Music News

Lunchtime Concerts

On Tuesday 25 October the Music Department welcomed international jazz artists Libor Smoldas (guitar) and Jakub Zomer (Hammond organ/voice) for a lunchtime concert. The Prague-based artists were joined by Marist’s drum teacher Dominic Machen and several Year 12 students for a 30-minute concert of world-class jazz in our very own Experimental Theatre. The concert is part of a series that will be open to the community throughout the term. The next concert will feature staff members Kieran Stevenson and Joseph Rabjohns* on Tuesday November 8 at 11:30am in the Experimental Theatre

*Join music staff faculty member Kieran Stevenson (voice, keyboard) showcasing his work as a singer-songwriter in collaboration with fellow music staff member Joseph Rabjohns. This duo is known for “(melding) together the glow of the '80s with the poignancy of the new millennium” (happymag.tv). The duo will perform a set of original music for this lunchtime concert. Admission: Free (no bookings required)

Year 12 Farewell Dinner

On Thursday 20 October the Year 12 music cohort gathered as a group for the last time to celebrate at Arrivederci Pizzeria at Milton. The evening was a great opportunity for the boys to reminisce on some of the special musical moments that they encountered on their musical journey here at Ashgrove. A big thanks to Miss Rhiannon Fenn for being the predominant organiser for this event and thank you to all of the boys and music staff who contributed to a special evening. We look forward to continuing the journey with the boys well into the future.

Marist Schools Australia Mass

Congratulations to the Chamber Choir and Ms Melanie Stewart who led the congregation for the Marist Schools Australia Mass as part of their leadership weekend. Once again the boys represented the College at the very highest level.

Year 5 Concert 

Thursday 10 November, 6:00pm – Draney Theatre

As per the College Calendar, the Year 5 Concert will be held on the evening of Thursday 10th November. Please note that this concert involves all Year 5 students, as part of their Music subject area and it is important that all students attend.  If there are any issues with your son’s attendance please contact the Music Department as soon as possible.

In the same format as the Semester 1 concert, the audience will be separated into 2 groups; Session 1 for Year 5 Strings and Session 2 for Year 5 Wind, Brass and Percussion Band. Please be aware of your son’s instrument so that when checking in we can direct you accordingly.   

Refreshments will be offered in the Draney Foyer for parents to enjoy while their son is not performing. All students are required to stay for the full length of the concert. Parents interested in watching the other ensemble’s performance can do so via the live stream in the Experimental Theatre. Booking details have been sent home via email.

Curricular Music in Review

In 2022 the Music Department continued to evolve and adapt, despite the continued roller-coaster ride that COVID-19 presented to educational platforms across the world.  The boys continued to be engaged in real world experiences across a variety of genres and musical settings. 

The year began like many others, with the Year 5 students starting their musical journey by preparing for their performance of ‘Dig It!’ the musical.  The production saw the boys join inquisitive archaeologists, Taki, Tut, Talis and Tryn, as well as their fossil friend, Sally, as they explored the wonders of ancient civilizations.  We couldn’t be prouder of the show that the boys put on and we look forward to seeing them grow in their musical journey at Marist.  Special congratulations must go to Hamish Pope, Oscar Chapman, Jack Donohue and Fletcher Maddox who played special roles in the production.  Year 6 classes discussed the powerful role of music in advertising and immersed themselves in the genres of Hip Hop and Rap, by writing and performing their very own rap verses.

Year 7 and 8 students continued to explore electronic, rock and film music genres, creating their own musical compositions using GarageBand and developing their practical skills by utilizing the College’s state of the art classroom performance facilities. Year 9 and 10 students worked in groups to write and produce their own music, replicating how musicians work in the real world. In July year 9 student Will Nye competed against other DJ’s from across Brisbane in St Rita’s College ‘Battle of the DJ’s’ competition. Playing a twenty-minute house set, which included originals, Will took out first place. Once again, the College celebrated Creative Industries Week with a range of special events and workshops including a series of production masterclasses. 

In the senior years, we continued the transition to the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s new Queensland Certificate of Education System.  Year 11 students undertook focused work on musical identity and innovations and commenced studies in Music Extension in Term four. 

The annual Marist College Ashgrove Battle of the Bands returned to its home of twenty years at the John Eales Grandstand. The competition included many groups from a variety of genres. 2011 Old Boy, James Gatling judged this year’s event, awarding a tight first place to Everso, featuring Alex Gibson, Tom Horton, Ruben Darwin, Sam Weinert and Will Fitzgerald. The Search took second place with Miss Mardy rounding out the podium. 

In 2022 we have seen continued interest in classroom music through the Senior school with five classes of Senior Music once again forming one of the largest academic music cohorts in the state. Results were once again pleasing in both Senior Music and Music Extension.  It was also satisfying to see many old boys achieving on the World Stage, building on the foundations and passion for music established here at Marist College Ashgrove.