City colleges show musical talent
Events
Adelaide’s festival season came to St Mary’s College last month when it hosted the Sounds of City Schools.
Talented music students from St Mary’s, St Aloysius and Christian Brothers colleges took to the stage for the event which was supported by the City of Adelaide Council.
Parents, peers, members of school communities and music fans made the most of the beautiful weather and outdoor setting. Many enjoyed picnics on the St Mary’s College Veritas Lawns as the entertainment unfolded.
Music captains from each college introduced their performances.
“The Sounds of City Schools brings together students and staff from the three Adelaide CBD Catholic schools to celebrate a night of shared music,” said Ioanna Antoniou, music captain at St Mary’s College.
“This evening is one of the highlights of the year as we are reminded that music connects and unites us.”
The music ranged from jazz to modern tunes and classics. SAC Senior Choir kicked things off with a rousing rendition of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.
The evening continued with an energetic take on Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Murder on the Dancefloor by St Mary’s Year 10 and 11 Rock Band.
Christian Brothers Colleges’ premier large jazz ensemble Big Band 1 (Years 9 – 12) lifted spirits with the 1959 instrumental Goodbye Pork Pie Hat by the late composer Charles Mingus.
Introduced as CBC’s ‘very own sax pioneer’, Orville Jones’ solo performance was a highlight.
St Mary’s College Small Jazz Ensemble delivered a crowd-thrilling rendition of The Red Baron and as the night progressed, SMC’s Stage Bands 1 and 2, Vocal Jazz Combined, Year 12 Rock Band, and Vocal Jazz groups took centre stage. The
St Aloysius Stage Band, Small Jazz Combo, Catch 22 (vocal jazz) and SAC Rock Band (which gave new life to Kate Bush classic Running Up That Hill), were also among the line-up, as were Christian Brothers Colleges’ The Chicanes, Jazz Combo, Senior Vocal Ensemble, and Wakefield (which performed Blink 182’s All The Small Things).
“They’re fantastic students and they’re performing at such great standard,” said St Mary’s College head of music Hamish Buckley, who previously worked for a decade at CBC.
“It’s a great testament to all the schools and the hard work they put in. Music sets them up for the future, no matter what they choose to do in life.
“It’s just so good for their learning, personal growth, and incredible for them to contribute to their community in this manner.
“Part of the reason we all enjoy this event so much is because it is part of that Adelaide Fringe and Festival vibe in the city at this time of year.”
As darkness fell and the stage and its surrounds lit up with neon lights, the joy of music, inclusivity and connection was tangible. The future of this event seems bright.
Students hit the stage again in April for The Gen Connection, a Generations in Jazz preview performance featuring bands and choirs from St Mary’s College, St Michael’s College, Christian Brothers College, and Nazareth Catholic College. Sunday April 28 at The Gov, 59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh. Tickets available at humanitix.com
Photos by Cat Mckenzie from Occhio Photography.
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