TISB Virtual Music Recital – 12 November 2020

On the 12 November, TISB will be hosting its first Virtual Music Recital, with submissions from students from across the school, PY to Grade 12. The Recital gives our students the opportunity to showcase their talents and the pieces they have been practising during distance learning to their peers, friends, family and the whole TISB community. We met up with Mr Olav, Acting Head of Music, to learn more about the event.

TISB has always been about more than just academics. An online Recital gives our very talented student body a venue to showcase this and a way for the whole community to enjoy what they have to offer – Mr Olav, Acting Head of Music

Although the Recital will take place online, the preparations for the event have been ongoing since the beginning of September, and has included not only departmental staff, but also TISB’s Performing Arts Prefect and the Head Boy. A letter has been sent out to all students of the school with instructions on how to perform and record a piece of work, including guidelines on everything from dress code and addressing the audience, to camera orientation and angle – all to ensure the Recital is produced in the best way possible and is an enjoyable experience for the students, as well as the audience. “People talk about things like ‘the new normal’ but I see this recital more as what we have always done – bringing beautiful concerts to the community”, explains Mr Olav.

The Individual performances and ensembles will include all genres and styles of music. “This is a large and diverse school and everyone should get the chance to represent their talents”, Mr Olav says. The type of content will depend entirely on what the students contribute before the deadline on Friday 6 November.  After that date the selection process will begin, where student contributions will be chosen on the basis of a number of criteria. However, Mr Olav stresses that if a student is not featured in this Recital, it does not mean the end: “Everyone with a well-polished performance should have a chance to shine, so we are already looking at making this a regular event.  A big part of this is that no one will be flat out refused, instead we aim to give feedback to help those whose videos had potential to improve.”

As for the future, Mr Olav hopes that this is not just a one-off event due to the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of physical school, but something that might become an addition to normal life at TISB: “My dream is to see these Recitals expand and keep going along with Galas and Showcases just like before lockdown”.  

The Music Department look forward to receiving many submissions and hope that the audience will enjoy the online experience of the TISB Virtual Music Recital.

Are you interested in participating in the TISB Virtual Music Recital?  Check your TISB email for instructions and guidelines. 

If you have any questions please contact the Music Department [email protected]