Celebrating Excellence in Music

At DCC, we believe music is one of the most powerful ways to reflect the creativity and beauty of our Creator. Our students continue to demonstrate that excellence in musicianship and faith can flourish together, inspiring our community and glorifying God through their gifts. 

Over the past few weeks and months, our Music Department has enjoyed a wonderful season of concerts and celebrations, each one showcasing the extraordinary dedication and talent of our students and staff. 

Strings Night – A Celebration of Beauty and Expression 

Our recent Strings Night, led by May Gavin, Head of Strings and Piano, was a superb celebration of musical beauty, collaboration, and growth. 

The evening featured performances from our Bells Program as well as the Instrumental Strings Program (ISP), which marked the graduation of students completing their first year of string playing. The concert reflected both the skill and the joy of music-making that have become hallmarks of DCC’s strings community. 

Bands Night – A Celebration of Musical Growth 

Bands Night was an exceptional display of musical brilliance and community spirit. From our Foundation Instrumental Bands Program (IBP) through to the Senior Concert Band, the night showcased the growth, dedication, and artistry of our students and staff. Under the direction of our talented music staff, each ensemble presented engaging and contrasting works that captivated the audience. 

A highlight of the evening was the Advanced Percussion Ensemble, whose high-energy performance featured both emerging and senior percussionists and the night concluded with a powerful rendition of How to Train Your Dragon by the Senior Concert Band. Amid their exam season, our Year 12 musicians returned to perform with passion and excellence, a testament to their commitment and love of music. We thank and congratulate them and will miss them dearly. We wish them all the best as that continue their music journey post DCC.  

A particularly moving moment was watching our 60 IBP students take the stage, celebrating their first year of learning a concert band instrument. Their enthusiasm and progress remind us of the strength of our foundation programs and the faith-filled encouragement that underpins all we do. 

Victorian Schools Music Festival 

The celebrations continued as our Junior Concert Band performed at the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF). The ensemble performed with poise, musical maturity, and a beautifully blended sound, earning a Gold Award from adjudicators. 

Musician of the Year – Reuben Swan 

We extend our warmest congratulations to Reuben Swan, who was awarded the 2025 Musician of the Year. Our Primary musician of the year will be announced shortly.

Reuben is an outstanding guitarist and a musician of deep integrity, creativity, and humility. His musical journey at DCC has been marked not only by technical excellence and stylistic versatility but also by his consistent encouragement of others and his willingness to serve. Reuben’s performances this year have demonstrated both artistry and heart, and he continues to be an inspiring example of what it means to use one’s gifts to honour God. 

We are incredibly proud of Reuben’s contribution to our music community and look forward to seeing the ways his talents and character will continue to shine beyond DCC. 

We are truly blessed with a passionate and specialist teaching team, and with students who pursue their God-given gifts with enthusiasm and integrity. This year has been one of exceptional growth and achievement across all areas of our Music Department, and we give thanks to God for His faithfulness through it all. 

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6 

A heartfelt thank you to our parents and students for their ongoing commitment to the Music Program and for the way they continue to support the life of the College through music.