A night of celebration, masterful music, friendship, laughter and a few tears – the 2024 Sounds of Summer at Matthew Flinders Anglican College on Saturday, 19 October was a night to remember as students, staff and families past and present celebrated one of the College’s most impactful mentors.
Missed the concert? Watch the video here.
Mr John Thomas, aka ‘JT’, has contributed more than 30 years of dedicated service through music to Flinders as the Wind Symphony conductor and Co-ordinator of Band, Brass and Woodwind.
The evening of music, speeches and gifts was a poignant tribute to JT’s extraordinary impact on generations of musicians, as 116 former students returned to join 52 current Band members, creating the largest Wind Symphony ensemble in the College history with a stunning 168 musicians on stage.
JT and wife Mrs Jenny Thomas will retire in December 2024, with Mrs Thomas also contributing to students’ passion for music over more than 30 years at Flinders as a talented Accompanist and the Archivist of the Music Program.
JT has played a pivotal role in shaping the Flinders Band Program, guiding it from its early stage with just one ensemble, the Secondary Concert Band, to the flourishing ensembles within the Band Program today, including the Wind Symphony, College Band, Stage Band, Middle School Jazz Band, Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble.
Through JT’s mentorship and conducting, many of the ensembles have proudly represented the College at local, interstate, national and international levels, including performing at the Sydney Opera House in 2023.
Building a Caring Music Culture
Speaking at the Sounds of Summer concert, the Flinders Friends of Music President Mrs Sam Cuttill thanked John and Jenny for their long-standing commitment to developing students’ potential and nurturing a caring culture.
Mrs Cuttill’s two sons are part of the Wind Symphony and have benefitted from the program over more than 12 years at Flinders; in the Wind Symphony, Landon plays the alto saxophone and will graduate in December with the Class of 2024, while Tyler plays the horn and will graduate in 2025.
Mrs Cuttill said, “I feel privileged to have known both John and Jenny over these past years and to see the difference they had made in our children’s lives, through mentoring, friendship and guidance.”
The concert also farewelled 12 students in Year 12 who have journeyed through the Flinders Music Program.
In her speech, College Principal Michelle Carroll said, “As testament to JT’s efforts, the Year 12s in the Wind Symphony who we farewell tonight are graduating with a passion for music and the confidence to explore their musical potential.
“Throughout his career, JT has been a beacon of inspiration to countless students, nurturing and encouraging their growth, both as musicians and individuals.
“We take this opportunity to celebrate JT as he steps forward to a well-deserved retirement, and recognise his commitment to excellence and collaboration which has fostered a generous spirit of camaraderie in our Flinders Music Program.”
JT’s Contribution to the Flinders Music Program
JT was recognised for playing a pivotal role in shaping the Flinders Band Program, guiding it from its early stages to the flourishing ensembles within the Band Program today.
Mr Nick Campbell, the Director of Music at Flinders, said that when JT arrived at Flinders more than 30 years ago, the Secondary School Band Program originally consisted of a single ensemble, the Secondary Concert Band.
“As JT nurtured the students’ musical abilities, the Wind Symphony was formed to accommodate more advanced players, while the Secondary Concert Band was renamed the College Band,” Mr Campbell said.
“In 1997, the Stage Band was introduced and, under JT’s guidance, the program expanded further, adding the Middle School Jazz Band, Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble to the range of ensembles. Through JT’s mentorship and conducting, the ensembles have proudly represented the College at local, interstate, national and international levels.
“JT has also directed the Percussion Ensemble and, until early 2024, the Flinders Band in the Primary School. Many of JT’s students have pursued further studies in music and achieved professional success.”
It was also JT’s vision for the College to commission “Rapture” for the Wind Symphony by their favourite award-winning composer, Brian Balmages, in 2022. The project was generously supported by the Fitzpatricks, an Old Flinderian family.
A few highlights from the concert
