Eight exceptional music students ranging from Years 9 to 12 at Matthew Flinders Anglican College have been selected for SidebySide, a high-calibre masterclass program provided by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and leading to a performance alongside the Orchestra.
The students will perform the closing piece with the Orchestra in the QSO’s “Dreams and Stories” concert on Saturday, 10 August from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at the Flinders Performance Centre in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.
“Dreams and Stories” is conducted by rising charismatic Austrian conductor, Katharina Wincor and features Peter Sculthorpe’s spell-binding Kakadu, with Didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton breathing additional rhythm and life into this experience.
Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.mfac.edu.au/event/dreams-stories-queensland-symphony-orchestra/
There were 16 highly talented Flinders students in the College’s Music Program who chose to audition for just eight places in the QSO’s SidebySide program. The program selectors commented that the standard of the auditions was “very high”.
SidebySide provides exemplary music students with personalised mentoring and 1:1 instruction from a QSO musician, leading to a performance with the Orchestra.
The program offers learning opportunities and skill development for aspiring professional musicians who strive for excellence in the classical music space.
The following Flinders students have been offered a place in the QSO’s SidebySide program:
Tyler Cuttill - French Horn; Natalie Gilmore - Flute; Billie Macnicol - Cello; Lorenzo McPherson - Trumpet; Sofia Perez - Violin 2; Daniel Probert - Percussion; Andy Tran - Viola; and Hanina Ward - Violin 1.
Also performing as part of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra is Old Flinderian Tate Cassells (Flinders Class of 2020) who performs with the Orchestra on the trombone. Tate is delighted to be returning to perform at Flinders before he moves to Manchester in England. Tate was recently accepted to the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music to study a master's degree in performance.
What the students say
Billie Macnicol is in Year 11 at Flinders and says the SidebySide program opportunity “is something really amazing!”
“It will be a real thrill to be able to have a masterclass in the afternoon and then play the concert’s finale piece that evening alongside the QSO musicians who I’ve watched perform so masterfully on stage,” Billie said.
“I am looking forward to having a one-hour session with our QSO mentor to work through the piece and learn notations.
“And we also get to watch their final rehearsal before they go on stage, which will be fascinating to see how the conductor interacts with the Orchestra.”
Lorenzo in Year 12 began music at Flinders in Year 4 and has played many instruments, including trumpet, piano, strings and vocals. These days, vocals and trumpet are his priority.
Lorenzo said, “I'm really looking forward to getting a chance to talk to the professional QSO musicians about career pathways, because I'm not sure what I want to do yet, although I'm thinking of performance.
“Otherwise, I might pursue environmental science or engineering.”
Lorenzo is grateful for what he’s learned through the Flinders Music Program.
“Music at Flinders is exceptional and the teachers and tutors are so supportive and positive. I'm really grateful for it. Our teachers try to help you find your talent and then really develop it. My mentor, Mr John Thomas, has really helped with that.”
Dan in Year 12 is a percussionist and plays in the College’s Wind Symphony. He is considering studying a music composition program in Melbourne next year.
With the QSO, he will play the bass drum in the finale for “Dreams and Stories” but will be mentored by a QSO timpanist who is generously travelling to the Sunshine Coast especially for his one-hour masterclass.
“I'm looking forward to getting some feedback on my percussion technique. I’ve been practicing the piece that my mentor will be taking me through.”
The College’s Acting Director of Music, Ms Sally McHugh said, “We can’t underestimate what a positive and powerful effect this shared learning experience through SidebySide will have on our students.
“The nerves will be there, but I know the mentors will help the students steady their nerves so they can have the most extraordinary experience. It will be amazing for the students to experience the impact an industry mentor can have in a short period of time.
“We are so excited for our students, and I think that's what's special here in the music department at Flinders. We are staffed with musicians and teachers who are solely in it for the students.
“If we could leave the stage and let them run the whole program, we would in a heartbeat, because they certainly have the skills. I think that's our ultimate aim: to set our young musicians up for success and enjoyment through their music.”
Flinders Hosts the Queensland Symphony Orchestra on the Sunshine Coast
Flinders is honoured to be hosting the QSO for the second year in a row in its Flinders Performance Centre, a state-of-the-art professional venue with strong acoustics.
The Flinders Performance Centre features sufficient space to accommodate the ensemble of 64 musicians on the raised stage, providing the audience with a clear and impressive view of the Orchestra in action.
The opportunity is an exciting offering within the Flinders Music Program, which is run by the College’s Director of Music, Mr Nick Campbell, while the music curriculum is run by the Head of Music, Mr Cade Bonar.
Learn more about Music at Flinders at https://www.mfac.edu.au/learning/opportunities/music/
Buy Tickets:
Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s “Dreams and Stories” concert tickets now at: https://www.mfac.edu.au/event/dreams-stories-queensland-symphony-orchestra/
CONCERT DATE
Saturday, 10 August 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm
CONCERT LOCATION
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Flinders Performance Centre
1 - 47 Stringybark road, Buderim
Sunshine Coast, Queensland 4556
