International Composer Inspires King's Strings Musicians at Intercampus Workshop

On the Pupil-free day, 10 July, King’s string orchestra students from Reedy Creek, Pimpama and Logan Village joined together for a day-long workshop where they learned new skills and improved the craft of their string instrument under the tutorage of internationally acclaimed composer and conductor, Soon Hee Newbold, and many of King’s own educators. 

Soon Hee Newbold is known for incorporating differing cultural and ethnic styles in her writing inspired by her experiences and travel. She started her musical journey at the age of 5 on piano and violin at age 7 and performed as a concert artist in professional ensembles around the world. As a composer, Ms Newbold’s works are performed by groups ranging in all levels from professional symphonies to beginning elementary ensembles in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Disney Hall, Lincoln Center, Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and many more worldwide stages. 

Ms Newbold is frequently sought after as a keynote speaker and guest clinician. She has conducted and worked with orchestras and bands throughout the U.S. and overseas such as The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, and China. As a filmmaker and composer in Hollywood, her music can also be heard in film and other recording projects. Ms Newbold continually seeks to share her passion for music with students all over the world, including all who were blessed to be a part of the workshop on that day. 

The workshop provided focussed sessions for all King’s quartets and string orchestras, including Reedy Creek -  King’s Chamber Ensemble, King’s String Orchestra, Mezzo Strings; Pimpama - Pimpama Primary String Orchestra and Pimpama High School Orchestra, and Logan Village String Orchestra. Throughout the day each ensemble had multiple sessions working with various teaching staff. The day culminated with a combined concert for parents in the King’s Pimpama Community Centre.

The workshop concert featured performances from each ensemble but also included an item with the combined Primary orchestras and another with the combined High school orchestras. An ‘All-in’ finale piece titled Momentous included all students involved in the workshop on that day, concluding the concert.

Overall, the students had an enjoyable and challenging day learning from various educators from King’s and Ms Newbold. It was a great experience for all students and staff involved and the College looks forward to presenting more opportunities like this in the future. 

For More Photos of the King's Pimpama students, click here: