The year 2025 has started with a melodic ‘bang’ for music students at Matthew Flinders Anglican College as they prepare for their exciting concert season, which features five major concerts from May to October.
Flinders offers a rigorous and diverse music program for students to learn, rehearse and perform across 24 ensembles and vocal groups, including string ensembles, bands, orchestral strands and vocal choirs.
Within the first three weeks of Term 1 music students had many opportunities to perform, including at College events and the Secondary Music Camp which hosted 142 students at Alexandra Headland from 7-9 February.
The Music Camp is a signature College event that enables students to get to know one another and build friendships while practising for the concert season.
Principal Michelle Carroll is looking forward to a stellar Music Season in this, the College’s 35th year of foundation.
“As we launch the 2025 Flinders Music Season, I invite our Flinders families and their friends to purchase concert tickets and come along to show their support for these talented young musicians,” Ms Carroll said.
“Our students are proud to showcase their progress and share their zest for performance as they wow audiences across yet another exceptional concert season.”
Adding to the excitement, the Flinders Music Department, led by Director of Music, Mr Nick Campbell, welcomed two new staff members to the team: Mrs Liz Young as the Coordinator of Band, Brass and Woodwind, and Mrs Mary Lin as an Accompanist and Piano Tutor.
Mrs Lin supports the Flinders Choir, College Chorale and Chamber Voices, while Mrs Young conducts the College Band, Flinders Band, Middle School Jazz Band, Stage Band and Wind Symphony.
Mrs Young also teaches brass lessons as part of the Private Music Tuition program and oversees the expanded Year 4 Immersion Program in the Primary School.
Mrs Young brings vast experience over more than 30 years of teaching, having studied Music at the University of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music and then completed her teaching qualifications at the Australian Catholic University.
For the last 18 years, Mrs Young has worked at Scotch College Adelaide as the Co-ordinator of Instrumental Music, directing many ensembles, teaching music classes, establishing a Year 4 Band Program and taking on the directing role for three of the school’s musicals.
Performance Highlights in Term 1, 2025
On Thursday, 6 February, music students performed at the Flinders Academic Award Ceremony for 2024 academic achievers. Guests were treated to enchanting music and vocals, with a highlight being Measure My Sky (by Elaine Hagenberg) performed by the Chamber Voices and conducted by Ms Sally McHugh accompanied by Mrs Mary Lin.
The following day, after the Secondary Swimming Carnival, 142 students departed for the annual Secondary Music Camp at Alexandra Headland. On Friday evening and throughout Saturday, members of the College Band, Chorale and String Orchestra dedicated 8 hours to rehearsals, refining new pieces and forming new friendships. The camp concluded on Sunday morning with a special concert for parents and friends.
Beyond the music, students enjoyed social activities, with a highlight being the traditional progressive dancing event on Saturday evening. Congratulations to Georgia N and Jackson B, winners of the tango competition!
Year 4 Immersion Program
This year, Mrs Liz Young coordinates the Year 4 Immersion Program in our Primary School. The program has expanded to include all Year 4 students who have small group lessons as part of their class Music program. Each of the four classes are divided into five groups where students are allocated to flute, clarinet/saxophone, trumpet, trombone or voice.
In addition to coordinating and teaching the Immersion Program, Mrs Young also teaches the Year 4 classroom Music lessons.
2025 Concert Program
TERM 2
The Symposium provides a performance opportunity for the highest level invitational Secondary Music ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Chamber Voices, Capriccio Strings Lumina Voices Stage Band and Symphony Orchestra.
Sounds of Synergy features the intermediate-level Secondary Ensembles, including non-invitational College Band, College Chorale, College String Orchestra, Man Choir, Contemporary Voices, Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble.
TERM 3
Stringybark Sensations features the Primary and Secondary ensembles that will compete in the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod.
Soiree features the College Choral program and our smaller instrumental ensembles, including duet, trios and quartets.
TERM 4
Flinders Celebration - 35 Years of Music is a gala event featuring a contrasting program of Primary and Secondary ensembles, with numerous ensembles being combined and a finale involving the majority of the Flinders musicians.
