Week 3 saw many of our music students performing at the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod, held at Matthew Flinders Anglican College. Almost 100 students ranging from Years 1 – 12 hit the stage this year to represent GCC in various bands and choirs. Each year our students love competing in the eisteddfod, showing off their talents, and checking out the bands and ensembles from the other schools in our region.

SYMPHONIC WINDS received a Highly Commended award for their awesome performance on Monday evening. They played a highly energetic piece with lots of percussion, a slow tango which featured Year 12 Music Captain Sam Viney as saxophone soloist, and an epic medley of songs from the hit musical Hamilton. Together they showed an excellent ability to play a wide variety of genres.

WIND ORCHESTRA had bundles of fun at their performance on Tuesday and also received a Highly Commended award. For some of our youngest musicians, this was their first ever performance as members of the band. Our Year 5 students have only been learning their instruments since the start of the year and to be able to pull off a performance of three songs is amazing. Year 6 clarinetist Sian Bruce shares why she enjoys being a part of Wind Orchestra and participating in events like the eisteddfod:

“My experience of band has been amazing because I have been learning new things and I like to challenge myself with hard pieces of music. It has gotten me to go and try out the grades.” – Sian Bruce

MUSIC MAKERS gave an outstanding performance on Wednesday, with Mr Y as their conductor. The adjudicator remarked that they had some fantastic dance moves as well as their beautiful singing! They received a result of 81/100. We asked some students in Music Makers to tell us a little bit about their experience:

“I had lots of fun singing at the eisteddfod last week. I was a bit nervous because the other schools were good too. We performed in front of a big audience but I had lots of fun with my friends.” – Rachel Choi

“I liked the eisteddfod because I had lots of fun and I really liked the songs we sang and some of the dance moves. I wish that we placed but we were the youngest group of performers and we still did very well. We learned that teamwork makes the dream work and can’t wait for next year.” – Charlotte Inst

Well done Year 3 and 4 Music Makers on your teamwork and enthusiasm.

LITTLE VOICES wrapped up the week with their wonderful vocal performance on Friday morning. Mrs Morris is very proud of all the Little Voices members and hopes this is an experience that continues for years to come. The students did an amazing job and sang beautifully. We also think their outfits may have stolen the show! We heard from one of the parents who was lucky enough to attend as an audience member:

“I speak on behalf of other parents who attended, the children’s spirit was alive on stage and this opportunity has instilled so much joy, passion, and excitement in our little children.” – Louise

We are very proud of all our student musicians who participated in this year’s Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod! You represented your school with pride. Thank you to all the conductors and other staff members who made this huge week possible. A special thank you as well to all the parents/caregivers who made arrangements to come and watch the performances and to those who showed their support from afar. Bring on next year!

Bec Olek, Instrumental Music Coordinator