Director of Music

Music Department Flourishing

As Term 2 draws to a close, it is an opportune time to reflect on another busy and rewarding period for the Music Department. Students have showcased their talents through their valued contributions to the Junior School Mid-Year Assembly, demonstrating both musical excellence and enthusiasm. 

Our senior students studying TASC Music have also been diligently preparing for and completing their Mid-Year Examinations, an important milestone in their academic and musical development.

We are delighted to congratulate the recipients of the 2027 Music Scholarships, whose achievements and potential have been recognised through this rigorous process. 

We are also pleased to welcome two new tutors to our team, whose expertise and passion for music will further enrich the learning experiences available to our students. We look forward to building on these successes as we move into the second half of the year.

Junior School Mid-Year Assembly

The Junior School Mid-Year Assembly was an opportunity to showcase the achievements and talents of our younger students. I would like to thank Mr Peter Hope for his hard work in preparing his classes and the Junior School Choir for their performances in this event. 

The Grade 5 and Grade 6 Bands also performed for this event with the support of our amazing Music tutors. The importance of teamwork was spoken about at the assembly, and I am very fortunate to work alongside an incredible group of Music educators.

2027 Music Scholarships

The Junior School Mid-Year Assembly was particularly exciting as the recipients of the 2027 Music Scholarships were announced. 

Congratulations to Benjamin Houareau (French Horn) and Christopher Xavier (Guitar) who were awarded Year 7 Music Scholarships for 2027. Mr Franzin spoke about having the courage to try new things at the Assembly. 

Benjamin and Christopher demonstrated courage in their auditions and interviews in front of panels of adults. Music Scholarships are awarded after a successful music audition and interview with Mr Franzin. 

The Scholarships provide fee relief for three years from Year 7 up to the end of Year 9. I look forward to welcoming Benjamin and Christopher to the Senior Campus in 2027.

Senior Music Mid-Year Exams

As Senior Exams draw to close, two of our Senior students have been busy preparing for the first Music Mid-Year Exam held at St Virgil’s College. Lucas and Marcus Hay are studying TASC Music and have been busy preparing for this exam. 

The Music Department wishes Lucas and Marcus the best as they undertake this Exam and await their results. 

Bandsman of the Week

Students who are named as Bandsman of the Week demonstrate exemplary behaviour during rehearsals and tutorials, bring all of the necessary equipment on Mondays (instrument, Music folder, and practice sheet), and have demonstrated a dedicated home practice schedule. 

Congratulations to Felix Miller and Oskar Klasen in Grade 5 and Cooper Puglisi and Hugo Helmers in Grade 6 for being recognised as Bandsman of the Week.

New Music Tutors for Guitar and Drums

It has been wonderful to see the increasing numbers of students at both the Junior and Senior Schools taking private Music lessons. Student numbers have grown so significantly that we have welcomed two new Music tutors to our team. 

I would like to welcome Dorian Clennett and Chris McGuinness-Terry. Dorian will be teaching guitar lessons and Chris will be teaching drum lessons. Chris is a former St Virgil’s College student and is a past Joshua Cooper Award recipient. 

Students who are interested in taking private lessons can contact our Music Administration Assistant (and other guitar teacher) Jamie Pregnell (jpregnell@stvirgils.tas.edu.au) with any questions.