Music News

Welcome all, to what promises to be another exciting and productive year for the Music Department. In 2021 the Music Department has many exciting events planned, in a diverse range of genres and in a variety of concert formats. More details of these concerts will be available in the next edition of the College’s newsletter and also in the soon to be published Semester One Concert Calendar. A reminder to all parents that information regarding all music events, concerts, ensemble information and lesson times will now be sent out via the College App.

Music Camp

Prior to the commencement of Term 1, on Friday 22 January, approximately 140 Music Students and Staff departed for Alexandra Park, Alexandra Headlands on our annual Marist Music Camp. Members of the College’s Chamber Choir, Performance Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber & Senior String Orchestra, Wind Orchestra 1, Guitar Orchestra 1 and Big Band 1 were all involved in a weekend of intensive ensemble rehearsals and specialist workshops to hone their skills for the numerous upcoming performances this year. The camp was a great success, with all ensembles producing some fantastic results so early in the year - as well as enjoying a great time with activities including a trivia night and bowling, as well as some recreational time at the beach. 2021 looks to be a great year, with a record number of students involved in both instrumental and choral ensembles. Thank you to the boys and staff; Mr Darian Johns, Ms Rhiannon Fenn, Ms Megan Harmston, Mrs Catherine Wasserman, Mr Enrico Le Mura, Mrs Kerri Engstrom, Ms Janelle Lee Long, Ms Alison Braidwood, Mr Caleb Colledge, Ms Melanie Stewart, Mr Sean Flynn, Ms Emily Smith, Mr Joseph Rabjohns, Ms Carmen Hooper, Mr Daniel Byrne, Mr Jamie Kennedy, Mr Aaron Jansz, Mr Samuel Vincent and Mr Andrew Ball. 

Marist Voices

Marist Voices is a Choir made up of boys in Years 5 & 6 at the College. They rehearse weekly in the Music Centre and are involved in a range of performances throughout the year. Boys in Choir not only learn the basics of singing in a group but also get an opportunity to meet and interact with a range of other students across year levels, enhance their music knowledge and reading, develop singing and listening skills and use their dramatic skills through workshops and games. 

We regularly have boys involved in sports who join Marist Voices. Coaches and the Music team are more than happy for boys to alternate when they have a sport on the morning of choir (i.e. attend choir once a fortnight). 

 There is no requirement to have any previous choir experience and we encourage all students to attend. To join, all your son needs to do is come to the music centre on Tuesday mornings at 7:30am and sign on! Marist Voices rehearsals will commence in Week 3 (Tuesday February 9th).

QCMF

We would like to take this opportunity to confirm the College’s participation in the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival again for 2021. We ask that all families and students reserve dates; August 12– 15 (Thursday – Sunday over the Ekka Break). 

All ensembles involved in Music Camp will participate in these performances and your availability is required as a College commitment.

Other ensembles may also be asked to participate, further information will be released later this term. 

Communication

If you have any concerns or questions about the Marist Music Program, please feel free to contact us at any time: Music Reception, email: music@marash.qld.edu.au and phone: 07 3858 4668.

Please be reminded to download the College App onto your (and your son’s) devices, as this will now be our exclusive form of communication regarding all music events, ensemble information, concerts, instrumental lessons throughout the year.

Dr Andrew Butt

Head of Music

Churchill Fellow