Student Voices

Opus 3

This Term, Opus 3 was held at Saint Andrews’ Uniting Church in Brisbane City. As a cello player in Paganini Strings, I was amazed by the acoustics of the church. The historic venue is over 100 years old, featuring a tall ceiling, stained glass windows and even a huge pipe organ. 

While I was waiting to rehearse, I decided to explore the church with my friends. Downstairs was an open dining area used for community gatherings, which is where we shared our pizza dinner. I could feel this lively energy buzzing throughout the church as we scrambled to get ready and the audience entered. 

There were many great performances on the night from all the choir, band and string groups, and we even had the chance to listen to a composition by a student. A highlight from the combined choir was Yellow by Coldplay, which was a fantastic performance.

In Paganini Strings, we performed two songs. First was Swords of Honour by Henry Jarvela and second was Viva la vida by Coldplay. It felt exciting and nervous at the same time to hear the sound of our instruments echoing throughout the church. Also, Faure Flutes’ medley was received with applause and interest by the audience. This was the first time I had seen this many flutes play at the same time.

The night concluded with energetic cheering and clapping from the audience as Allegria Strings played a rendition of the popular song Give Me Everything. Overall, we all enjoyed the opportunity to showcase this term’s ensemble pieces to our friends and family!

Kavin Chezhian (Year 7), Opus 3 Musician

Opus 4 

Last week, Opus 4 brought together the school’s vibrant musical ensembles for an evening of impressive performances. Held in the school’s beautiful Assembly Hall, the concert featured eight student groups, each presenting a unique program that highlighted both skill and creativity.

The evening began with an Acknowledgment of Country by Mahika Dhingra, followed by a captivating performance from Corelli Strings. The ensemble performed High Flying, a lively piece evoking rockets and airplanes, and Rhyme Time for Strings, which showcased a wide array of string techniques from pizzicato and glissandi to col legno and harmonics, demonstrating the students’ musical versatility.

The Piccolo Choir then delighted the audience with Slowly the Snow Comes Floating Down and the playful mini-opera Ping Pong Ball, cleverly incorporating snippets of classical music for listeners to discover. Ada Keir and the Beginner Band then performed two energetic pieces, Tyrannosaurus Rocks and Ozzie Mozzie, bringing bold rhythms and cheeky surprises to the stage.

Next was the Middle School String Quartet, who performed music from Italy, America, and England, including Verdi’s Grand March, traditional English reels, and the American folk tune When Johnny Comes Marching Home. Following this, Nadia Mansour led the Wind Orchestra through Market in Marrakesh and the fast-paced Zig Zag, painting musical pictures of bustling marketplaces and unexpected twists.

Vivo Strings then entertained with Cap’n Jack’s Hornpipe and the serene Barrier Reef, inviting the audience to imagine the beauty of North Queensland’s coral reefs. The evening also featured a vibrant Irish dance, followed by Campo delle Voci performing Sakura and This Train Goes Marching In, bringing the concert to a joyful close.

Overall, we all enjoyed the opportunity to showcase this term’s ensemble pieces to our friends and family!

Myla Gant (Year 6), Opus 4 Musician