MUSIC DEPARTMENT EVENTS CALENDER
Our extensive Music events calendar is accessed via the Parent Portal.
BANDS, ENSEMBLES & CHOIRS
All those who learn an orchestral instrument are encouraged to join an appropriate ensemble. Most musicians will be in more than one ensemble allowing them to gain experience with different music, styles and instrumental combinations. Our Choirs rehearse regularly and are involved in concerts and festivals during the school year. The year level bands rehearse during the school day, the Concert Band after school on Wednesday and our College Jazz Band on Monday after school. We also have several smaller ensembles that run throughout the week before school and at lunchtimes. The ensembles give regular concerts both in school and in a variety of other local venues. Community and Charity work is at the core of what we do on a daily basis.
CONCERTS & FESTIVALS
There are regular concerts and frequent informal concerts given by students, joint productions with local community organisations such as Cairns Brass Band, Cairns Choral Society and in-house competitions such as Young Musician of the Year and Voice of St Andrew's.
In 2015 Head of Department - Music, Ms Maureen Cameron spearheaded the production of ANZAC Reflections honouring the ANZAC Centenary commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces in Anzac Cove in 1915. With St Andrew’s playing a pivotal role in bringing the event to fruition.
In 2016 Ms Cameron also spearheaded the launch of The Gift of Music charity appeal. Part of this charity appeal was three concerts at ‘The Tanks’ involving school and community ensembles and choirs from across the region. All profits from the 2016 appeal were shared between our three supported charities: Rosies - Friends on the Street, St Vincent de Paul and Friends of Himalayan Children.
In 2018 the ‘Centenary of Armistice’ Concert the vision of Ms Maureen Cameron and Instrumental Co-ordinator, Mr Bryan Hurdley was held in All Saints' Theatre. A commemorative concert honouring the conclusion of World War 1.
The Centenary of Armistice concert utilised the talents from the finest ensembles in the area including the musicians and choirs of St Andrew's Catholic College, Holy Cross, St Augustine's, St Monica's, St Stephen's, Cairns Choral Society and Cairns RSL Pipes and Drums and United Tablelands Pipe Band.
MASTERCLASSES
Each year, a number of professional masterclass days are organised by the St Andrew's Catholic College Music Department. Professional musicians perform for students at the College, and conduct instructive and educational sessions for the instrumental and vocal students at the school. Master Classes have included Russell Grey (UK), Lyn Williams OAM(Gondwana Choir), Phillip Green (UK), Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble (USA), Brett Baker (UK), Southern Cross soloists (Au), Mark Walton, Annie Mitchell, Peter Axenford (Au), James Morrison, John Morrison, Jacki Cooper, CQU Big Band musicians, Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians. The list is growing and very impressive too!
STATE HONOURS PROGRAM
This well-respected program brings together the finest young musicians, under the tutelage of a team of eminent international and national conductors, in a world-class environment. Its pursuit of excellence defines it as the highest quality performance avenue available to young ensemble-based instrumentalists outside of the Queensland Conservatorium and the Young Conservatorium.
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
All students who have instrumental lessons at the College join one of our Ensembles as soon as they learn the first 5 notes. All students are actively encouraged to sing in one of the many choirs and projects at the College. We are very proud of our growing musical tradition at St Andrew's and boasts some of the most highly regarded instrumental staff in the area and beyond.
ST ANDREW’S MUSIC COMMITTEE
Our Music Committee is a group of dedicated music parents who support St Andrew’s Catholic College Music Department through fund-raising and assisting at events.
The duties of this committee include helping at concerts (setting up and running canteens and selling tickets) as well as helping out with Sponsored Playing Day, Young Musician of the Year and whatever else is required. The committee has also been successful in securing grants for the Music Department in the past.
Head of Music
Maureen Cameron
Assistant Head of Music
Leanne McIntyre
Chairperson
Linda Gordon
Vice Chairperson
Joanna Pinchbeck
Secretary
Rachel Stein
Treasurer
Anne Oliver
Assistant Treasurers
Jodi Cox
College Liaison Officer
Sue Hulme
Uniform Convenors
Rachel Stein, Kerry Newstead
Committee Members
Linda Gordon, Rita White, Janelle Owens, Jodi Cox, Na Young Lee, Amanda Garven
