Showcasing their passion and commitment to music, more than 312 instrumentalists and vocalists from Matthew Flinders Anglican College performed across 200 entries in the 2023 Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod, held from 28 July to 12 August.
In total, Flinders entered in 77 items (solos, duets, small and large ensembles, etc) out of a total of 91 items, with places achieved in 66 of these.
Overall, Flinders achieved 37 first place awards, 35 second places, 19 third places and 17 Highly Commended awards.
LARGE ENSEMBLES
Flinders was the only school to enter in every one of the eight large ensemble items scheduled, with all ensembles successful in receiving either a first or second place.
First place awards were achieved by the Wind Symphony, Flinders Choir and Chamber Voices, while second place awards were achieved by the College String Orchestra, Stage Band, Flinders String Orchestra, Flinders Band and Junior Primary Choir.
CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
Flinders students competed in seven out of the nine Championships and the following students (cover photo) were awarded places in their Championships:
Four First places - Charlotte Farrell, Gary Koryukin, Annabel Wedgwood
Four Second places - Joe Strachan, Liam Booth, Charlotte Farrell, Elizabeth Wegener
Three Third places - Tyler Cuttill, Hugh Burness, Billie Macnicol
Three Highly Commended - Craig King, Vi Le, Jesse Joy
STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Flinders Director of Music, Mr Nick Campbell said he was impressed by the students who chose to perform on stage and showcase their music development.
"It was fantastic to see our Flinders musicians getting involved and giving their best efforts across brass and woodwind, vocal, strings, piano and large ensemble items.”
“There were many highlights for the students, such as those performing in the College’s brass and vocal items who were awarded with a First, Second, Third or Highly Commended in every item they performed in - an amazing achievement!"
Mr Campbell said music education at Flinders “takes a village” with an incredible team of music teachers, conductors, accompanists and Flinders Friends of Music parent volunteers who support the budding musicians in class and to prepare for their performances.
The Flinders Performance Centre was one of the main venues for the Eisteddfod, which has been held annually since 1967 and is co-ordinated by Eisteddfod President Mrs Jenny Thomas, who is on the Flinders staff. The event is also supported by community volunteers, including some of Flinders’ valued music teachers.
Every year the event has more than 6,000 performers from students up to 18 years of age from across the Sunshine Coast who perform across more than 91 different items - ranging from solos, duets, trios/quartets, small ensembles and large ensembles.
To learn more about the Flinders Music Program, visit here.
Cover image: Championship award winners
L-R: Charlotte Farrell, Tyler Cuttill, Liam Booth, Billie Macnicol, Jesse Joye, Craig King, Vi Le, German Koryukin, Hugh Burness, Annabel Wedgwood (Absent: Joe Strachan, Elizabeth Wegener)
