Co-curricular Arts News

Semester 1 Wrap-Up

Congratulations to all our Performing Arts students on a fantastic Semester 1. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and talent have made this semester a vibrant and rewarding one, filled with memorable performances and creative achievements.

Semester 1 began with over 120 students attending Music Camp at Alexandra Headlands, where key ensembles prepared for the term ahead. Early highlights included the Inaugural Mass and the Blue & Gold Concert, which brought together more than 200 performers from across the Marist community. Despite extreme weather, the concert was a sold-out success, concluding with a powerful performance of Ancient Words by the Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Students played a key role in College and community events such as the Anzac Day ceremonies, Mother’s Day Masses, and Champagnat Day, performing with professionalism and heart. Our Big Bands impressed at both the Marist Jazz Night and the Brisbane Youth Jazz Festival, while the Cathedral Concert at St Stephen’s showcased the strength of our choral and string programs in a stunning venue.

Other highlights included the energetic Year 5 musical Pirates, the collaborative Guitar Summit with Mary MacKillop College, and ongoing work in the Audio Club and Music Production program. Students gained valuable experience in live sound and studio recording, further enriching their skills.

With consistent weekly rehearsals, instrumental and vocal lessons, and strong participation in co-curricular groups like Art Club and Games Workshop, Performing Arts at Marist continues to thrive. We now look forward to a strong Semester 2, with many exciting performances and events on the horizon.

Marist College Ashgrove Big Bands to feature at Jumpers and Jazz Festival

Marist College Ashgrove is proud to announce that Big Band 1 and Big Band 2 have once again been invited to perform as the only school ensembles featured on the main program at this year’s Jumpers and Jazz in July festival in Warwick. This is a significant recognition of the outstanding standard of our jazz program and a testament to the talent and dedication of our student musicians.

Now in its 21st year, Jumpers and Jazz has become Queensland’s quirkiest and most beloved winter festival. From 17–27 July, Warwick’s tree-lined streets will come alive with vibrant textile art, street installations, artisan markets, and the soulful sounds of live jazz. As part of the main program, MCA’s Big Bands will take to the Leslie Park Jazz Arena stage on Sunday 27 July, from 10:45am to 11:45am.

This is a unique opportunity for our students to share their music with a broader audience in a professional setting. Audiences can expect high-energy sets featuring a mix of classic swing, contemporary jazz, and funk-infused favourites—delivered with the polish and passion that has become a hallmark of Marist Big Bands.

Join us in Warwick for what promises to be a highlight of the jazz calendar—and a proud moment for Marist Performing Arts! These photos and video give you a glimpse of our past performances at these prestigious festival.

Marist College Ashgrove to Shine at Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival

Marist College Ashgrove is once again proud to be represented at the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival (QCMF)—one of the largest and most prestigious school music festivals in Australia. Held annually at Villanova College in Brisbane, QCMF celebrates the rich musical life of Catholic schools across Queensland and beyond, welcoming over 15,000 students from more than 100 schools to perform across four days.

The festival provides a unique platform for ensembles of all types—bands, choirs, orchestras, and instrumental groups—to perform in a supportive environment. It is a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the shared joy of making music.

Marist College Ashgrove will be proudly represented across the festival by seven ensembles, showcasing the depth and diversity of our Performing Arts program. Families and supporters are warmly encouraged to attend and cheer on our talented musicians at the following sessions:

• Marist Voices – Friday 15 August, 5:07pm
• Chamber Strings – Friday 15 August, 7:37pm
• Performance Choir – Saturday 16 August, 9:56am
• Chamber Choir – Saturday 16 August, 1:00pm
• Big Band 1 – Saturday 16 August, 5:54pm
• Symphony Orchestra – Sunday 17 August, 10:05am
• Wind Orchestra 1 – Sunday 17 August, 1:50pm

Further details regarding venue locations and arrival times will be shared in Semester 2.