Director of Music

Practice Makes Perfect

As the school term continues to unfold, our Music ensembles are making excellent progress, with rehearsals running smoothly and productively. Students are demonstrating growing confidence, commitment, and collaboration as they refine their pieces and develop their skills. It has been encouraging to see such positive energy and focus during rehearsals, setting a strong foundation for upcoming performances and further musical growth.

Music Scholarships 2027

Applications for 2027 Music Scholarships are still open. The Scholarships provide fee relief at the St Virgil’s College Senior School for excellent young musicians for Year 7 to Year 9. 

It was a pleasure to see three very deserving young musicians from the St Virgil’s College Junior School receive these scholarships for 2026. Further details can be found via the following link: https://www.stvirgils.tas.edu.au/senior-school/scholarships

Please note that Music Scholarship applications close on Friday 27 March.

For more information about the Music Scholarship and the audition process, please contact me at gball@stvirgils.tas.edu.au. 

Junior School Choir

The Junior School Choir has resumed rehearsals for Term 1. There is an open invitation for all boys in Year 3 to 6 to join our choir. No prior experience is needed and there are no auditions. Choir rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 8.30am—9.00am in the Junior School Hall. Boys must be on time. All Choir members from last year are encouraged to continue on this year. 

In discussing this opportunity with your son, please take note of the following conditions and expectations:

• There will be a trial period of three weeks for anyone who is interested in joining.
• After this trial period, if your son would like to remain in the choir the commitment is for the remainder of the year. Being a part of the choir is being part of a team.
• Once committed, if your son changes his mind, he must first speak with Mrs Messer and Mr Hope with his reasons for withdrawal. He cannot simply stop turning up.
• Attendance at our weekly rehearsal and performances are compulsory.
• In order to achieve our best as a team, the boys need their best in every rehearsal. A high standard of behaviour is expected.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Peter Hope at phope@stvirgils.tas.edu.au

Grade 5 and Grade 6 Bands

The Grade 5 and Grade 6 Bands continue to improve as rehearsals progress. The Grade 5 Band is improving so quickly that they will be making their debut performance at the Junior School Assembly on Monday 30 March. This is an impressive achievement as these students began learning how to play their instruments at the start of this term.

Please remind your son to make sure that he brings his instrument and practise sheet to school on Mondays for rehearsals. It has been noticed that a few students have not been consistent in ensuring they have everything they need for rehearsals and tutorials.

Bandsman of the Week

Students who are named as Bandsman of the Week demonstrate exemplary behaviour during rehearsals and tutorials, bring all of the necessary equipment on Mondays (instrument, music folder, and practise sheet), and have demonstrated a dedicated home practise schedule. Congratulations to Milan Sojan in Grade 5 and Jack Kilgour in Grade 6 for being recognised as Bandsman of the Week.

Junior Rock Band Performance: Middle Years Assembly

Following their successful performance at the 2026 Opening Liturgy, the Junior Rock Band delivered another excellent performance at the Middle Years Assembly. The band performed energetic versions of Breed by Nirvana and Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Congratulations to Tom Bufton, Archer Gifford, Harry Imber, Jacob Lee, Chase Wilkinson, and Gangul Wimalasena for another awesome performance.