Music Gala

Last night’s Annual Music Gala was a truly special celebration of talent, dedication, and the joy of making music together. From the first notes in the foyer to the final applause, the evening was filled with moments that reminded us why music holds such a meaningful place in our school community.

Guests were welcomed by a series of wonderful foyer performances, featuring Minjun Kim on trumpet, Liam Zhu on trombone, Yevin Perera on saxophone, Marcus Chen on oboe, and Sean Wannipura and Jozsef Sim on clarinet, all beautifully accompanied by Tom. These performances set the tone for an inspiring evening ahead.

Our formal program began with warm greetings from Ms. Jacqui Marshall, who handed over to our capable emcees, Grace and Maya. The Junior Choir opened the concert with heartfelt renditions of Lean on Me and Shenandoah. Their performance of Shenandoah held particular significance, as it was dedicated to Mrs. Karen De Wilde, a much-loved member of our school community whose passion for music continues to inspire generations of students.

The program continued with a showcase of exceptional young musicians. Megan Chin impressed the audience with her expressive performance of Chopin’s Waltz in A Minor, followed by Maya and Kaylee’s beautifully coordinated duet of Philip Sparke’s Summer Sonatina. Vincent Huyn then captivated everyone with a moving rendition of River Flows in You by Yiruma, demonstrating remarkable maturity and musicality for his age.

Both our Junior Band and Senior Band brought energy and joy to the stage with performances of Ode to Joy, Jingle Bells, The Lonely Bull, and Harry Potter. The Senior Choir closed the concert portion of the evening with two contrasting but equally memorable performances,  the serene The Moon by Andy Beck, and the uplifting Your Way’s Better by Forrest Frank, chosen by the choir themselves for its message of positivity and togetherness.

One of the evening’s most touching moments came during the presentation of the Karen De Wilde Music Excellence Award, which was fittingly presented by Mrs. De Wilde herself. This year’s deserving recipient was Naomi Cheah, recognised for her outstanding musicianship, dedication, and contribution to our school’s music program.

As guests departed, they were serenaded by visiting musicians from Mazenod College, bringing a final flourish to an already unforgettable night.

The Music Gala is always a highlight of our school year, not only for the outstanding performances, but for the sense of community and pride it inspires. Congratulations to all our performers, teachers, and families for supporting another successful celebration of music at Good Shepherd.

Ferial Davis

Deputy Principal