Talent abounds at Music Gala Evening

The strength of the College’s Music program was once again made very clear at the Music Gala Evening on Friday 6 November.

The evening was well attended, with the appreciative audience being treated to performances by soloists and ensembles across a range of styles.  A number of music tutors also took to the stage with the boys, making it a night that celebrated student and teacher collaboration.

In addition to the exceptional musical performances, guests were also treated to a wine tasting before the concert and a gourmet supper afterwards.

Head of Music, Mr Alan Dawson, said the boys worked extremely hard to prepare for the evening. “The concert is an acknowledgement of their work and how far they have come,” he said.  

“I would like to thank all who attended the Gala Evening, and everyone who supported music at Joeys this year.”

Headmaster Ross Tarlinton said the Gala Evening was a highly enjoyable showcase of the incredible musical talent that exists at the College.

“It was easy to see how delighted the families, and of the boys themselves, were with the quality of the performances,” he said. “For this, great credit must goes to the College’s Head of Music, Mr Alan Dawson, and the staff who work with him. We are very proud of the development of Music in the College and the standard the boys are achieving. They are working hard and they have very talented and dedicated people to guide them.”

The following boys performed solo pieces on the evening:

• Duen Siauw (Y10) is a fine musician who plans to study Music 2 for his HSC. Recently, Duen gained an Honours award for AMEB Grade 7 Piano and is studying Grade 8 Violin.
• Timothy Coorey (Y11) is a valuable asset within the Instrumental Music Ensemble Program at Joeys, being a member of three of the top ensembles – Orchestra, Chamber Strings and Big Band. Not only is he a violinist, but a pianist with a keen interest in organ performance
• David Sharp (Y11) is well known for the way in which he connects with his audience each time he performs. His energy as a musician/vocalist is contagious and exciting for such a young performer. David is currently studying the Music 1 course for his HSC studies.
• Samuel Peterson (Y7) is the youngest Music scholar at the College. He currently studies with Cellist, Nikkie Dobosi, and has recently completed his AMEB Grade 5 Cello examination with Honours. Samuel is a member of both the Chamber Strings and College Orchestra.
• Nicholas Barbour (Y8) has completed his AMEB Grade 6 Clarinet with Honours this year. He has also recently been offered a position with one of the Sydney Youth Orchestras – the Symphonic Wind Orchestra. Nicholas is a very promising young musician with a great future ahead of him.

Other performances on the evening:

• SJC Big Band
•  Hendrix Guitar Ensemble
• Collegium Vocale
• Travis Barker and Keith Moon Percussion Ensemble
• SJC Chamber Strings
• Male Chorus from ‘The Best of Broadway”
• SJC Orchestra