MUSIC

Primary instrumental music  workshops

Our annual workshops for our feeder primary schools, held on Friday 5 September, were  a great success. This year we increased the numbers to include students who play an instrument, enrolled to start at Saints in 2026. It was a wonderful way for those students to have an early induction to the College for next year. 

Over 70 musicians joined us for a day of workshops and a concert in the afternoon.  Special thanks to our wonderful instrumental music teachers  – Mr Chandler and Ms Marnane, supervising staff – Ms Austin (St Monica’s)  as well as our future college leaders who assisted on the day.

AHEP & SHEP

The Australian Honours Ensemble  and the State Honours Ensemble programs were held at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music Griffith University over the holidays. Takeshi, Oliver and Elliot were selected from 650 auditionees from all over the state. Congratulations again to Takeshi Holland (AHEP), Oliver Alden (SHEP) and Elliot Kendall (SHEP).

Ensemble recording day

As part of our partnership with Central Queensland University, our CSC Wind Ensemble, Saints Big Band and Saints Choir were professionally recorded using our facilities on Friday 10 October.  It was a fantastic experience for our students, two of whom helped the staff and students from CQU with the set-up of technical equipment. Cooper Connors and Taiga Moritake were able to assist and learnt about setting up microphones for large groups in recording studios. Members of the ensembles experienced what it is like for professional artists to record music for publication. A huge thank you to Patty Preece from CQU and her students for this amazing experience. 

Songfest

On Saturday 11 October, students from the Saints Choir participated in Songfest which is run by Gondwana National Choir, Sydney.  Songfest brings together young people from the Cairns region for some fun and inspirational days of choral singing. Renowned South African conductor, Dr Michael Barrett conducted the Songfest choirs. Students worked together in two rehearsals on the Thursday and Friday, culminating in a concert at St Monica’s Cathedral, alongside Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir and the Sydney Children’s Choir. 

It was a fantastic experience for our students to work with international conductors and present a top-quality concert. Congratulations to Cayden Connors, Ferdi Osborne, Lewis Stowers, Elliot Kendall, Joseph Keating, Hudson Odgers, Joshua Page, Ben Johnson and Siaosi Tutoe.

Upcoming events

Information for events and performances is on the Arts Department Facebook page, in the newsletter and parent slips are sent out. Below is a calendar of planned events. Please  reread the newsletter each edition to check that you are abreast of all that is happening, and make sure you put these dates in your diary. 

Term 4