After nearly 16 years as Director of Music at The King’s School working with wonderful staff and students, it is time to change direction.
But in going forward, I am proud of the many achievements in growing the music programme and building excellence in performance, composition and academics. On reflection, the highlights over this time were:
- Annual academic success with numerous Band 6 results in Music 2 and Extension for the NSW Higher School Certificate;
- Achieving Encore nominations for both performance and composition each year (ENCORE: production of NSW Educational Standards Authority)
- King’s music students performing and winning in international competitions;
- State and national competition success for King’s ensembles;
- National success for our chamber groups – most recently winning the Musica Viva “Strike a Chord” competition (woodwind) with our Clarinet Quartet
- Delivering performances for high-end community events, including some in the presence of the NSW Governor and other dignitaries;
- An honour board of 50+ boys who have achieved either Associate, Licentiate or Fellowship Diplomas (2005-2020);
- Exceptional masterclasses and workshops from national and international performers and educators;
- Expansion of ensemble participation across the school, such as in Bands, Orchestras and notably the Senior Choir of 100+ singers;
- A spectacular annual Carols Service with massed choir, symphony orchestra and soloists
- Introduction and development of a Symphony Orchestra
- A music scholarship programme that began in 2007, which has attracted a large cohort of elite musicians.
I also look back on 9 consecutive years of being Musical Director for the school’s wonderful Musicals, demanding hundreds of hours in rehearsals and preparation, culminating in some of the school’s most memorable theatrical shows, including being MD for the Australian Schools’ premiere of We Will Rock You.
The increased engagement of students along with the positive impact in the community has not been possible without the strong and highly experienced music team which I led. I am grateful for their support and friendship. I leave The King’s School proud of the many achievements and long-lasting friends made.
“Creativity involves breaking out of expected patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” – Edward de Bono
Congratulations on your incredible list of past achievements and for the ones to come!
Hi Mr. Wamsley. This is Zak. Thank you for everything you have done for Kings and for students like me.
As a fine musician, teacher and conductor, your outstanding contribution to The King’s School students, and class music and instrumental teachers, has been the gift of inspiring us, always being on the cutting edge of world class music learning practices, and creating in an international collegiate environment in which we could share ideas and develop ourselves. You brought out the best in students and teachers across all solo, chamber music, bands, large choral and orchestral groups, and musical theatre performances. The school community are thankful for the indelible memories of music and joy. TKS is not your only work! There is also your significant work in other leadership roles with Trinity College London, Australia, the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW and other organisations. It’s great to see you continually develop music education and talent in Australia. Bravo!