1881: FIRST REPORTED SCHOOL CONCERT
Although possible that earlier concerts performed by the children of the school may have taken place, this newspaper article shows how early fundraising from entertainment provided by students took place.
The article depicts the close involvement of the Petrie family in the school as Tom Petrie “took the chair”, the organ was played by Mrs Petrie and presumably their daughter, Miss Petrie, coached the singing children.
After the concert and readings, the audience were invited to stay for tea and refreshments and the National Anthem (God Save the Queen at this time) was sung by all.
The night is considered to have been “profitable”.
10 December 1881 (Saturday)
The service of song “Eva” (correspondent informs us) was rendered on Tuesday evening last in the Stateschool at NorthPine, before a large and attentive audience. Mr T Petrie, JP, occupied the chair. Mrs Petrie presided at the organ with marked efficiency, and the choir throughout Rang with a delicacy of expression which could only have been attained by much attention and practice. The readings were given by Mr B T Gowdy with the utmost feeling, and the service was gone through without a jar. Votes of thanks having been awarded to the choir, Mr Gowdy, the chairman, and especially to Miss Petrie, to whom, as the trainer of the choir, much of the success must be attributed, the proceedings concluded. The audience were then asked to remain while tea and refreshments were served round, after which the National Anthem was sung, and a pleasant and profitable evening terminated.
Source: 1881 ‘Current News.’, The Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld.: 1866 – 1939), 10 December, p. 741, viewed 13 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20711498
ANNUAL CONCERTS
The continued success and entertainment provided by these concerts rolled into an annual event.
These events were often written about in the social section of newspapers reporting on occasions in the North Pine region.
Concerts seemed to be held at various times in the year in earlier days, but evolved into an end of year break-up/Christmas event, eventually involving awards, presents and Father Christmas.
Other school celebrations were also progressively integrated into the calendar over time but throughout Petrie’s history it seems ‘the concert’ has always been a favourite way of having fun and raising funds.
In the early 1900s the entertainment provided by the dedicated folk who organised these community events, were generally reported as a grand social occasion brimming with young, fresh life and the will to provide for the education of the little people of North Pine.
The articles featured below show how widely the circle of active members of local society took an earnest interest in the school and the education of their children. Many of the pioneering families’ (of the Pine Rivers region) names’ are mentioned in these articles as having attended one of the premier events of the social year.
21 June 1905 (Wednesday)
A very successful entertainment was given last Saturday evening by the pupils of the North Pine State School, assisted by a party of local friends. Mr Arthur Kaye was chiefly responsible for the training of the children, but credit is also due to Mr and Mrs R D Hunter and Master Barclay. The North Pine Harmonic Society made their first public appearance, and two very enjoyable items, “Strike the Lyre” and “Sweet Spring, Hail”, gave evidence of careful training. An excellent little orchestra, also under the baton of Mr Kaye, materially assisted the vocalists. Mrs Hunter, by request, sang “The Flight of Ages”, and was warmly applauded, Miss Joyner being equally successful in her song, “Waiting”. Among the items contributed by the children, these accompanied by appropriate action or tableau effects found greatest favour, and the little boys and maidens were frequently recalled for their creditable performances. “Johnny Schmoker” and “Oh, see that water melon” were very funny, and to make the actions in the latter more complete a huge melon was suspended from the roof of the stage. Edwin Gordon made a fine “Little Soldier”, and his little squad went through their movements with admirable precision. The manipulation of brightly-coloured cords in the “Rainbow Song”, and the pretty effects produced in “Flowery Garlands” round a smiling little central figure – Alice Leis – were much admired. Two pretty tableaux, “Fairy Voices” and “Britannia”, concluded the entertainment. The dressing and grouping of the graceful little figures was very good, and the audience manifested their appreciation by hearty applause. The principal figures were: — Fairy queen, Lily Halliday; attendants, Doris Wyllie and Winnie Hunter; fairies, F MacLachlan, B Campbell, H McTaggart, S Leis, B Lear, J Patterson, A Campbell, L Leis, M Slater, I Houghton, E Lear, E Baile, D Herman, E McLachlan, P Halliday, I Houghton; Britannia, Lily Halliday; and grouped around her — L Bickle, F Ebert, G Coulthard, and many of the fairies in patriotic attire. Among the audience were — Mr, Mrs and Miss Robertson, Mr, Mrs, and Misses Wyllie, Mr and Mrs McKenzie, Mr and Miss Petrie, Mrs and Miss O’Loan, Mr and Mrs Leis, Mr and Mrs G Houghton, Mr and Mrs Herman, Mr and Mrs Ebert, Mr and Mrs McMullin, Messrs V and S Joyner and Miss Joyner, Mesdames White, Hay, Crawford, Hosier, Barron McGregor, Halliday, Tucker, McLachlan, Campbell, Young, Misses A Crawford, Todd, McGregor, Massey, Bulgin, Houghton, Tucker, Armstrong (2), Messrs Coe, and many others.
Source:1905 ‘ENTERTAINMENT AT NORTH PINE.’ The Brisbane Courier (Qld.: 1864 – 1933), 21 June, p. 7, viewed 13 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19305388
11 August 1906 (Saturday)
North Pine, August 8 — A very successful entertainment was given by the pupils of the NorthPineState School a few nights ago, under the conductorship of Mr Arthur Kaye, assisted by Mr and Mrs Hunter. A dance was subsequently held. Among those present were; Mr A Petrie and Miss Petrie. Mr, Mrs and Miss Wyllie, Mr and Mrs Tanner, Mr and Mrs Fraser, Mrs White. Mr and Mrs Hurman, Mr and Mrs Leis, Misses Robertson, Crawford, Davis, White, Keid, Mr and Mrs Locke, Mrs Tyacke, Mr and Mrs Bolton, Mrs and Miss McLaughlin, Mesdames Crawford, Hosier, Barron, Bickbe, Mr Pritchard, Mr and Miss Young.
Source: 1906 ‘WARWICK AND DISTRICT.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 11 August, p. 16, viewed 13 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19463976
FIRST WORLD WAR PATRIOTIC CONCERTS
It is a possibility that these ‘Patriotic Concerts’ were to aid a national fundraising venture that was initially created in 1900 to raise funds for soldiers of the Boar War, rather than those of World War I.
“I remember during the war … when Mr Hunter (then the headmaster) and his wife would hold Patriotic Concerts at Petrie. Mrs Hunter would play the piano and the children would sing and act plays and such like … Breaking up days were a big event – not only for the children but for their parents also.”
– Mabel Hart (Nee Skinner), former North Pine State School Student
From the Queensland State Archives, Patriotic Fund of Queensland:
THE PATRIOTIC FUND OF 1900
ESTABLISHMENT: On 8 January 1900, various patriotic funds were amalgamated into one general fund under the name of “The Queensland Patriotic Fund”. This Fund was given statutory recognition under “The Queensland Patriotic Fund Act of 1910”. On 5 October 1939, under the “Patriotic Funds Administration Act Amendment Act 1939”, the Fund was re-established as “The Patriotic Fund of Queensland”.
FUNCTIONS: The Fund was responsible for raising funds and fund administration to provide financial and other assistance to serving or former military personnel, originally those who served in the Boer War. The Fund’s assistance was extended to non-combatants who suffered loss as the result of war and the dependants of service personnel, and the Fund managers were also responsible for the promotion and formation of institutions, societies, clubs, etc. of benefit to its clients.
ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS: The Fund’s operations were administered by management committees with Trustees responsible for the funds raised. From the passing of “The Patriotic Funds Administration Act of 1916”, the Chief Secretary / Premier had overall responsibility for the Acts administered by Patriotic Funds.
ABOLITION: On 17 March 1988 the funds of the Patriotic Fund of Queensland were transferred equally to the Returned Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) and the Legacy Fund of Brisbane. The “Patriotic Funds Act Repeal Act and other Acts Amendment Act 1988” was proclaimed on 1 February 1989.
Source: Queensland State Archives Agency ID2381, Patriotic Fund of Queensland, http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Search/AgencyDetails.aspx?AgencyId=2381#bookmarkDescription
MODERN DAY CONCERTS
At times the ‘concert’ was replaced as the main annual event with dances and fancy dress balls experiencing periods in and out of vogue. However, concerts and public performances always seem to pop up again. They are natural expression of creativity and flair, an important way of letting the young scholars show the world what they know and show the world that they have fun together. They are a way for them to grow confidence and learn the value of participation.
Concerts were regularly held throughout the 1980s and 90s, although it’s not clear if it was annual or bi-annual.
1985
– “From my investigations, it seems the school has not produced a concert of this magnitude before, and it is certainly the first time in many years that a concert has involved more than a couple of classes.” – Peter Boge, Principal 1983-1991
– John Buckley is the Deputy Principal.
