Music News
Dr Andrew Butt
Term 2 continues to be an eventful term for the Marist College Ashgrove Music Department. In the last fortnight, we have hosted the 2022 Winds and Percussion Concert, which featured exceptional performances from all of the College’s Wind Bands and Percussion Ensembles. All groups are to be congratulated on their performances, well done to all students and staff. A link to the recording of this concert can be found below.
On Friday May 13th, Big Band 1 performed at the Big Band Youth Jazz Festival, hosted by Brisbane Jazz Club at the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC). Big Band 1 were commended on their performance by the 2022 Festival Patron Martha Baartz (Melboune-based Saxophonist/Composer). Year 12 Jazz Quartet “The Blue Suits” (Jeremy Vanderbyl, Tom Horton, Samuel Patterson, Rohan Sweeney) also represented the College at this event, with an eclectic performance of jazz standards, contemporary jazz works and some of their own original compositions. The Blue Suits also featured fellow Year 12 Student Baxter Melrose on guest vocals for some of these pieces. Congratulations to all students and staff involved in this special event.
Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival (QCMF) 2022
As per the date hold communicated at the beginning of the year, we are pleased to confirm the College’s participation in this year’s Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival. Returning as an in-person event for the first time since 2019, we are pleased to be involved in this great festival which hosts musical performances from Catholic School Ensembles from all around Queensland.
- Dates 11-14 August, 2022
- Ensembles Involved: Wind Orchestra 1, Chamber Strings, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir
- Exact Performance Dates and Times will be communicated to ensemble members as soon as they are made available.
Marist Jazz Night
Featuring performances from all of our Marist College Big Bands, as well as a special performance by guest artist Shannon Marshall (Trumpet/Flugel Horn/Voice). Be a part of this magical evening of jazz with an eclectic program of jazz standards.
- Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/marist-jazz-night-2022
- A limited amount of extra tickets have been released for this event
- A reminder to boys performing at this concert that there will be ensemble photos taken beforehand. Please refer to the College App for a full schedule, students need to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to their photo in their Black Music Performance Uniform
- Shannon Marshall: Born and bred in Brisbane, Shannon has served as a long-time member of many of the city’s notable bands including AfroDizziAct, The West End Composer’s Collective, and his own group The Souls Almighty (featuring legendary guitarist Jim Kelly). As a leading Australian instrumentalist, he has performed and toured throughout Australia and Asia with his own band, as well as with some of the Australia’s most formidable artists, including Wendy Matthews, Doug Parkinson, Glenn Shorrock and Rhonda Burchmore. He also regularly works alongside the James Morrison playing in his funk and Motown show.
Creative Industries Week
In Week 7, Marist College Ashgrove will be celebrating Creative Industries Week, with a range of special events and workshops hosted by The Arts faculty. The Music Department is pleased to feature two special workshops this year, held by Music Department Staff, including a Mixing workshop by Mr Le Mura on Tuesday (Break 1) and DJ/Electronic Music Workshop by Mr Ismail on Wednesday (Break 1). Some of the College’s rock bands may also perform in the Draney Forecourt throughout the week as a warm-up for the 2022 Battle of the Bands. All students are encouraged to come down and get involved with the thriving culture at Marist Ashgrove.
Cathedral Concert
This year will see the amalgamation of the Chapel and Cathedral Concerts for all of the College’s string and choral groups, providing an opportunity to perform in the spiritual heart of the city. St Stephen’s Cathedral is a venue that provides great acoustics for this genre. Ensembles performing will be Marist Voices, Chamber Choir, Performance Choir, Chamber Strings, Senior Strings, and String Ensemble. Please note, Guitar Ensembles will not perform at the Cathedral Concert this year due to the return of the Guitar Summit.
Battle of the Bands – Sunday 5 June
A reminder of this upcoming event directly after the College Walkathon, make sure you stay on to hear the finest rock bands of the College, in an event that has launched the careers of multiple Aria Award winning and nominated artists.
Concert Recording Links
We are pleased to share the following links to Concert Recordings of recent performances with you.