first places in this year’s Eisteddfod season—well done, Jess!

Annual Showcase of Music – ‘Stage and Screen’

On Thursday 31 August, the Annual Showcase of Music was held in the Adelaide Town Hall. This was the first time that we have used this venue, and it was incredibly special to perform in this beautiful space. We were honoured to have such a large audience of parents, friends and Wilderness staff.

The concert began with the Symphonic Band, conducted by Ms Cassie Pope, playing the theme from The Incredibles and continued with fantastic performances from band, string and choral ensembles. Eighteen ensembles performed, with favourites being the Junior Dreamers performing a rousing rendition of ‘Revolting Children’ from the hit musical Matilda, and the Year 12 Band performing ‘The Eye of the Tiger’ from Rocky III. It was fantastic to have students from Prince Alfred College joining Wilderness for the debut performance of the new collaborative choir—PWC Vocal. The finale was a highlight of the night, featuring all the choirs as well as a band and string orchestra comprising staff and students performing a medley of songs from The Wizard of Oz.

To put on an event of this magnitude is a huge effort, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the Music staff and ensemble directors for their hard work. I would particularly like to thank Ms Anna Lenartowicz for her tireless efforts in making this amazing event possible.

Eva Barrett
2023 SRC Music Representative

Rotary Concert

On the sunny Sunday 10 September, the Rotary Club of Walkerville once again invited a selection of Wilderness School's smaller ensembles to perform at one of its Sunday Afternoon Concerts at the Walkerville Town Hall. This has been a long held annual tradition between Wilderness School and Walkerville Rotary Club, spanning many years. Not only do we enjoy the ability to perform before a live audience, but afterwards we are always treated to the most charming afternoon tea. The Rotary Club's hospitality and welcome are second to none.

The pieces performed by our ensembles were wide ranging in genres and styles, including the Hogan’s Heroes theme (Clarinet Ensemble), ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You’ by Frankie Valli (Combined Wind Ensemble), a medley from The Pirates of the Caribbean and Lady Gaga’s Poker Face. It is events like these which have one realise just how fortunate we are to be part of a school with such a generous and rich Music department.

It is a special opportunity to perform to an independent audience, while at the same time being of service to the community, fundraising for Rotary and building stronger bonds between ensemble members and across the Music department. A big thank you to Ms Vanessa Abela (Instrumental/Ensemble Coordinator) for her work in organising this event and to all of our directors—Mrs Mary Waterhouse, Miss Karen Fletcher and Mr George Klironomos.

Elena Tsamaidis
2024 SRC Music Representative