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Senior Concert Band Tour to Brisbane

On Thursday 15 August, 35 excited band members from Years 6 -10 left the College by bus, bound for the Hobart Airport.

After several weeks of rehearsals everyone was well-prepared for a jam-packed stay in Brisbane. Needless to say, the weather was a contrast to what they left in Hobart.

Friday began with an early start. A solid breakfast and then off to Wynnam State High School for a rehearsal. It was great to visit their school, especially as their band came to see us at É«ÇéÖ±²¥ last year. After a productive rehearsal we headed to Manly Esplanade for a fish and chip feast.

A concert performance West Manly State School included our Flute and Clarinet ensembles. The feedback from the primary school students was very positive. Their music teacher thanked us and commented that one of her students, after seeing us play, said that they wanted to be a musician.

All that playing built up quite the appetite and what better way to satisfy that than with a trip to Eat Street. The selection of food was just incredible. We also enjoyed the live reggae music and carnival atmosphere. After a Salesian Goodnight and a quick briefing it was off to bed for a good night’s sleep before our performance at the festival.

On Saturday the focus was the Music festival. Although the event wasn’t a competition, the Clarinet Ensemble and the Senior Concert Band both received Silver awards which was gratifying. Mr Smith commented that the ensembles played at their best and the awards was well deserved.

After a swim, a stroll around the South Bank, a treat awaited. The performance of Les Miserables at the Conservatorium of Music was wonderful. All of our students appreciated the high standard of the production especially for the quality of the music.

Tired but elated on Sunday we attended a Mass at Villanova College and visited the Mt Coot-ha lookout. Other highlights were the food court at Chermside Shopping Centre and Southbank Parklands. Students were extremely happy with their College’s first foray into Queensland and even coped well with leaving what seemed to them was the summer weather.

Mr Martin Smith - Director of Bands