From organ music to vocals, trombones to strings and drums – The Armidale School’s musical talent was showcased at the month-long Armidale Eisteddfod with notable success for many groups, bands and individuals performers.
Among the many TAS boys and girls in vocal competition, three deserve special mention for their high-level accolades, taking out three of the four New England vocal age championships: Jasper O’Neil (12 years and under), Kira Dooner (16-18 years) and Andrew Knight (Opens), with performances that the adjudicator said warranted consideration of professional careers.
Another individual standout performance was from Samuel Thatcher in Year 11, who won the organ solo section with a mark of 95 for his performance of Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C Minor. Sam has been learning the organ for only 18 months, and impressed the adjudicator with his hand and footwork on the magnificent new organ in the TAS War Memorial Assembly Hall. Senior and junior string ensembles were also well placed this year.
Band Day never disappoints and this year TAS wrapped up so many accolades. The TAS Senior and new Junior jazz ensembles both took out first places in their afternoon sections. In the evening session,
a number of new ensembles made their debut, with the fresh faces of the TAS Trombone Trio, TAS Pipes and Drums and TAS Drummers reflecting a growing interest in music at the school. The Trombone Trio displayed a depth of talent in the school’s brass program, with their mellow tone and blend. TAS Pipes and Drums were particularly exciting to watch as they heralded a new era at TAS with the vision of a true school pipe band playing at important events.
Comprising students from Years 6-12, TAS Band topped off the night, achieving first place in a large open section winning the NECOM New England Music Teachers’ Association Perpetual Shield. This large section encompassed nine ensembles, and included a drumline, as well as jazz, strings, guitar and wind groups, some of which were from St Thomas More College, Sunnybank, Brisbane. Polishing off the evening, TAS Band won The Armidale School Perpetual Shield with their lively performances of ‘Get Smart’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.
“Music is certainly growing at TAS and in vocals alone there are now seven ensembles including junior choirs, all male and all female vocal groups, and the Chapel Choir which also includes community members,” Director of Music Ms Leanne Roobol said.
Ms Roobol also paid tribute to the many peripatetic teachers and ensemble directors including Mrs Rebekkah Baumgartner, Mrs Rachel Butcher, Mr Warwick Dunham, Mr Patrick O’Connor, Mr Andrew Nash and Mr Dave Van Tongeren, and NECOM tutor, Paul Marshall for their work with TAS students this year.
Skilled finger and foot work won Sam Thatcher the organ solo section
Kira Dooner, Jasper O’Neil and Andrew Knight won their respective New England Vocal championships
