St Kilda Road Music Festival 2022 a hit
Over 400 musicians took to the stage at Hamer Hall to perform in the St Kilda Road Campus Music School’s ‘2022 Music Festival’. Wesley College celebrated the range and diversity of its musical expression with our choirs, concert bands, orchestras and Big Band’s foot-tapping performances to Gustav Holst, Alfred Reed, Freddie Mercury and many more. Congratulations to all of our staff and students for their outstanding ensemble performances!
‘From the moment the first note sounded in the eight-trumpet fanfare, I knew we were in for a night we’d never forget!’ says Philip Walsh, Head of Music at our St Kilda Rd Campus.
The Music Festival at Hamer Hall was a communion of talent, skill, and collaboration between our musicians and our outstanding staff at the Wesley St Kilda Road Music School. Hamer Hall is one of Australia’s premier, multi-level concert venues and has played host to some of the biggest national and international jazz, rock, pop, multicultural, chamber, classic, cabaret and contemporary music artists.
‘The opportunity was a thrill for not only the students, but the audience as well,’ says Philip.
The hours of hard work were reflected in the eclectic mix of ensembles and musical genres performed by our talented young musicians. Learning music and participating in the performing arts develops qualities that are highly valued by society, like building confidence and working collaboratively.
‘Performing in our Music Festival is a highly rewarding experience for our Junior School students. Laying the foundations at this early age gives the students a taste of what is possible if they continue to develop their musical skills’, says Philip.
The final item, ’Baba Yetu,’ which is the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ in Swahili, saw all 400 students amass in the orchestra and choir and perform with energetic musicianship, precision and gusto.
‘It is always a privilege to perform at Hamer Hall alongside my peers. To be able to showcase our talent makes all the hours of rehearsal and hard work worthwhile,’ says Mia Andreana. ‘As a Year 12 student, it was a bittersweet, yet fitting, final performance that reminded me of how highly I value and admire the Music Department. We are so lucky to have been involved with such a wonderful music program here at Wesley.’
