Music Matters
Winter Concert
Our Winter Concert will now be an online performance. As soon as a new date has been organised, we will let you know.
Nick Dean
Music Coordinator
Player Profile
At Doncaster Secondary College, we have some amazingly talented musicians in our mix and the Music department would like to showcase our performers through a regular Player Profile newsletter segment. In this edition, I'd like to introduce our readers to Elina Jayamanna.
Joshua Verco
Instrumental Music Instructor
Elina Jayamanna, Year 11
Hey Elina. What instruments do you play?
Hi! I'm mainly a vocalist, but I also play the piano, a bit of ukulele and the viola.
When did you start learning to play music?
I've been singing since the age of 2, and my mum introduced me to music and taught me the piano from the time I could sit on my own!
What school ensembles do you play in?
I sing in the Senior Rockband and the Senior Jazz Band. When I was learning viola I also played with the String Orchestra and String Quartet.
Who is your instrumental music teacher/s at Doncaster SC?
No one currently! But Mr. Dillon taught me viola from Year 7-9.
What is your favourite song or genre to play?
I couldn't pick one, but I love jamming on the piano and singing heaps of songs. My go-to genres are pop, contemporary ballads, rnb/soul and musical theatre.
What bands or musicians do you like to listen to or have influence you a lot?
I love Delta Goodrem, and recently I've been getting into JP Saxe. Both artists have such beautiful voices.
What is your most memorable performance to date?
Recently I've had the pleasure of returning to the theatre with the Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) after 19 months away! I was lucky enough to perform in 6 shows, and missed one due to the most recent lockdown unfortunately.
What is your most memorable musical learning experience?
When I was 8 years old, I got to the Top 45 in The Voice Kids Australia! It was very much an amazing learning experience about singing, the music industry and television.
What non-musical hobbies or interests do you have?
I love dancing. I had 8 years of formal dance training in many different styles and I am still fortunately getting to use those skills at YABC. I also played basketball for 4 years.
What do you hope to achieve with your music in the future?
I hope to acquire a successful music platform from which I can share my music with more people. I would love to get back into restaurant gigs soon as well!
Do you have any cool nicknames?
Not really! Some people call me Eli or Eli J though.
What is your favourite food to eat?
Pizza, definitely. However, I could very much eat Mum's Sri Lankan meals any day of the week :)
What is the silliest thing you’ve ever said, done or worn (Chicken Suit?)?
Recently I had to play a Jester at one of the shows. I had to wear the full costume and jump around like a Jester while singing and dancing around 40 little kids also doing the same. Definitely a first for me!
Thank you for sharing your journey into music with us, Elina!
Music in 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
August 27 – String Soiree
September 9 – Rock Showcase
October 19 – Spring Concert