Macquarie Anglican Grammar School

Albert Einstein once said, “Life without music is inconceivable to me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music … I get the most joy in life out of music.”Albert Einstein once said, “Life without music is inconceivable to me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music … I get the most joy in life out of music.”

It is a wonderful thing when a school chooses to purchase a grand piano! Everyone benefits, from musicians who get to perform on a beautiful instrument, to audience members who can enjoy the music making.

In Week 2 of Term 4, representatives from the Macquarie P&F presented Headmaster, Mr Craig Mansour, with a beautiful Yamaha C6 Series grand piano. After months of fundraising efforts including a cocktail event, pie sales, second hand uniform sales, a raffle and the selling of piano keys, the target amount was reached and our piano was purchased and delivered.

The piano was revealed at the Grandparents' Day Assembly, with the first item being a spectacular performance by accomplished pianist, Year 6 student Larissa Elder, performing Tarantella by Pieczonka.

The Macquarie Grandparents' Day Assembly featured a performance from each Junior School class with items ranging from dances and poetry, to singing and percussion. This year we were also able to feature some of our more accomplished pianists with additional performances on the piano by Year 3 sisters, Caitlin and Skye Elder, playing a duet titled Jazz Walk. Alex Faponle, Year 7, performed The River Flows in You by Yiruma, and the concert concluded with Year 9 student Eva Harris performing Chopin’s Waltz, Opus 70, No.2. What a thrill for these students and for everyone in the audience who got to listen to them.

As a Music teacher, I know and have seen the joy music can bring to the lives of students, and research tells us that there is a connection between musical training and academic success. There are many benefits for the child who learns to sing or play an instrument - some of which are listed below:

• Improves memory
• Stimulates creativity
• Teaches patience and perseverance
• Increases discipline and time management skills
• Enhances co-ordination
• Boosts confidence
• Improves listening skills
• Introduces new cultures and history
• Improves social skills.

Currently at Macquarie students can participate in numerous weekly musical activities including Junior School Choir, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Macquarie Band, Guitar Ensemble and private music lessons. 

As Macquarie builds its Creative and Performing Arts program, we would like to thank the P&F for its support by raising funds to go towards the purchase of our new piano. Thanks to all community members who supported the fundraising efforts - may your contributions enable the students, parents and staff of Macquarie to enjoy music making for years to come. In the words of Plato, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything”.