Co-curricular Arts News

We are excited to welcome all Marist College Ashgrove families to what promises to be another dynamic and inspiring year in the Performing Arts. The 2025 school year is set to feature a wide array of events across various genres and concert formats, offering something for every taste. One of the key highlights will be our Blue and Gold Concert in Term 1, which we are thrilled to present. Stay tuned for more details about these events, which will be featured in upcoming editions of the College Newsletter.

To stay informed about all things Performing Arts, please continue to follow the newsletter. For any event-specific updates or communications about students involved in Instrumental Lessons, Co-curricular Ensembles and performances, these will be shared via the College App and email where necessary.

Music Camp 2025 – A Successful Start to the Year

On Friday, 24 January, around 110 music students and staff departed for the annual Music Camp at Alexandra Headlands, marking the perfect start to the year. This camp saw members from the College’s Chamber Choir, Performance Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber and Senior String Orchestras, Wind Orchestra 1, Guitar Orchestra 1 and Big Band 1 come together for intensive rehearsals to sharpen their skills in preparation for the year’s performances. The camp was a fantastic success, with students showing remarkable progress early on, already fine-tuning their Term 1 repertoire.

In addition to their musical work, students enjoyed some fun activities including trivia night, ten-pin bowling and a refreshing swim in the surf. It’s clear that 2025 will be a year full of growth, creativity and musical achievement.

A special thank you goes to the students and staff who made this camp such a success, including Ms Megan Harmston, Ms Sam Blakeney, Mrs Catherine Wasserman, Ms Janelle Lee Long, Mr Tony Vandermeer, Mr Joseph Rabjohns, Mr Dom Machen, Ms Melanie Stewart, Mr Alex Hides, Ms Evalyn Legried, Mr Samuel Vincent, Dr Jamie Kennedy, Ms Emily Smith and Mr George Perrers. Thanks also to all families involved - for their communication towards the end of last year and through the holidays and for their son’s attendance during the last weekend of the Christmas break. 

Co-curricular Music Ensembles and Rehearsal Information

We are pleased to confirm that Co-curricular Ensemble rehearsals for 2025 will also commence in Weeks 2 and 3. Updated ensemble allocations and the rehearsal schedule for all students will be sent out via email before the end of Week 2.

Week 2 Rehearsal Schedule

Mon. Chamber Choir rehearsal 7:30am Blue Room

Tues. Wind Orchestra 1 rehearsal 7:30am Draney Theatre Green Room 

Tues. Chamber Strings rehearsal 7:30am Experimental Theatre

Tues. Guitar Orchestra 1 rehearsal 7:30amM Draney Theatre Green Room

Wed. Big Band 1 rehearsal 7:30am Experimental Theatre

Wed. Senior Strings rehearsal 7:30am Draney Theatre Stage

Thurs. Symphony Orchestra rehearsal 7:30am Draney Theatre Green Room

Frid. Performance Choir Rehearsal 7:30am Draney Theatre Stage

Week 3 Rehearsal Schedule

The rehearsal schedule for Week 3 will be provided at the end of Week 2 via email and the College App.

Instrumental Lessons

A quick reminder that all Instrumental and Voice Lessons for existing students and some new students will recommence on Monday, 3 February, marking the start of Week 2. All students will commence lessons on Monday 10 January. Weekly lesson timetables are emailed every Friday for the upcoming week and are also available on the College App.

Please note that Instrumental Enrolments roll over at the end of each year, including for students transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7. Enrolments are open year-round, so it’s never too late to sign up! You can find enrolment forms in the Music section of the College App.

Marist Vocal Ensembles

At Marist College Ashgrove, all students can join our vibrant Co-curricular Music Program. In addition to our instrumental ensembles, we offer two non-auditioned Vocal Ensembles that provide a fun and supportive environment for students to further engage with the College community through music. Participation involves a weekly morning rehearsal and offers multiple performance opportunities throughout the year.

If your son is interested in joining one of our Vocal Ensembles, please email music@marash.qld.edu.au with his full name and year level.

Marist Voices – Open to all students in Years 5 and 6

Performance Choir – Open to all students in Years 7-12

Communication

If you have any questions or concerns about the music program, please don't hesitate to reach out:

Email: music@marash.qld.edu.au

Phone: (07) 3858 4668

We look forward to another year of musical excellence at Marist!