Music Notes
Welcome to St Catherine’s School Music department for 2026, and we offer an especially warm welcome to the new families joining us this year. I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing break and feel excited for the new opportunities ahead.
Ensemble rehearsals and lessons are already in full swing and it is fantastic to hear the sounds of music echoing through the halls of 15A again.
There are a number of events coming up this term, as noted below.
Recital
Thursday 26 February
Click here for information and registration
First Impressions Concert
Wednesday 4 March
Recital
Thursday 12 March
Concerto Concert
Monday 30 March
AMEB Examinations
Congratulations to all the students who undertook an AMEB examination in Session 4 and 5. Many of the results were finalised after the 2025 School year finished and we now formally acknowledge their achievements.
- Imogen Brownjohn: Distinction, Debut Vocals Rockschool
- Avalon Pascoe: Distinction, Debut Vocals Rockschool
- Sophia West: Distinction, Grade1 Vocals Rockschool
- Arabella Marmur: Merit, Grade 1 Vocals Rockschool
- Soraya Leos: Credit, Grade 2 Singing for Leisure
- Phoebe Butterfield: High Distinction, Grade 1 Musical Theatre
- Tiffany Shen: Credit, Grade 3 Flute
- Darya Ashktorab: Pass, Grade 4 Violin
- Limi Sun: Credit, Grade 2 Clarinet
- Pearl Lee: Honours, Grade 2 Theory of Music
- Alicia Goerlitz: Honours, Preliminary Viola
- Anna Zheng: Honours, Preliminary Viola
- Liv Grasso: Honours, Grade 5 Musical Theatre
- Saya Stokes: Credit, Grade 3 Singing for Leisure
Please note: students' certificates will be presented during an upcoming Assembly.
Year 5 Band Program
It was with great excitement that our Year 5 students received their instrument for the Year 5 Band Program. They have a full year of tuition as part of the program with some amazing opportunities in store for them. For many of them this will be the start of their journey in the St Catherine’s Music program. For our Year 5 parents, I hope you enjoy the transformation your daughters will undertake as they become more comfortable on their instrument.
Staffing update
Ms Kirsten Boerema
Ms Kirsten Boerema joins St Catherine's as a Classroom Music teacher. She will also take on Sherren Singers, where her expertise as a choral director will be of great benefit. Ms Boerema's teaching experience includes music positions at Haileybury Castlefield campus and in the Tiwi Islands.
Ms Samantha Hammersley
Ms Samantha Hammersley joins the Music Department as Performing Arts Operations Coordinator. A highly experienced administrator, Samantha most recently worked in the School's Advancement Office, and previously was employed as Music Administrator at The Friends’ School in Hobart. Samantha is an experienced vocalist and teacher, and an adjudicator of the Musical Theatre Guild Awards, as well as numerous eisteddfods and competitions.
Ms Serena Chen
Ms Serena Chen is our new Oboe teacher. Currently teaching at Genazzano FCJ College, Ms Chen will be also take on our Double Reed ensemble, alongside our Oboe students.
Mr Nicholas Goulding
Mr Nicholas Goulding is teaching piano and theory. A highly experienced teacher with a breadth of experience in a variety of styles, Mr Goulding also has extensive composition experience, writing music for commercials, short movies and video games. He is an active performer, especially in pop and contemporary styles, and regularly performs in the house band at Munich Brauhaus at Southbank.
Mr Francis Blakiston
Head of Music