Music News

The Marist College Ashgrove Semester 1 Concert Season has continued in full swing this Term, with the Music Department participating in a range of events occurring within the College as well as in the wider community. The College’s Big Band 1 celebrated International Jazz Day on Friday 30 April with an eclectic lunchtime performance in the Draney Foyer. This was soon followed by the ensemble’s performance at the 2021 Brisbane Youth Jazz Festival on May 6th. Hosted at BEMAC, Queensland Multicultural Centre, Marist Ashgrove performed alongside many other great Big Bands from other schools around Brisbane. Of special note was the commendation from one of the Brisbane Jazz Club’s committee members who commented that “We have some very good high school bands this week however that Marist band was something really special”.

Term 2 will continue with a weekly concert in the Draney Theatre every Thursday night for the next four weeks, as well as a number of external events and performances. See further details for some of these upcoming events below.

Commitment to MCA Music

Please note that when you elect to participate in an ensemble at MCA that you are making a commitment to the group that you are selected in, your College and also other outside events such as the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival, Brisbane Youth Jazz Festival, Anzac Day services etc.

We also ask that all students and families make a big effort to maintain communication with all staff involved in their son’s ensemble – both coordinators and ensemble directors. I have listed the coordinators and ensemble directors below for you to contact if you may miss a rehearsal. Please make direct contact with your ensemble director (listed below) if you cannot attend for any reason. Do NOT send messages via other students. 

Rehearsals are a very important part of preparing for your performances. Any appointments or other clashes should be organised with your ensemble director and outside of your regular co-curricular commitments. If there is a clash with another College co-curricular activity, (eg. sport, debating, breakfast) we can work out a compromise through clear and regular communication. 

Coordinator of Bands and Small Ensembles

Ms Megan Harmston - harmstonm@marash.qld.edu.au

Coordinator of Strings

Mrs Catherine Wasserman - wassermanc@marash.qld.edu.au

Coordinator of Choral

Mr Darian - johnsd@marash.qld.edu.au

Coordinator of Symphony and Big Bands

Dr Andrew Butt - butta@marash.qld.edu.au

Wind Orchestra 1

Ms Megan Harmston - harmstonm@marash.qld.edu.au

Chamber Strings and String Ensemble

Mrs Catherine Wasserman - wassermanc@marash.qld.edu.au

Chamber Choir

Ms Alison Braidwood - braidwooda@marash.qld.edu.au

Symphony Orchestra

Dr Andrew - ButtContact:butta@marash.qld.edu.au

Wind Orchestra 2

Ms Janelle Lee Long - longja@marash.qld.edu.au

Senior Strings

Ms Rhiannon Fenn - fennr@marash.qld.edu.au

Performance Choir

Mr Darian Johns - johnsd@marash.qld.edu.au

Big Band 1

Dr Andrew Butt - butta@marash.qld.edu.au

Wind Ensemble

Ms Janelle Lee Long - longja@marash.qld.edu.au

Guitar Orchestra 1 and 2B, Guitar Ensemble

Mr Sean Flynn - flynnse@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist Voices

Ms Rhiannon Fenn - fennr@marash.qld.edu.au

Big Band 2

Ms Megan Harmston - harmstonm@marash.qld.edu.au

Percussion Ensembles

Mr Caleb Colledge - colledgec@marash.qld.edu.au

Guitar Orchestra 2A

Mr Joseph Rabjohns - rabjohnsj@marash.qld.edu.au

Big Band 3

Mr Brodie McAllister - mcallisterb@marash.qld.edu.au

Ms Janelle Lee Long - longja@marash.qld.edu.au

Upcoming Events

Marist Jazz Night – Thursday 13 May, 6:30pm

Draney Theatre

All members of the College Community are invited to take part in a magical evening of Jazz at our Marist Jazz Night featuring performances from all of our College Big Bands, as well as a special guest ensemble. Bookings are essential: https://www.trybooking.com/BPGBZ

Ensembles Concert - Thursday 20 May, 6:30pm

Draney Theatre

You are invited to attend the 2021 Ensembles Concert on Thursday 20th May, where you will hear engaging performances from Marist Voices, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble 3, Guitar Orchestra 2B and Guitar Ensemble. Bookings are essential: https://www.trybooking.com/BPGCJ   

Queensland Youth Music Awards 2021 – Friday 21 May, 8:00pm

St Peter’s Performing Arts Centre, Indooroopilly

We are pleased to announce the College Chamber Choir’s participation in QYMA for 2021. QYMA is one of the state's longest-running school music competitions which celebrates the participation of over 4,000 young people in the music-making process. The contest provides an environment to motivate young students to develop their skills and raise artistic levels. 

Bookings are essential: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/qyma-section-21-secondary-choir-advanced-tickets-152308915065  

National Sorry Day Ceremony – Wednesday 26 May, 6:50am

Teralba Park, Everton Park

On Wednesday 26 May the Marist College Ashgrove Chamber Choir will be singing as part of the local National Sorry Day Ceremony at Teralba Park, Everton Park. This event is a mark of respect, apology and remembrance, which commemorates the Stolen Generations and their families. Transport will be provided for all students involved, students must meet at the College Bus Stop by 6:00am on the day of the event.

Winter Concert – Thursday 27 May, 6:30pm

Draney Theatre

This concert will feature a number of our intermediate ensembles including Wind Orchestra 2 and Percussion Ensembles 1 and 2, Guitar Orchestra 2A, Performance Choir and Senior Strings.

Booking are essential: https://www.trybooking.com/BPGCL

Battle of the Bands 2021

For students interested in being involved, there will be a meeting at Break 1 on Monday 10 May 10, auditions will take place on Friday. Please register your band name and members by email to music@marash.qld.edu.au