Just a little note to say thank you for a wonderful night last Saturday. John and I loved every minute of it. Best wishes Mary Drury.
Thanks for a great concert last night! Not enough trumpets though! Anna Terrey
What an inspirational concert last night! I was so impressed with the music (especially first band of all ages) I loved the Von Staines item – just wonderful!!! Jacqui Shaw
Thanks for a great concert last night! Not enough trumpets though! Anna Terrey
What an inspirational concert last night! I was so impressed with the music (especially first band of all ages) I loved the Von Staines item – just wonderful!!! Jacqui Shaw
Just a note to thank you for the concert last night. Although it was past my bed time, it was one of the best I have been to. Loved the Von-Staines family singers, who also did not make it to the stage when called for acknowledgement! Probably half way to the boarder by then?? Noroja Rouzbehi
Yesterday reminded me of all the amazing times I had; practicing in the bands and string ensembles, music class, and going on band tours, especially the one to New Zealand. Experiencing it for the first time in so many years made me realise how much I missed it all. I've only restarted playing music more recently, and I feel like yesterday has given me an even bigger drive to continue.Thank you for all that you've done. Alex Wong
That my compliments to be passed on to ALL concerned with the outstanding performance on Saturday evening. I found it very uplifting. To see the sincere appreciation by all the pupils - past and present -for the work that Gavin has done, over all those years, was amazing. Well done. I write as the mother of two ex pupils - who, although members of the orchestra, had completed their studies in 1975 and 1977 respectively - therefore missing the experience of Gavin's leadership. As a retired teacher in the public system, I can only imagine the work and planning which was required to produce Saturday's concert. Noela Fisher
Yesterday reminded me of all the amazing times I had; practicing in the bands and string ensembles, music class, and going on band tours, especially the one to New Zealand. Experiencing it for the first time in so many years made me realise how much I missed it all. I've only restarted playing music more recently, and I feel like yesterday has given me an even bigger drive to continue.Thank you for all that you've done. Alex Wong
That my compliments to be passed on to ALL concerned with the outstanding performance on Saturday evening. I found it very uplifting. To see the sincere appreciation by all the pupils - past and present -for the work that Gavin has done, over all those years, was amazing. Well done. I write as the mother of two ex pupils - who, although members of the orchestra, had completed their studies in 1975 and 1977 respectively - therefore missing the experience of Gavin's leadership. As a retired teacher in the public system, I can only imagine the work and planning which was required to produce Saturday's concert. Noela Fisher
Hey gav, thanks for tonight!! it was awesome :) my mum thinks it was the best concert yet! Tats Kirk.
I know you will be bombarded with people saying similar things, but WOW. Saturday night was truly the most amazing and joyous night. I don't think I stopped smiling all day. I love what you have created. I love that I was able to be a part of it from the very beginning way back at Artarmon Public. I was honoured and humbled that I was included in that amazing big band. Paul Mako and I had the best time. You are amazing....... You have well and truly inspired me to get into it again.Thanks again Mr Staines... Pip Donohue
GREAT night tonight. Wonderful evening. So very very good in quality and a beautiful honouring of you and who you are. So proud of you and the influence you have had on so very many. Lots of love, Michelle KB
I know you will be bombarded with people saying similar things, but WOW. Saturday night was truly the most amazing and joyous night. I don't think I stopped smiling all day. I love what you have created. I love that I was able to be a part of it from the very beginning way back at Artarmon Public. I was honoured and humbled that I was included in that amazing big band. Paul Mako and I had the best time. You are amazing....... You have well and truly inspired me to get into it again.Thanks again Mr Staines... Pip Donohue
GREAT night tonight. Wonderful evening. So very very good in quality and a beautiful honouring of you and who you are. So proud of you and the influence you have had on so very many. Lots of love, Michelle KB
Thanks for organizing a great night. Bec and I had a great time catching up with our old band friends and watching the amazing talent that has come out of Chatty high over the years. You really have impacted many of us! Thank you xx Lee Ellem.
I just wanted to fling you this quick email to congratulate you on a fabulous night on Saturday! Stirling performances, great speakers, incredible musicians and a divine family performance by the Von Staines Family!!!!! A very fitting tribute to an amazing career! Sandy Balthussen
The farewell concert was FANTASTIC! I hope you enjoyed it and thanks for making my Chatswood experience so memorable and feel so homely. Michaela De Souza
I just wanted to fling you this quick email to congratulate you on a fabulous night on Saturday! Stirling performances, great speakers, incredible musicians and a divine family performance by the Von Staines Family!!!!! A very fitting tribute to an amazing career! Sandy Balthussen
The farewell concert was FANTASTIC! I hope you enjoyed it and thanks for making my Chatswood experience so memorable and feel so homely. Michaela De Souza
I would firstly like to thank you for putting on a fantastic day/evening on Saturday. Being a part of the celebration of your career and also you as a person was quite an honour. I would also like to thank you for the time at school. The band tours, early morning rehearsals and music classes were amongst (if not) the most enjoyable parts of my time and school. Being a part of the band on Saturday was a fantastic experience. Vinny Jonson
What an awesome show!!! Thank you, thank you, for inviting us old students from bygone years to come and participate in celebrating with all who love you so much! I did indeed enjoy the day and the night. It was an honour to be there & I loved every minute:) Especially performing in the past students band, even though it was a challenge it was still fun! What an awesome show!!! An incredible farewell concert most deserved by you! Enjoy the Love!!! Caroline Trengove
Your farewell concert was the best evening's entertainment I have had in decades. It was...sensational!! As you know, I have been to many of your school concerts and thoroughly enjoyed them, but, November 28 was something special. Not only are the students you have taught over many years, very talented as individuals, but collectively produce outstanding sounds, which if you didn't know they were still at high school, are better than a lot of seasoned professionals. The rapport you have developed with them, is something you will be able to enjoy as long as you live, no matter how far back they go with you. If the venue was larger, I am sure it would have been filled to capacity.You, and the students are, and have been an absolute credit to the Music Department of Chatswood High School. With your influence, will be so for a long time to come.Thank you for being a music loving friend, and hopefully we can stay in touch, and see each other at future CHS concerts. All the very best for your future retirement with your impressive family. Nigel Lloyd-Thomas