A Round of Applause to our Years 2 to 4 Musicians!
Each year, I am amazed and proud of the bravery displayed on stage by our youngest musicians. The annual Years 2 to 4 Music Concert is always a highlight, and this year also had many firsts.
Our Year 2s were proud to announce that they were the first Year 2 Cohort to perform “Ode To Joy,” meaning they have reached the furthest in the recorder book than any other Year 2 class before them. In August, our Year 4s competed in the ABODA Band and Orchestra Festival achieving a silver place and getting a taste of what it is like to be in a music competition. “I loved playing at ABODA because I got to perform with my friends,” says Roslyn.
Both feats are a testament to the dedication, passion and commitment these students have shown throughout our immersion program this year.
We look forward to many of these students continuing in the music program and becoming a part of our Music family, enjoying all the rewards that come from learning a musical instrument and participating in an ensemble program.
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Saints Musicians Shine at SACE Music Concert
This year’s SACE Music Concert was once again a highlight on the Arts calendar, featuring captivating performances by Stage Band, Senior Strings, Concert Band, Enchanté, Chorale and our 60-piece School Orchestra.
The concert also showcased the talent and hard work of our SACE and IB Music students who presented works contributing to their summative assessments. In Music Performance (Solo), pianist Samantha Li, violist Ray Tsang and myself as a vocalist each presented two contrasting solo pieces for Stage 2, while pianist Kimberley Lu impressed with her first solo performance for IB. There were also performances by violist Bella Wilson, and vocalists Eliza Brill Reed, Abigail Hawkes and Millie McDonald, who are all completing Stage 2 Music Performance (Ensemble).
As the final annual Music Concert for the Year 12 girls, we wanted to savour every moment, with light-hearted Crows vs Hawthorn score updates adding to the sense of fun and anticipation. Seeing everyone shine on stage was a joy, and the whole evening was a celebration of our musicians’ hard work and the vibrant music culture at the School. On behalf of all the girls, thank you to the many talented instrumental teachers and accompanists for their tireless efforts this year, and to Dave Goodwin for his invaluable contribution as our accompanist.
Finally, a special thank you to our exceptional teachers, Ms Rounsevell, Ms Noble, Ms Habel and Thomas Marlin and Warren Heading, for their constant support and dedication — we couldn’t put on nights like this without you. Serving as Music Prefect this year has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to be part of this inspiring group of musicians and I will always be grateful for the friendships and sense of belonging I’ve found in the music community during my years at Saints Girls.
Zoë Min O’Callaghan
Year 12 Student and Music Prefect
Enchanté in Perfect Harmony!
Enchanté first stepped onto the international stage during Covid, when they were selected by the American Choral Directors Association to appear as a feature ensemble in their Virtual Concert Hall.
We are thrilled to share that Enchante has once again been recognised internationally, this time as a semi-finalist in the 4th Petrichor Records International Music Competition. Petrichor Records is a respected independent label with a global reach, dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity in music while promoting new and emerging talent.
This year’s competition drew entries from more than 38 nations, with adjudicators praising the standard as “exceptionally high.” Enchanté competed in the largest division, the Large Ensemble Section, alongside Philharmonic Orchestras, String Orchestras, Concert Bands, and Choirs, many of whom perform at a professional level. It is an honour for our ensemble to stand among such distinguished company on the world stage.
Sari Noble
Director of Choirs
Congratulations Grace!
Congratulations to Grace Ooi on her incredible success at the Woodwind Eisteddfod, where she achieved first place in both categories. To make this achievement even more special, Grace has also been named the recipient of the prestigious Grace Barbara Turner Award for Excellence in Performance – Wind.
This remarkable recognition reflects her talent, dedication and passion for music – congratulations, Grace, on such a well-deserved honour!
