Phil Beverley, Director of Music
Dear Parents and Caregivers
A Celebration of Sound: Jazz Night and the Contemporary Music Showcase
Two unforgettable evenings of music and community spirit lit up our school’s cultural calendar this term. The warm, intimate ambience of the Packer Theatre was transformed on Jazz Night into a haven of funk, swing, and sparkle, while the Contemporary Music Showcase at the Marrickville Factory Theatre brought an electrifying energy that had the entire audience buzzing.
Jazz Night at the Packer Theatre
From the moment the first note sounded, the Packer Theatre glowed with a special kind of magic. Students from across all years took to the stage with confidence and passion, weaving classic jazz standards for the Stage Bands with key featured soloists including Fergus Jones, Liam Crowe, Dash Bouvier, Ty Imtarnasan, and Ashton Corbett. The stage lighting, paired with the smooth flow of music, created a cosy, club-like atmosphere that welcomed parents, students, and staff alike. Audience members were treated to solos that soared, grooves that had feet tapping, and ensemble playing that reflected hours of dedication and joyful collaboration. A special thanks to the amazing work of Jane Wynn-Jones, Adam Lindberg and the tech crew as well as the MAD committee for supporting the event with their amazing enthusiasm and flair.
Contemporary Music Showcase at the Factory Theatre
Taking things up a notch, the Contemporary Music Showcase at the Marrickville Factory Theatre was nothing short of epic. Set in one of Sydney’s iconic live music venues, the night felt like a professional gig, with bands and soloists owning the stage and commanding the crowd. The industrial vibe of the venue, combined with a roaring sound system and dynamic lighting, gave students the thrilling experience of performing in a real-world setting. From original compositions to inventive covers, each act brought something unique, reflecting the diverse voices and bold talents of our contemporary music students. The energy was infectious, the crowd enthusiastic, and the performances—outstanding.
These two evenings showcased more than musical skill—they revealed the spirit of our music community: bold, expressive, and deeply connected. A huge congratulations to all performers, the tech crews, and the tireless music staff who made both events not just possible, but truly remarkable.
Performance Plus Masterclass – Monday Week 6
Learning a musical instrument is a fantastic way to unlock creative potential. It not only builds resilience in mastering technical skills but also boosts capacity for abstract reasoning, complex planning, and imaginative thinking. Plus, when everything falls into place, it’s fun!
Within this structure, improvisation plays a vital role—encouraging spontaneity, risk-taking, and the exploration of new musical ideas. It allows musicians to respond instinctively, adapt to changing contexts, and discover personal expression beyond written notes.
We are super excited to have two of Australia’s leading exponents of improvisation and ensemble music join us in leading a practical workshop in improvisation and on-the-spot thinking as part of our regular Music Plus Workshops.
Neal Peres Da Costa is a world-renowned performing scholar, researcher, and educator. He has held academic posts at the University of NSW, University of Leeds, Trinity College of Music (London), and Royal Academy of Music (London). He is Professor of Historical Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he founded the Historical Performance division in 2007 and was the division’s chair for eight years. Subsequently, he was Program Leader of Postgraduate Research. Currently, he is Associate Dean (Research).
The Australian violinist Madeleine Easton is internationally recognised for her versatility and expertise on stage. Throughout her career, a desire to combine period and modern playing has led to unique opportunities to work with a variety of ensembles worldwide. She performs internationally, appearing as soloist, concertmaster and director of some of the world’s most respected ensembles and orchestras.
Luke Chapman is an accomplished music educator and performing guitarist specializing in secondary and tertiary education. A distinguished scholar of the prestigious James Morrison Academy of Music, Chapman brings exceptional versatility to his craft, demonstrating mastery across diverse musical genres including jazz, pop, classical, and contemporary art music.
As a performing artist, Chapman has established himself nationally through extensive performances across Australia in various professional capacities. His expertise extends beyond traditional performance into the cutting-edge realm of music technology, where he pioneers innovative approaches to integrating acoustic and electronic elements in composition, live performance, and pedagogical practice.
Chapman’s commitment to advancing music education is evident in his continuous exploration of new methodologies that bridge traditional musicianship with contemporary technological applications, enriching both his students’ learning experiences and his own artistic practice.
Soiree is growing X2
Due to popular demand, we will divide our resources and hold two Soirees simultaneously. One in the Chapel and the other in the Orchestra Room.
Town Hall Showcase
Fundamental is fast approaching please ensure you have secured a ticket for this Major Whole School event.
Warm Regards
Phil Beverley
Director of Music