Music to your ears

St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School saxophone ensemble Eisak Tabensky, Ovin Jayawardana, Sebastian Nugara, Matthew Merrilees and Imran Sadiqzai.

By Jessica Anstice

More than 160 St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School students performed at the annual senior school concert on Wednesday 21 August.

The well-attended event showcased a range of choral, orchestral and instrumental ensembles and presented a variety of styles and genres of music.

In keeping with the theme, ‘Australia, This is Your Song’, the music presented was all written, composed or arranged by Australian musicians.

“This year’s concert was an incredible showcase, highlighting the hard work and commitment of our dedicated musicians,” director of music Marten Visser said.

“Not only was the music delivered to a professional standard, but the values of character, courage and respect were so visible as the students collaborated and presented each performance.

“Music has so much added value for our students, not only as a cognitive and academic endeavour but through the exploration of teamwork, risk-taking and outworking courage, as each student steps onto the stage! It’s electric!”

In alignment with the school’s commitment to engaging with the countries indigenous heritage, they were “delighted” to work with local indigenous elder and friend of the school, Murrundindi.

Murrundindi opened the concert with a smoking ceremony and gave the Welcome to Country.

He also performed in an orchestral performance on the didgeridoo.