Musical magic at the 2022 Large Ensemble Showcase

For our College music students, be it those who study them as a subject or participate in them as a co-curricular activity, Term 3 had been filled with rehearsals and practises leading up to annual showcases and competitions. Throughout the year, there are plenty of performance opportunities for our College students to build their stage confidence and to nurture skills to perform as a group. The Large Ensemble Showcase was one such opportunity which brought together over 400 students for an evening of musical magic at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

College’s Head of Music Ms Mary Lin explained that there is something special about bringing pieces of music to life in a group setting. “This is the culmination of hundreds of hours including many early mornings and weekend practises of both individual and group effort from students and staff. It is rewarding to see the results at the end of each cycle when our groups successfully deliver precious moments of connection with the song and arrangement and develop a strong sense of collaboration with fellow musicians.”

This years’ Large Ensemble Showcase featured all our Premier and Feeder Bands, Orchestra, Ensemble, Choir, and a Chamber group. The event started with the Symphonic Band performing Aquatica and Powerhouse, directed by Mr Matt Baker and Mr Tom Chester. Symphony Orchestra was next to take the stage, delivering three pieces they had prepared for the KBB Music Festival beautifully. Following after was Kentoris with their rendition of Gloria Fanfare and Sanctus. Ms Miranda Hutton then directed the String Ensemble through their performance of Song of the Sea Mariner, the unique sounds of the Curse of the Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space and Dance of the Tumblers.

In the second half of the show, Ms Lin led the Concert Band through three pieces of their work which included an accompanying soloist performance by Ethan Fung on the Clarinet and another by Samuel Voyle on the Saxophone. Next, the Stage Band jammed to Street Smart and Jumpin East of Java, before our very own award-winning Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano Chamber group Amallegro came on stage to perform. The Showcase closed with a spectacular performance by our College Big Band directed by Mr Albert Lee.

All our Premier and Feeder Bands, Orchestra and Ensemble went on to excel at this years’ KBB Music Festival, winning a record 10 awards. Well done!