Music News

JMSS Music Report 2024

This year has been a landmark for music at JMSS, with record enrolments across lessons and ensembles. Together, we created truly memorable music in 2024!

Term One began with a Piano Soiree and the Baroque Blockbusters string concert, both held under the excellent direction of Ms. Chen and Mr. Cseszko. Shortly after, the talented Ms. Irwin-Ray led the Vocal Soiree, showcasing the vocal prowess of our students.

In Term Two, we hosted VCE Soiree evenings and embarked on an unforgettable journey to South Australia for the Generations in Jazz competition, where two of our standout musicians, Kai Cheung and Leonard Apale, earned Superband status—an extraordinary achievement. Additionally, nearly 40 of our JMSS musicians participated in the 2024 NEVR Youth Concert, Sonic Canvas, at Hamer Hall. Special recognition goes to our brilliant flute soloist, Isabel Lai, who was awarded one of only three soloist spots out of 47 secondary schools in the North Eastern region. All our musicians performed brilliantly, making it a night they will cherish forever.

Term Three kicked off with our much-anticipated Music Camp at Don Bosco Campground in Dromana, where students built lasting friendships and created outstanding music. The term culminated in our largest concert of the year—the Spring Soiree—featuring hundreds of musicians. We also enjoyed a Brass and Woodwind Soiree, led by the talented Mr. Sean Smyth and Dr. Brigid Burke.

In Term Four, our musicians worked diligently towards Presentation Night, culminating in a magnificent performance of Selections from Les Misérables by our largest combined Orchestra and Choir to date.

Mr. Smyth would like to extend his deepest gratitude to the entire JMSS Music Team, our dedicated teachers, and the amazing Music Executives for their support throughout the year. Special congratulations to our 2024 Music Captains, Sabrina Pavia and Kai Cheung, for their inspiring leadership. Best wishes to all our many talented Year 12 musicians as they pursue their future endeavours!

Finally, for your listening pleasure, here are some links to the JMSS Music House Soundcloud for some fantastic student and staff original music material. Huge shout out to Ms Irwin-Ray for creating such a fantastic JMSS music portfolio. 

Mixtape 6: https://on.soundcloud.com/b9TFNpDKzsQoHXU78

Mixtape 5: https://on.soundcloud.com/gA6GpLEgXhEcYJvt9

Mixtape 4: https://on.soundcloud.com/sWPHCJKx9cY8umwy8

Mixtape 3: https://on.soundcloud.com/mFathKeP7A3josvNA

Mixtape 2: https://on.soundcloud.com/Q3e65n4bayBCDYWP7

Loz Irwin-Ray latest album "Reminders": https://gyro.to/Reminders

~ Sean Smyth (Head of Music)