This week we have witnessed a great deal of devastation within the South East Queensland and NSW communities. Our best wishes go to those affected by the recent flooding. Music frequently brings about a place of calm and happiness. We hope you find some relief in the reflection of music at BGGS this week. Please read on for this week’s music news.
Beginners start their BGGS musical endeavour
Late last week, our very excited new Band and String students started their musical life at BGGS with us. To say there was some excitement in the rooms would be an understatement. Hearing the enthusiastic first sounds of our fledgling musicians is always a delight and a memory of how far they all progress over their years at the School. In their first lessons, students learn skills such as:
- how to safely set up and hold the instrument
- how to produce quality tone
- making notes happen smoothly and in succession
- ensemble etiquette
- creating multiple notes
- the first song
- the discipline and diligence required for success.
![](https://www.bggs.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Elgar-Violin.jpg)
Edmee Gainsford Viola Prize open for entries
The Viola Prize was given in memory of Mrs Edmee Gainsford (nee Park) who attended the School in the 1930s and maintained a lifelong interest in, and encouragement of, young musical performers and composers. Her son, Dr Len Gainsford, presented the School with a Garbor Draskoczy viola, which will be played for 12 months by the School’s most accomplished viola player each year.
The Viola Prize competition will be held on Thursday 31 March.
Further information can be accessed on the Instrumental Music Competitions page here, and students can submit their entries via this link.
International Women’s Day Concert
Due to the weather and recent flooding, our International Women’s Day Concert has been postponed until next Friday 11 March.
We look forward to bringing this concert to you; it is always an eagerly anticipated signature event that honours the immense contribution that women make to our world of music.
Championing female composers, performers, and conductors, we draw well-deserved focus on the remarkable accomplishments of those who have come before us, those who are currently contributing their works, and the emerging wonderful young composers and musicians in our ranks at Brisbane Girls Grammar School.
The concert will feature works by iconic composers such as Dr Jodie Blackshaw, Ms Cecile Chaminade, Ms Joan Trimble, and Ms Sarah Quartel. We also feature three young BGGS composers–Charlotte Parsonage (12G), Schuyler Mills (12E), and Dorothy Rae (10G)–all winners of recent composition awards.
MSG News
The next MSG meeting is Thursday 10 March at 6 pm in the Choir room. All music parents are welcome to attend, and we look forward to welcoming new parents.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at msgbggs@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Looking Ahead
- Thursday 10 March—MSG Meeting (BGGS–Choir Room) 6 pm
- Tuesday 22 March—Junior Band Workshop (BGGS) 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm
- Thursday 24 March—Autumn Choral Concert (Roma Street Parklands) 6 pm to 7.15 pm
- Wednesday 30 March—Jazz and Percussion Concert (Louise McDonald Room) 6 pm to 7 pm
![](https://www.bggs.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jaimee-Jessop-Trish-Chow.jpg)
![](https://www.bggs.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Saxophone.jpg)