Arts News
St Joseph’s College Band performs at Winter Blues Festival
Our St Joseph’s College band impressed the crowds at the annual Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival in their first major live performance last week.
Six of our talented Year 11 students, who have been playing together casually since 2022, officially formed the band earlier this year as part of their Music Performance VET subject.
Lead singer Ella Hickey said while they were not required to perform as a group, they had seen huge improvements in their musical performance, confidence and teamwork as a result.
“I’ve always played music by myself, but I’m really enjoying being part of a band,” said Ella. “I feel like there’s less pressure than when you’re performing on your own. And it’s more fun because we’re all friends and can share our ideas and feed off each other.”
Ava Brown, who plays keys in the band, is also loving the opportunity to try something different.
“I’ve grown up playing classical piano, sitting exams and undertaking traditional music lessons but I’ve learnt so much more about music by participating in the band,” Ava said.
“It’s taught me how to make things sound good and how to work as a team.”
The 'team', who have named themselves Cadence, consists of Ella Hickey as lead vocalist, Yarran Jones and Patrick Caffrey on guitar, Jack Thomson on drums, Caitlin Orr on bass and Ava Brown on keys. They rehearse twice a week in their own time, playing a mix of indie alternative, pop and R&B music.
During their one hour set at the Winter Blues the students played a variety of covers ranging from well known hits like Valerie by Amy Winehouse, to more alternate tunes like Jorja Smith’s Teenage Fantasy.
“It was really nerve racking but it was also lots of fun!” said Ava. “It was great to have a crowd to interact with and to see their positive responses.”
These talented artists not only perform covers but also write their own songs and were fortunate to participate in the Breakneck Records Songwriters Studio in the lead up to Winter Blues.
The Breakneck Records Songwriters Studio is a three day workshop where participants from different schools come together with their original work, and then form groups to perform the pieces they create.
Guitar player and songwriter Yarran Jones participated in the studio for the second year in a row, and says the experience was incredible.
“It’s the highlight of my year. Everyone is very welcoming. You get to mix with industry professionals and students from different schools to workshop your musical ideas and then perform them. This year, 42 participants played 25 original songs at the Paramount Theatre in front of a live audience. It was so much fun!” Yarran said.
The students said they were grateful to St Joseph’s College for supporting them and allowing them to make the most of these opportunities. They paid particular credit to their music teachers, Mr Cohn and Miss Leopold who have been assisting them with rehearsals and the practical side of performing outside of class.
Mr Cohn reciprocated the praise and said he was very impressed with the dedication the students had demonstrated.
“As part of their assessments students have been learning about music copyright, sound recording, how to make a music demo and how to plan for a career in the music industry,” he said.
“The fact that these students have been able to achieve this as a group and to witness how much they have grown and developed as musicians and as a team is really inspiring.”
Another highlight of the year for the band was the opportunity to record a song at a professional music studio in Melbourne earlier this year.
They’re now hoping to record an original song later this year and are also planning for more live performances. So stay tuned!
Sign Up Now for an Exciting Performing Arts Workshop!
Attention St Joseph's students!
Here's your chance to shine on stage! We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to learn a selected song and dance from the hit musical Wicked with the Australian School of Performing Arts.
Details:
Open to: Students from Year 7 to Year 11
Date: September 12
Duration: One-day commitment
Activities: Singing, dancing, and acting
This workshop is part of the Sandhurst Arts On Show, organised through the Catholic Education of Sandhurst. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to develop your performing arts skills and be part of an unforgettable experience.
Expressions of Interest are open now to join us for a day of fun, learning, and performance!
Expressions of Interest close on 12 August, 2024
Allison O'Brien
Head of Arts