Blackburn High School Symphonic Band

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

Blackburn High School is a grade seven to twelve, co-educational government secondary school situated in Victoria, Australia. Designated as a specialist music school in 1974, Blackburn High School has a strong reputation in the education and broader community for excellence in music-making. Although not specified as such in the present day, Blackburn High School continues a tradition of musical excellence in Victorian government secondary schools. The Symphonic Band is part of a varied program of band, orchestra and jazz. The most senior of four concert bands, the Symphonic Band is made up of students auditioned from grade eight to twelve with several years of experience in playing their instrument. In addition to rehearsing twice a week, students have individual or group lessons with a qualified instrumental music teacher, with student leaders running sectionals at lunch times. The ensemble performing on the USA Tour 2017, is representative of a larger group of fifty-five students who have performed regularly throughout this year. The Band performs regularly at the Melbourne School Bands’ Festival, Victorian School Music Festival and Royal South Street, consistently recognised and awarded for their high level of performance.

Blackburn High School Symphonic Band

Conductor's Bio

Jemima Bunn is Director of Music at Blackburn High School, a co-educational government secondary school situated in the state of Victoria, Australia. In this role, she administrates a vibrant classroom, instrumental and ensemble program, teaches in the general classroom program and conducts ensembles. Jemima is very proud to be working to continue a tradition of excellence in one of Victoria’s finest government school music programs. Prior to Blackburn High School, Jemima directed music programs at Camberwell High School, Ivanhoe Grammar and Glen Waverley Secondary College, coordinating active classroom and instrumental programs, and worked as an Instrumental Music Coordinator at the Eastern Metropolitan Region. Having completed a Masters in Music Education at University of Wisconsin – Madison (2001-2002) and a Bachelor of Education from The University of Melbourne (1996), Jemima is currently completing PhD study in music education. Undertaking study, she has presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Australia and New Zealand Research Association of Music Education (ANZARME), Australian Society of Music Educators (ASME) and other academic conferences for the University of Melbourne. Jemima has performed and toured extensively with the Melbourne Youth Symphonic Band to United States and United Kingdom; the Australian National Youth Band, travelling to Japan; and was a member of Australian Wind Orchestra, who were the first Australian group to perform at the Midwest Clinic in 1993. Over past years, Jemima has conducted ensembles at The University of Wisconsin – Madison Summer Music Clinic and University of Southern Mississippi Honours Band Camp, for Melbourne Youth Music; the Eastern Region Concerts; adjudicating Festivals throughout Australia. Jemima is conductor/administrator of the Melbourne Wind Ensemble, an ensemble made up of professional and semi-professional wind, brass and percussion players who wish to play high level, challenging wind ensemble repertoire. She is very proud advocate of music written by Australian composers. Jemima has been active in the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association (ABODA) over several years, serving as a committee member, president and vice president at state and nationally level. In 2006, she received an ABODA Excellence Award for her work as an ensemble director and music educator.