05 Jun 2019
On the 31st - 2nd of May/June the Hunter School of the Performing Arts Senior Concert Band, Junior Concert Band and String Orchestra competed at the National Eisteddfod in Canberra. Long hours, weeks of rehearsing and serious preparation led to this moment. The ensembles received outstanding results for their performances on the Llewelyn Stage. For ensembles completely made up of only school students, they have a lot to be proud of.
The trip commenced on the right foot when music teacher and conductor Mrs. Gardner told the students that arrival time at school on Friday morning was 7am instead of 6:45. As you might think this is not much of a big deal, however, the students were surprisingly excited for an extra 15-minute sleep in. Who knew! The trip down to Canberra was a long and tiresome journey. Patiently waiting for a toilet or lunch stop seemed to never come. Four hours straight of eating snacks and lollies until they got a proper lunch, Maccas; well you know what I mean.
This year the school stayed at a new accommodation specifically for students and groups, called Canberra Park. Their amazing hospitality and service surpassed our expectations considering the last accommodation they stayed at 2 years ago. Let’s just say, that eagle has flown away. Girls in The Shingleback and the boys in The Goanna; such interesting room names.
Friday night was the first performance for the Open competition. The Junior and Senior concert band were going to be competing against school and community ensembles. Junior concert band, up first, played a variety of challenging pieces under the baton of Mrs. Gardner and junior band leader Madeline Sellens. Nervous, as they all seemed, they performed wonderfully which awarded them 1st place! Yay!
Next up was the Senior Concert Band with conductor Dave Thompson. The Senior Concert Band are made up of year 10, 11 and 12 students. Dave Thompson is not a teacher at HSPA, however, he is a brilliant conductor and musician and the concert band are very grateful to have him as their leader and conductor. A big shout out too to their band leader Maximilian Williamson. After a little bit of disappointment in not being able to use a Mexican hat in their performance Danzas Cubans, Senior concert band were still awarded an amazing 2nd place.
Day two was an early rise. Waking up is with banging noises on the door is such a fun, exhilarating way to the start of the day. Walking outside from the rooms to the dining hall was a challenge, however, the cold and icy weather did not stop anyone from conquering the path to breakfast.
The second performances were the under 16s and 18s. This section of the competition was scored by bronze, silver and gold. As all the students sat and waited for the results, the adjudicator gave comments to all the bands. And finally, Junior Band were awarded a silver. After waiting in the warm up room a bit early than they needed, the students got a little serenade from Charlie Cox on the piano. What an amazing pianist! Anxiously waiting for the results, the senior concert band were awarded a gold!
The Australian National University (ANU) school of music has multiple amazing teachers and lecturers. A group of senior students of year 10, 11 and 12 participated in a workshop with lecturer of music John Mackey. John Mackey teaches primarily jazz music and is an outstanding saxophonist himself. He taught the students about ways to practice and manage their time and how to practice using scales in various ways. The students were very privileged to have this opportunity to learn more about music and to listen to some amazing jazz music and improv. One of the Year 12 students, Jaydenn Bradford, had the opportunity to play piano with John Mackey. A great time was had by all. Ex HSPA student Daniel Duque organised this workshop for the students of HSPA to engage them in what ANU music is all about and what opportunities this great university has for students wanting to pursue music.
One special tradition of HSPA music tours, like the Eisteddfod, is the Woolies run!! Swarming the shops, students raided the aisles of food, as always, made a bit of an impact on the local Canberra shopper and boosted the economy.
Later that evening, it was time for the String Orchestra to perform with their conductor Mr. Rowlatt. This performance for the string orchestra was very special and important because sadly Mr. Rowlatt is retiring at the end of the year. The first performance was the under 18s. The orchestra performed Vivaldi’s Autumn with soloist Luke Chao. When it came to results, the Adjudicator made a special mention to Luke for his fantastic solo. Go Master Chao!! The string orchestra was awarded a gold award. Lots of claps and cheers came from the school fan club at the back of the Llewelyn Hall when, out of the blue the adjudicator congratulates the orchestra and awards them the very first and only Platinum Award of the competition. Shocked and excited faces came from the orchestra musicians and a tear to Mr. Rowlatt’s eye. You’ll be missed Mr. Rowlatt.
The second performance was in the Opens. This section was against different ensembles from rock bands to symphony orchestras. The string orchestra was awarded with 1st place. What a way to finish off a very successful Eisteddfod.
Back to the accommodation very late at night, the students held a small thank you presentation for the teachers and parents that made this trip achievable in every way. They thanked Mr. Rowlatt, Ms. Miller and Mrs. Gardner with flowers and cards of thanks for everything they have done for the students and spending three whole days with not only difficult teenagers but determined students ready to perform at their best.
Silence and shut eyes, the trip back to Newcastle was very chilled and reflective. Even though the HSPA music ensembles only go to the National Eisteddfod every couple of years, the students enjoy every part of this experience and have as much fun and gain lots of knowledge. Every student that participates in this musical experience comes back with a stronger love for music and a sense of gratitude for this amazing experience.
Final Results:
Senior Concert Band
Opens – 2nd place
Under 18s – Gold
Junior Concert Band
Opens - 1st Place
U16 - Silver
String Ochestra
Opens - 1st place
U18 - Gold & Platinum
Laura Duque, Y11