Thirty Senior Band students began their annual tour by setting up to perform a concert in Southbank – Melbourne. Unfortunately, after two songs, the Melbourne weather had a bit to say and our first challenge was working out how to dry many of our instruments. Once dry (sort of) we headed to Ballarat High School to enjoy a wonderful workshop/performance with the Ballarat High School Senior Band. It was great to see the students of both bands being able to share their music together before enjoying Pizzas and a great social chat comparing both schools and musical experiences.

Next day we visited St Francis Xavier Primary School in their amazing multi-purpose facility to perform a fabulous concert. One of the highlights being their spirited singing of “What Shall We Do with A Happy Sailor”. Much fun was had at Sovereign Hill and later that night we visited the performance “Blood on the Southern Cross”.

On the way home we stopped at Docklands for some ice skating before heading back up the Hume.

Huge thanks to Helen Faithfull who prepared and cooked our meals and to Beth Code and Chloe Hancock who gave up their time to accompany us. Every member of the Galen community would be so proud with the way these students represented our school.

David Ashfield
Director of Music