Inspiring collaboration

•  Scottsdale High music students BJ Knott, Tarsha Galley and Alfie Wadley with Tori Rattray.

By Daisy Baker
July 27, 2022

A group of Scottsdale High School music students were treated to a full-day workshop with former student and musician Tori Rattray on Tuesday, ahead of their joint performance at the Scallop Fiesta on Sunday.

SHS music students performed at last year’s event and were approached several months ago by Fiesta organisers about a collaborating with Ms Rattray for a set.

Students have learned some of the featured musician’s original songs and in turn she has learned some of the songs they have been preparing for the event, which they will perform together.

Music teacher Tobias Moldenhauer said the music workshop was a valuable opportunity for students to practise with Ms Rattray, while also learning more about life as a musician.

“For our students, today’s purpose is also to get an insight into a working musician’s life and the connections they have made and tips they have for aspiring musicians,” he said.

“Covid has thrown as spanner in the works over the last couple of years but our school approach since 2019 with the previous principal who came from a music teaching background promoted us a lot in the music department, it was always the vision to get our students out performing more.

“We’re putting on regular Friday lunchtime concerts here so they are versed in performing for the school community.”

Ms Rattray, who is now based in Launceston, said it was nice to return to her former music room after 15 years.

“They’re all wild and crazy and have so much energy and it’s nice to be back amongst that after you go out and do adult things for a whole bunch of years,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to Sunday, getting up and making some people smile because they’re doing a really good job.

“They’ll jump in for some of my songs and I’ll take the leads and vice versa, they’ll take the lead on a couple of songs and I’ll jump in and do some harmonies with them.”

Ms Rattray will finish her set with some solo items.

She performed at the first Fiesta and has been invited back every year since.

“I really appreciate the support they’ve given me as a local artists, bringing me back out to play to a community that remembers me. That is really special.”

Come along and support the up and coming musicians, together with Tori Rattray from 10am at the Scallop Fiesta on Sunday.