MUSIC

Our exciting partnership with CQUniversity

The College is thrilled to have formed a partnership with CQU's School of Education and the Arts. A memorandum of understanding has been signed which paves the way for our Music Department and other departments within the College to work closely with the university, their lecturers and students. Various projects are planned for 2025. Some of these include their sound production students working in our recording studio to record our ensembles as part of their assessment, hosting weekend workshops called Jammin' for Jazz and contemporary music students, having their lecturers and students work with our students around composition for film music among other things. Furthermore, CQU has a program called Start Uni Now (SUN). This will allow our senior students to take university-level subjects, which can count towards their QCE credits and their first year of university study.

CQU is building a new campus just behind the Convention Centre with expanded facilities ready for more local students. Working so closely with the uni offers our college many future opportunities. Exciting times!

Saints Unplugged

Our final Unplugged Junior was on Thursday 7 November. No fewer than 28 acts were on the program. There were some stunning performances by our junior instrumental music students and it’s rewarding to see their hard work over the year pay off. As always, thanks must go to our amazing music teachers, parent helpers and Mrs McKenzie with her Year 11 hospitality students; a wonderful way to end the year.

Awards Night

During the annual Awards Evening on Friday 15 November five groups performed making such a big event in our calendar, special. The Saints Guitar Ensemble performed on the deck to parents as they arrived. CSC Wind Ensemble performed music as the audience were entering the hall. They then combined with the choir to perform the National Anthem followed by their feature piece – “Declaration Overture”. Saints Percussion Ensemble performed “Comets” to an appreciative audience. The unusual work – “Gaudete” was performed by the Saints Choir followed by the Saints Big Band’s rendition of “The Simpsons”. That brings to a close our instrumental and ensemble music program for the year and what a wonderful way to end it.

Re-enrolment

If your son wishes to continue his instrumental music lessons in 2025, he will need to fill out an enrolment form to secure a position. Our program is growing and will fill up fast. Enrolment forms will be sent in early January. Please return them as soon as possible.

2025 Events

Our musicianshave a jam-packed schedule next year. I have included an outline of the major events that we’d like people to put in their diaries so they are available. Please see below and contact the Music Department with any queries or concerns.

Term 1

28 Feb-2 March             Instrumental Music Workshops/Camp (combined ensembles)

Term 2

25 Apr                              Anzac Day Dawn Service (College Choir)

15 May-16 May             Primary Schools Tour

24 May – 25 May          Choir Workshops/Camp (College Choir)

23 June – 26 June         Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod

More dates for Terms 3 & 4 are to be confirmed and these dates will appear in newsletters and on our Arts Facebook page in the new year.