Co-curricular Arts News

Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed numerous performances that have showcased some of the exceptional Co-curricular Arts activities taking place at the College. The fortnight commenced with Big Band 1 performing at the Brisbane Youth Jazz Festival hosted by the Brisbane Jazz Club. Once again, our premier Big Band performed at a high standard as one of the leading high school big bands presenting over the four-day festival.

Over the entire weekend of the Tower Art Show, our Arts students presented their multi-faceted talents through visual art, dance and music. A special highlight was the Indigenous Dance presentation and Acknowledgement of Country that opened the show on the Friday night. This continued throughout the weekend with music performances by current students and Old Boys as well as Arts displays from primary and secondary students. A big thank you to all who participated.

The annual Marist College Ashgrove Battle of the Bands returned to its home of twenty years at the John Eales Grandstand on what was a spectacular Brisbane Autumn day. This year’s event featured a high standard of performances showcasing some great original music. Staff member Kieran Stevenson judged this year’s event awarding; Third place: Saint Arlo (Max Bathersby, Oliver Betts, Nate Scott-Day). Second place: The Waiting List (Ben Gibson, Max Hammond, Addi Allen, Christian Weston-Kelly, Ambrose Gonzalez). and First Place: Miss Mardy (Danny O’Rourke, Max Hodge, Tom Doherty, Kyle Bedford). Well done to all bands who performed. On Thursday 25 May, Marist Jazz Night featured all of the College’s Big Bands, as well as a very special guest performance by Vanderbyl (2022 Old Boys). All ensembles are to be congratulated on their entertaining performances and well done to all students and staff. An extended thanks to Vanderbyl for their engaging set of high-energy playing.

On Friday 26 May, the Marist College Ashgrove Chamber Choir presented several songs as part of the local National Sorry Day Ceremony at Teralba Park, Everton Park. This event is a mark of respect, apology and remembrance, which commemorates the Stolen Generations and their families. Once again it was great to be involved in such a special event. Special mention to Zeke Esler for his moving solo performance. Finally, on Monday 29 May, the Music Department hosted a series of Studio Concerts across multiple performance spaces in the Music Centre and Draney Theatre. These concerts gave an excellent opportunity for students to display their solo and small ensemble skills to parents and the wider college community.

Wind and Percussion Concert

We are pleased to announce that the video of the Wind and Percussion Concert is now available for viewing.

Queensland Catholic College Music Festival

As per the date hold communicated at the beginning of the year, we are pleased to confirm the College’s participation in this year’s Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival. We are pleased to be involved in this great festival which hosts musical performances from Catholic School Ensembles from all around Queensland.

Dates: Friday 18 - Sunday 20 August 2023 Ensembles Involved: Wind Orchestra 1, Chamber Strings, Symphony Orchestra, Big Band 1, Big Band 2, Marist Voices, Performance Choir and Chamber Choir. Exact Performance Dates and Times will be communicated to ensemble members as soon as they are made available.

Upcoming Concerts

Thursday 1 June, Cathedral Concert – Red Hill

6:30pm | St Brigid's Catholic Church, Red Hill PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE

Featuring the College’s string and choral groups, St Brigid's is a venue that provides the perfect acoustics for this genre. Providing an opportunity to perform in the spiritual heart of the city, we invite you to enjoy performances by Marist Voices, Chamber Choir, Performance Choir, Chamber Strings, Senior Strings, and String Ensemble.

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/cathedral-concert-2023

Thursday 8 June, Marist College Ashgrove Guitar Summit

6:00pm | Draney Theatre

Returning after its success in 2022, the Marist College Ashgrove Guitar Summit will provide an opportunity for all of the College’s Guitar Ensembles to experience a combination of workshops and sectionals under the guidance of a guest director, concluding with an early evening concert.

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-guitar-summit-2023

Friday 9 June, Champagnat Sports Trust Lunch – Brisbane Convention Centre

The College String Quartet and Vocal Quartet will be providing entertainment for this event held at the Convention Centre.

Tickets can be purchased online at: https://events.humanitix.com/2023-champagnat-trust-sports-lunch

Wednesday 14 June, DRAMA PERFORMANCE ‘Murder on the Menu’

7:00pm | Draney Theatre

Artemis Ward, the proud owner of Ward Books, is murdered in his favourite restaurant while waiting for a mysterious dinner guest who never arrives. Everyone’s a suspect – his own son and daughter, his nephew, the restaurant owner, and many others who crawl out of the woodwork. Can the conveniently-placed coroner and his reporter friend solve the crime without the aid of police? Why does the list of suspects just keep growing? All members of the Marist Community are invited to the Theatre Ash production of “Murder on the Menu” by Bill Hand. You might even win a prize for guessing “whodunnit”. Ticket details will be available closer to the performance date via the College Newsletter and Moodle.

Thursday 15 June, Year 5 Band and Strings Concert

6:00pm | Draney Theatre

Come along and hear Marist’s musical stars of the future. Featuring all students from the Year 5 cohort in their world debut performance.

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/year-5-band-and-strings-concert-2023

For booking enquiries please email music@marash.qld.edu.au

Throughout the semester, various small and large Performing Arts groups will feature in additional performances, including College Assemblies, Liturgies, College Events, Festivals, House Meetings and more. Details of these performances will be available via the College App.