– Special tribute is given in the Principals’ message to the Pine Rivers Youth Orchestra.
Source: 1985 School Concert Program, from the collection of Jean Charters.
1986
1987
11 NOVEMBER – SCHOOL CONCERT PROGRAM
– Held at Aspley State School.
– Comperes: John Burgess; Kathryn Hall; Kylie Hoult; Troy Merker; Hayley Perel; and Natalie Thomsen.
– Comedy interludes were provided by year 7 pupils.
– Sound and lighting production provided by the staff and students of Aspley State High School.
– Backdrops were loaned by Aspley State High School and were designed and painted by their senior students for musicals.
– Accompaniment by Mrs Glynn (Years 3 and 2/3Y) and Melinda Sawers (Year 1, 4/5 and 7)
Source: 1987 School Concert Program (11 November 1987), from the collection of Jean Charters.
1989
13TH DECEMBER – SCHOOL CONCERT PROGRAM
– Held at Aspley State School.
– Comperes: Deanne Hall; Nathan Jakavicius; Kasey Kruse; and Glen Gallagher.
– Lighting and sound production provided by staff and students f Aspley State High School: “certainly enhanced this evening’s program.” (Peter Boge, Principal 1983–1991)
– One backdrop was loaned by Aspley State High School, other props and backdrops were loaned by Lawnton State Primary School and were made by the year seven students during art lessons.
– Accompaniment by Melinda Sawers.
– “Our first concert back in 1985 was held to raise funds for instruments to be provided by the School in a future Instrument Music Program. Concerts have been held every second year with this goal in mind. While the School still is not participating in such a program, we are optimistic this will occur before too much longer.” (Peter Boge, Principal 1983–1991)
Source: 1989 School Concert Program (13 December 1989), from the collection of Jean Charters.
1989
17 AUGUST – PETRIE LOG 89/14
– CONCERTS: 15.12.1989 School Concert held at Aspley State High School.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, issue 89/14, 17 August 1989, from the collection of Jean Charters.
1991
10 December 1991
“School Concert QUT – Carseldine Campus Theatre – Dec 10th.” – David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – ???.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1992
12 June 1992
“12 June – another successful school concert.” – David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – ???.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1993
8 September 1993
“Concert Year – date set for the 8th September.” – David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – ???.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1994
A SCHOOL IS A VERY BUSY PLACE AND 1993 WAS NO EXCEPTION. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR WERE – …
The highlight of the year was the school concert. All children participated. A great deal of effort went into a very successful performance.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, from the collection of Jean Charters.
1995
A SCHOOL IS A VERY BUSY PLACE AND 1994 WAS NO EXCEPTION. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR WERE –
MUSICAL EVENING
A very successful Music Evening was held at Narangba Hall on September 9. The choir and band presented items, there was a very talented group presentation and the highlight was the Year 7 presentation of Little Red Rocking Hood. It was very rewarding to have the Pine Rivers Youth Band Number 1 as special guests.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, from the collection of Jean Charters.
1995
19 OCTOBER – PETRIE LOG 16/95
1 November 1995: School CONCERT held.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, Issue 16/95, 19 October 1995, from the collection of Jean Charters.
1997
“Concert split over two night to accommodate audience.” – David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1999
By 1999, annual concerts were being described as bi-annual, alternative to the fete:
“Petrie has a strong tradition of performances. Every 2 years we have a school concert (in the opposite year to the fete). In 1995 the school celebrated VP50 with a war-time extravaganza. In 1997 the school had grown to such a size that there was no venue available to accommodate us all. It was decided to hold two concerts over consecutive nights. Once again the students and teachers put in a lot of effort and produced two evenings of fabulous entertainment.”
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp74-75.
2014
Today, concerts are usually held by the music groups [LINK] (band, strings, choir and dance) and are held throughout the year for various events in the new school hall, or wherever the music takes them!
The Instrumental Music groups culminate their year of learning in an end of year concert where they are presented with Certificates of Participation.
Likewise, the Choir and the Dance Group also perform for their parents, grandparents and friends in a separate concert.
In addition, other concerts and performances take place on a grand scale, such as Petrie students being involved in Choral Fest, JRock and Creative Generation. The Instrumental Groups might take part in other competitions and workshops where performances are required.
Of course, Assembly also provides a space for the occasional performance and special presentation.