Talent and passion take centre stage at St John’s College music event

Isabella Norval, Jessica Hobbs and Eva Matthews backstage. It was their last Club Bohemia having been involved since grade 7.

It was the culmination of many hours of practice, combined with remarkable talent and true passion for music when St John’s College Nambour instrumental music students took to the stage for Club Bohemia on Tuesday 15 August.

St John’s instrumental music coordinator Ruby Miller said it was exciting to see such a wide variety of students come together to share their love of music with family and friends.

“After several months of planning and rehearsing, students finally had the opportunity to step out on stage and see their hard work pay off,” Ms Miller said.

“I felt very proud of the students - not just for their talent, but also for their personal diligence and commitment to learning an instrument within their band or orchestra.

“I was astounded by the variety of talent displayed on the night and the many 'hidden gems' who were unearthed.

“There were several jaw-dropping moments when students took me totally by surprise.”

Ms Miller highlighted that the St John’s Music Program continues to stand out because its wonderful music tutors have provided so many different opportunities for students to join forces with other instrumentalists in a band or ensemble.

Concert Band, String Orchestra, Stage Band, Chapel Band, Rock Bands, Vocal Ensemble, Flute Trios, Saxophone Quartets and various other duets - there is truly something for everyone within the program.

“Nights like Club Bohemia are a wonderful opportunity for parents and friends to witness what students have been working on throughout the year.

“I think it's important to give families this opportunity, as they devote much time and patience to the students' rehearsal schedules, both at school and at home.

“Families would have endured much honking, scratching and squeaking as their budding musicians were growing up, so it is very special to see your child step out on stage, having blossomed into a true instrumentalist.

“I want to thank the students for their diligence over the past term and a half.

“I also owe a very big thank you to Mr Mark Winters for supporting the event and sharing his expertise.

“Backstage, we had a wonderful team of teachers including Mrs Britt Evans and Mr Ken Kiernan who were instrumental in helping the night run smoothly.

“Our music tutors have worked wonders with the ensembles this year - Mel Davies, Scarlett Rigby, Dan Salmon, Dan Ashton, Mark Winters and Garry Buckley; their devotion to the students is outstanding.

“The most special thing to me about stepping into the Instrumental Music Coordinator role has been meeting so many wonderful students over the past six weeks.

“The music kids are an incredible bunch - respectful, kind, helpful and very supportive of one another.”

It was a bittersweet moment for some of the performers on the night, with year 12 students such as Jessica Hobbs, Eva Matthews and Isabella Norval taking to the stage and showcasing their incredible talent for the final time since participating each year since being young year seven students.

For Eva Matthews, she said that over the course of the last six years, the arts have always been a safe space for her.

“The arts program at St Johns has truly allowed me to express myself in so many ways,” Eva said.

“I performed for the final time in the annual music showcase, Club Bohemia and thinking about it now, it really is a bittersweet, poignant feeling, knowing that I’ll never perform in front of such a supportive and caring environment again.

“None of this would be possible without the incredible mentors that have shaped me into the arts captain I am today, Mr Mark Winters, Mrs Kathyrn Kiernan-Molloy, and Mrs Emma Parer.

“Each of these teachers inspire me every day to do better, to be better.

“As my time at the college comes to an end, words cannot even describe how grateful I am that I get to be learn from each of them every day.”

Isabella Norval said it was with mixed feelings of happiness, relief and sadness she faced the end of her last Club Bohemia.

“It was truly a night I will remember, as there is nothing quite like standing on the stage performing with your fellow band members who you share this bond with and seeing the happiness on the faces of your family,” Isabella said.

“There are many exceptional music teachers who have helped me throughout my time at St John’s and I am appreciative of their commitment and support and sharing their true joy of music.”