Composer's Note

When Peter Cornish put to me the idea of writing a musical piece relating to Redlands, I went away wondering how I could write a work that somehow reflected life at the school in a meaningful manner.

A Journey: Songs for Redlands CD Cover

It was not long before I realised how rich and diverse an environment the school enjoyed. The school's location near the iconic Sydney Harbour was a starting point. As a child in Mosman I would spend a lot of time at Balmoral or exploring the rocks or climbing over the old cannons at Bradley's Head. The school's ground-breaking Outdoor Programme also took the students into differing natural environments from the sea to the High Country.

In 'A Journey - Songs for Redlands' I have tried to express ideas and feelings about these places and at the same time reflect on issues that face us all. I also wanted to recognise the many fine young singers and instrumentalists at Redlands.

I was fortunate in having then staff member, Anthony Ronaldson, to finely craft the lyrics for 'The Harbour' and the 'Finale - A Tribute to Education' and, of course, Peter Cornish for the idea.

Struan Smith, Composer.

Recollections May 2020.