A Celebration of Amazing Youth Talent!

The Annual RJAFTA Fundraising Schools Concert, held at Eastern Hills Senior High School’s exceptional performance space and facilities, was an extraordinary musical experience that left the audience in awe. The evening featured a diverse range of performances from Eastern Hills Senior High School and Guildford Grammar School that showcased the exceptional skills and talent of the performing students and their directors. The audience constantly had to remind themselves that these remarkable performances were being executed by students aged from Year 7 to Year 12.

The concert kicked off with a strong performance by the Eastern Hills Classical Guitar Ensemble, under the direction of Justin Lynam. Their rendition of Paul Svoboda’s Green Glens of Gweedor” was a captivating start, immediately engaging the appreciative audience. The ensemble’s performance of Jurg Kindle’s “Funky” featured a percussive interlude that showcased their versatility and musicality. Ending their performance with “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” (Queen), the ensemble performed this crowd pleaser with the addition of the contra bass guitar adding depth to the piece and eliciting much foot-tapping and head-nodding from the enthralled crowd.

Ethan Lockyer’s proficient vibraphone performance of “Blues for Gilbert” left the audience spellbound, as did Abbey Wallace’s enchanting marimba performance of “Raindance”. Both solo performances were among the highlights of the evening. The vibraphone’s shimmering tones and the marimba’s warm, resonant sounds lent themselves beautifully to the compositions played, creating a captivating atmosphere for the audience.

Mackenzie Knoop-Bender, from Guildford Grammar School, delivered a beautiful rendition of “In His Eyes” by Frank Wildhorn. Her performance was emotionally delicate, showcasing her exceptional vocal talent, and left a lasting impression on the audience.

The Eastern Hills Senior High School Big Band, led by Director Maurice Bourgault, was another standout. Their performances of “A River’s Fury”, “Lord of the Dance”, “Danse Bohemien” and “Fantasia” was rousing and showcased the impeccable timing and proficiency of the young instrumentalists. One audience member said “I had to pinch myself several times to remind myself I was listening to school children!”.

The Guildford Grammar School A Capella Choir, directed by Ileana Otto-Johansen, delivered a delightful performance with a unique blend of male and female voices that resulted in beautiful harmonies. Their song selection, including Julian Lennon’s nostalgic classis “Saltwater” and a Game of Thrones Medley demonstrated their versatility and ability to connect with the audience. Standout performances for older audience members were the groups fantastic delivery of “Mister Sandman”, and “Nightingale” by Glenda Franklin.

Year 11 student Orlando Bourgault's Grand Piano performance of "Schubert Impromptu in Eb" was truly remarkable, displaying a depth of maturity and professionalism that left the audience in awe.

The Guildford Grammar School Blues Band, under the direction of Jon Edwards, closed the evening with a bang. Their mature and proficient instrumental skills, coupled with Mackenzie Knoop-Bender’s strong vocals, made for a memorable performance. London Milnes electric guitar skills, the strong rhythm section of the very competent bass player and the powerful drummer added to the band’s dynamic energy, with all musicians contributing to the success of their set. They delivered with ease classics like Willie Dixon’s “My Babe”, Arthur Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River”, and the rousing contemporary composition “Prime Minister” by Jack Davies.

Overall, the Annual Fundraising Schools Concert at Eestern Hills Senior High School was a night of musical brilliance, thanks to the exceptional talent of the students and the dedicated guidance of their directors. The diverse performances and amazing skills on display created an unforgettable musical journey for the audience, who left the auditorium thoroughly delighted and filled with a sense of awe at the young talent they had just witnessed.

With deep appreciation and a bucket load of thanks to the teachers and directors of the performers and their commitment and expertise - thank you Justin Lynam, Maurice Bourgault, Kieran Hurley, Jon Edwards, and Ileana Otto-Johansen. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to the performing students and their families for their generous sacrifices of time and effort. Additionally, thanks go to principal funder Juniper Galleries and to the Mundaring Community Bank Branch, Bendigo Bank for the invaluable in-kind support.

We think all could agree it was an evening filled with entertainment, a celebration of amazing youth talent, and a profound appreciation for the arts. See you all again next year!