Music teacher, Mrs Brooks and Creative Arts Leader of Learning, Mrs Huett, had the pleasure of accompanying our Year 11 and 12 Music students, along with students from the school choir and instrumental ensemble, to the Manning Entertainment Centre on Friday, 15 September to see Australian born violinist Harmonnia Junus, accompanied by South-Korean born pianist, Soowon Seo, perform a selection of musical pieces that took the audience on a trip across several continents titled ‘Wanderlust’. 

The performance began with the mystique of Asia and the gypsy dances of Europe then ventured onto the vastness of Africa, followed by the magic of South American nights then through to the jazz music of North America before finishing with the beauty and familiarity of Australia.  The musical sequence showcased the musical sound and flavour of each continent. 

The performance concluded with a rendition of the well-known Australian bush ballad ‘Waltzing Matilda’ after which students had time to ask the musicians their questions.

During this question time, students gained further appreciation for the performers as they explained that they had only been working together on some of the pieces for a few weeks. Students also learnt that Ms. Junus began as a piano student and after completing her Grade 8 AMEB Musical Exams as a Year 6 student, she was looking for a change and turned to playing the violin. Students were also impressed to learn that Ms. Junus plays on a Giovanni Grancino violin made in Milan in 1719. 

Both performers showcased their exceptional musical talents with Ms Seo playing one piece that required her hands to cross over and another where she used the fall board and music rack on the piano to create sound.  Ms Junus created unique sounds on her violin using the techniques of pizzicato and double stop, as well as at one stage playing below the bridge of the violin. 

It was such a treat for our Music students to experience a world class musical performance here in Taree in the newly built addition to the Manning Entertainment Centre, the ‘Beryl Jane Flett’ Studio, and we look forward to offering such memorable experiences to the students of St Clare’s in the future! 

Mrs Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning