Generations in Jazz 2024: A Musical Triumph

With much excitement, 59 music students and six staff members travelled to Mount Gambier in South Australia for the 35th annual Generations in Jazz festival on the 3rd of May. 

Generations in Jazz is an incredible weekend-long music festival that includes competitive adjudicated performances, concerts featuring international and national jazz and contemporary artists, workshops with these artists, and an amazing opportunity for students from schools around Australia to come together to play music and be inspired.

This year, St Andrews had our largest ever participation with seven ensembles entered into the competition. The ensembles and their divisions were:

• Jazz Combo (Jazz Combo 1)
• Junior Jazz Band (Division 5)
• Jazz Band (Division 3)
• Harmonium (Division 3 Vocals - Large)
• Perfect 5th (Division 3 Vocals - Small)
• Euphonix (Division 2 Vocals - Large)
• Voxology (Division 2 Vocals - Small)

Results from the competition were very encouraging, with our Jazz Combo taking out 2nd place in a very competitive division and our vocal ensemble, Perfect 5th, coming third in their small vocal division!

In addition to these amazing results for our ensembles, we also had two of our students, Caleb (piano) and Ruby (trombone), selected to be part of the Superband in their division.

Other memorable moments from the tour included the Friday night concert featuring the Sydney-based “Hot Potato Band” and the Saturday concert featuring Budjerah, Kate Ceberano, and the Generations in Jazz Big Band.

Thank you to the music staff who guided these students through many rehearsals and all the festival preparation: Miss Georgia Venema, Mrs Karen Elbourne, Miss Stephanie Greenwood, and Mr Jayden Battey. Thank you also to Mrs Esther Loke, Ms Mardi Easton, and Mr Mike Finger for helping out with their supervision of the camp. A special thanks to Michelle Perera for all of her administrative and organisational help in the lead-up to Generations in Jazz.

Wicked the Musical - Theatre Excursion

What an amazing and crazy experience going to the theatre is! Watching the stage production of Wicked really was an incredible inspiration moment for us all. 

Seeing professional actors own the stage and transport their audience into a whole new world really is an eye opener to the endless possibilities the theatre provides. From talking animals to witches being lifted 3 meters in the air, we saw it all in person. This was my first time going to the theatre and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - I cannot wait till I get to witness another. I hope this inspires those of us in theatre to use our imagination to open a new world to the audience especially in our upcoming production “The Drowsy Chaperone”.

Junior & Intermediate Ensembles Concert Delights

Our Junior & Intermediate Ensembles performed a selection of pieces that they have been working on so far this year, and it was wonderful to see musical growth and dedication of these students.

Congratulations to Junior Percussion, Mini Vox, Pizzicato Strings, Maxi Vox, Percussion Ensemble, Primary Worship Band, Training Band and Intermediate Band, on your wonderful performance!

Many thanks to those that came along to support these students. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents, teachers, and staff who have nurtured and encouraged our young musicians throughout their musical journey.

Congratulations to St Andrews Piano Students!

We are delighted to have had such a wonderful turn-out for the first of this year’s Instrumental Music Concerts.

Hosted by our music tutor, Ms Rebekah Ho and Mrs Jenny Mackinnon-Love this concert featured performances from students of all ages and levels of ability that are currently learning to play piano at St Andrews.

We are so proud of the hard work and dedication that these students have put into their music tuition, and this was a wonderful opportunity for them to shine.

There will be many more Instrumental Music Concerts running throughout next term. We look forward to seeing you there!

2024 College Production of “The Drowsy Chaperone”

The Performing Arts Department are thrilled to be embarking on another Secondary School Musical production this year! Our College Production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be performed in August, at Burrinja theatre in Upwey.

Our cast of lead actors, featured singers and dancers and ensemble members, and have been putting their all into rehearsals. Each rehearsal includes learning some singing, some dancing and some acting, as we work to tell the story together through different areas of the performing arts. These school holidays begin with an intensive rehearsal camp for students.

Involvement in a full scale production is a great way to build community, and we aim to work together to encourage each other, build friendships and craft an environment that brings joy to all participants, and Glory to God.

Save the date now for the performances – Friday 16^th & Saturday 17^th August (Matinee and evening)!

We look forward to bringing the St Andrews Community further updates as we keep working towards this exciting event in the life of our school! Stay tuned for ticket details soon.