Rockhampton Girls Grammar’s tribute to icon

ROCKHAMPTON Girls Grammar School choirs performed at Shalom Aged Care recently.

HIGH NOTE: Rockhampton Girls Grammar School Choirs performed at Shalom Aged Care, in particular to Nita Whyte, an icon for the Rockhampton music community. Picture: Contributed

ROCKHAMPTON Girls Grammar School choirs performed at Shalom Aged Care recently.

In particular they performed for Nita Whyte, an icon for Girls Grammar and the Rockhampton music community.

Nita conducted choirs for more than 36 years, keeping Girls Grammar in the winning circle at each eisteddfod.

Music teacher Jessica Dawes said it was a very emotional setting, and all members of Shalom were grateful for the visit.

"It was a highlight of the month for them," Ms Dawes said.

The students sang beautifully and represented their school immaculately.

Afterwards the girls had a few minutes to talk to the residents and this was something special.

Nita said she was so touched that Girls Grammar organised something this special for them.

Christina Bond, the music co-ordinator, is a former Girls Grammar student who studied under Nita.

Christina was quite emotional about the reunion.

"I owe my choir knowledge to Nita Whyte, performing with her Rockhampton Musical Union Youth Choir and Girls Grammar Choir for many years.

"She also gave me the opportunity to play for her school and community choirs as an accompanist where I learnt many valuable accompanying and choral direction skills.

"I can't thank her enough and coming to perform for her today is the least we can do."

Nita said that Girls Grammar was "a top class choir" and she was very happy she still inspired Girls Grammar students to do their best.

Originally published as Rockhampton Girls Grammar’s tribute to icon