Our Kennedy Music students recently had an unforgettable experience exploring Western Australian music culture. Earlier this term, 18 students attended a West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) session and toured the University of Western Australia Music Faculty. Their day included watching a WASO rehearsal and performance, touring UWA’s music facilities, and participating in an interactive Percussion workshop alongside a UWA Music student.
The hands-on percussion workshop was engaging and tailored to all skill levels, with instructors supporting every student. Participants had opportunities to keep time, learn new techniques and gain insights into the challenges of studying music at university and how such experiences can lead to joining esteemed organisations like WASO.
We also spoke with some students about their reflections—what surprised them during the WASO performance, what they learned from professional musicians, and how they plan to apply their new knowledge and skills to their ongoing development as musicians.
Max Bennet, Year 12
“One thing that surprised me about the performance was the fact that the whole orchestra of 40+ people would run through a whole piece of music in one run through, and that the conductor would remember certain sections that needed a few improvements. In a whole piece running for 15 minutes, the conductor would remember the tone that he wanted the woodwinds to play halfway through in a quiet section.”
Kenzie Lim, Year 10
“Something that stood out to me in the WASO performance was the incredible posture of the musicians, and seeing a 1710 Stradivarius violin in real life! The experience has made me want to learn to tune my instrument by ear and encouraged me to practice more often.”
Jakin Anthony, Year 12
“The instrumentalists who had bars of rest would still be observing the pace and position of the piece, for example the percussion player would be constantly reading bars to know his cue to continue. In my own practicing, I would like to run through a whole piece as best as I can, improving certain sections and flowing between sections with dynamic changes.”
Katherine Naude, Year 10
“Their rehearsal was very similar to a performance, posture was great, everyone was focussed and not talking. It has encouraged me to memorise more complex music, such as that from Sergej Krylov.”
Rahel Napitupulu, Year 10
“During the performance, I was surprised at the degree of emotion conveyed through dynamics written on an orchestral score.”
The entire experience was incredibly inspiring for all of the students as the Kennedy Orchestra is currently preparing for their contribution to the upcoming Easter Services. We hope to see you there to connect with our community through music, fellowship and the message of Easter.
Mrs Janelle Anthony
Head of Performing Arts
