Music and Performing Arts
Performing Arts is a vibrant aspect of life at St Edmund’s and one in which many students are involved.
The College continues to attract talented musicians and performers and the high calibre of productions throughout the year makes them a highlight in the College and community calendars.
The commitment of our students to the Arts is evident in the extensive range of ensembles and choral groups on offer and the outstanding talent of students involved.
Through an inclusive, participatory approach to Music and Drama, St Edmund’s caters for the interests and abilities of every student from the beginner to the most advanced.
Choral, Bands & Ensembles
St Edmund’s has a number of bands and choirs on offer for musical students to participate in. These include the • Combined Colleges’ String Ensemble • Combined Colleges’ Concert Band • Combined Colleges’ Choir • Jnr/Snr Contemporary Ensemble • Synth Ensemble • Jazz Band • College Choir • Guitar Ensemble • Beginner Band • Keyboard Ensemble Some major yearly performances include the Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival, the College Cultural Showcase and Awards Nights, Performing Arts Nights and Ipswich Eisteddfod. There are currently three core choral ensembles at the College: Boys Choir, Liturgical Choir and the Combined College Choir (with St Mary’s College). These choirs perform at many events throughout the year. Many boys may experience challenges with singing as their voice changes. Joining a choral ensemble is a great way to navigate through this and enjoy many performance opportunities throughout the year while developing their musical skills. Some highlights include the three Performing Arts Nights, Cultural Showcase, Junior Concert, Open Day and the Awards Night.
Instrumental and Vocal Music Program
Whether your son has participated in music before or not, the Instrumental and Vocal Music Program that starts in Year 5 is the best pathway to become part of the musical life at the College. This program is free for all students in Years 5 - 9. In the first few weeks of Term 1, the students will take part in aural tests and trials in each voice and instrument type to gauge their physical suitability. Following this, an offer will be made to each student to learn voice or an instrument that gives them the best chance of success, based on their preferences, trial results, physical suitability, prior experience, and availability of places across the program. Music participation is known to have multiple benefits for young minds, supporting physical and neurological development, mental health and social skills. It actively shapes students’ study skills through participation, strengthening their abilities in self-regulation, personal organisation and perseverance. Student progression in the Instrumental Program has also enhanced participation, skills and performance of our choral, bands and ensembles. Being part of a musical group provides students with a like-minded community that supports and encourages growth, leaving students with experiences that will last a lifetime. With access to highest quality tutors, this represents a great opportunity for boys to engage and learn in their time at St Edmund’s College.
College Musical
St Edmund’s has a proud history in producing and participating in an annual musical, providing our creative, gifted and talented cultural students an opportunity to showcase their stage talents. In collaboration with St Mary’s College, the annual musical allows our students to be involved in all aspects of stage performance. The College will lead that production every second yea,r with shows usually hosted at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Students involved in the musical can develop their acting, singing and dancing skills, but the Backstage Crew experience also offers students an opportunity for training and experience in backstage and technical lighting, sound recording and production.
In the spirit of reconciliation, St Edmund’s College acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.