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Brisbane Girls Grammar School has announced a unique Education Partnership with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, providing students with the opportunity to be mentored by, and perform with, some of Australia’s finest musicians.
The Education Partnership, which brings together two of Queensland’s most iconic institutions, will afford students who demonstrate strong musical talent the chance to work with Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians throughout 2018.
The initiative is part of the Prossima Program, a project dedicated to developing the next generation of musicians at Girls Grammar.
Orchestra musicians will also rehearse with Girls Grammar ensembles – supporting and guiding students in developing their musical skills – as part of the Musical Mentors initiative.
Brisbane Girls Grammar School principal, Jacinda Euler, said students working with, and learning from Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians – under the leadership of Music Director, Alondra de la Parra – reflected the school’s commitment to providing “meaningful and relevant learning opportunities beyond the classroom”.
“This Education Partnership will serve as a source of inspiration for more than 900 Grammar girls who participate in the school’s extensive music program,” Ms Euler said.
“It is also an extraordinary opportunity for those students who will collaborate directly with Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians, including internationally renowned conductor Alondra de la Parra, and perform on stage with Queensland’s only professional symphonic orchestra, renowned for its breathtaking performances.”
Ms Euler said research continues to indicate music has a significant impact on brain development by supporting increased verbal memory, reading ability and executive abilities – strengthening cognitive function that has benefits for learning beyond music.
“Whether a student decides to pursue a career in music, or simply appreciates music, we know that a rich music education will hold them in good stead for the future, and that is why we are excited to partner with Queensland Symphony Orchestra – an organisation that believes in the power of education, and shares Girls Grammar’s sense of community engagement and responsibility,” she said.
Girls Grammar and Queensland Symphony Orchestra are united in history not only by a commitment to music, but by R.T. Jeffries, one of Queensland’s most influential musical pioneers.
When Girls Grammar’s first Music Master arrived in Brisbane in 1871, his passion for sharing the exhilaration of live symphonic music was the beginning of Queensland’s orchestral history, and platform from which the Orchestra was established.
R.T. Jeffries’ legacy lives on at Girls Grammar today; the School’s extensive music program features 32 musical ensembles, including bands, orchestras, choirs and chamber groups.
Students are supported by some of Australia’s best music teachers, who deliver a program that balances traditional musical training with innovative musical experiences, instilling in students a lifelong connection to music.
The Education Partnership will culminate in (Not) the Last Night of the Proms, to be performed at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on 9 August 2018.