From Best in Queensland to Best in Australia!
Percussion Ensemble 1 has reached new heights for the Music sector of the Performing Arts Department at MacGregor SHS. On Sunday 6 September 2009 this talented group of instrumentalists was awarded first place at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod at which Soloists and Ensembles from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, and Adelaide competed for victory and honours. This accomplishment was particularly gratifying for Instrumental Percussion teacher, David Adelt, who invests much time and energy into conducting not only Percussion Ensembles 1 and 2, but also into directing Big Band at our school.
This triumph follows the group’s outstanding success in winning the 2008 FANFARE competition which annually sees over 700 schools battled for first place. What made this achievement exceptional was that it was the first time in the history of FANFARE that a Percussion Ensemble had been declared the winner of such a prestigious Queensland music event.
The recent feat at a national level certainly proves that music is more than alive and well at MacGregor State High School; in fact, it is glowing with pride and pleasure, proving our motto “The Best We Can Be”!
Due to our astounding successes, many audience members (from all over Australia) wanted to know where MacGregor, the Private Performing Arts School was. We proudly pointed out we are a state high school with an awesome Performing Arts Department. Everyone in Percussion circles around Australia are now familiar with the name MacGregor State High School.
The results from the Eisteddfod include:
SOLOS
Jamee Seeto (10R1): 1st Place - Junior High Solo Keyboard 4 Mallets
Eden Armstrong (8A1): 2nd Place – Junior Solo Timpani
Sienna Ryan (11R1): Encouragement Award - Senior High School Drum Kit Solo
ENSEMBLES
Percussion Ensemble 1: 1st Place - Senior High School Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble 1: 1st Place - High School Novelty Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble 2: 3rd Place - Junior High School Percussion Ensemble
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 1 students: Eden Armstrong, Tsoof Baras, Albion Huang, Taylor Moore, Gavin Ong, Sienna Ryan, Jamee Seeto
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 1 students (novelty section): Eden Armstrong, Tsoof Baras, Albion Huang, Anna Kho, Taylor Moore, Kanan Nakazato, Gavin Ong, Sienna Ryan, Jamee Seeto, Rachel Wan
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 2 students: Eden Armstrong, Nathan Bell, Jessica Chen, Rita Choi, Anna Kho, Kanan Nakazato, Savannah Taylor, Jingshun Wang, Helen Wu, Amy Yang
All students are to be congratulated for their successes.
