IMP Update

IMP Update

IMP Winter Concert 2025

The IMP Winter Concert, held on Friday 27th of June 2025, was a massive success with stellar performances by all 13 ensembles. The night opened with the Wind Ensemble’s stunning performance of Russian Christmas Music, by Alfred Reed, and wrapped up with the Symphony Orchestra’s passionate interpretation of the finale from Symphony No. 5 by Dmitri Shostakovich. Passion and enthusiasm were demonstrated by all ensembles throughout the evening.

Before interval, each of the outgoing year 12 IMP students was honoured for their participation and services to the program. We look forward to seeing them go on to achieve great things.

The Winter Concert could not have happened without the collaboration and efforts of IMP Coordinator and Director of Bands, Matthew Manchester, the conductors, tutors, Fort Street staff and teachers, the hard-working IMP Committee, parent volunteers, families and, most importantly, the students.

Auditions Wrap-up

Thanks to the 130 musicians who have completed auditions in the past few weeks to fill spaces left by the retiring Year 12 cohort. The new lineup for all senior IMP ensembles is very exciting indeed, and musicians who took part can be sure that they are now in the chair that best suits their musical progression right now. Huge congratulations to everyone who was involved in the auditions process. It is a time that is equally nerve-wracking and exciting for both conductors and participants!

September Soiree

The IMP and classroom music are joining forces to present an informal Soiree in the school Hall on the evening of Thursday 4th of September. This short, free concert will feature any IMP ensembles who have not had another performance opportunity in Term 3, as well as a selection of Year 11 HSC Music candidates, who will present a piece from their preliminary exam programs. All of the IMP and school community are welcome to attend. The plan is for these Soiree concerts to take place at the end of Term 1 and Term 3 each year.

Term 3 IMP gigs

In addition to the Percussion Eisteddfod, and the upcoming September Soiree, the IMP has a big list of gigs coming up this term:

  • Vocal Ensemble will perform in the Sydney Opera House for In Concert (the Secondary Choral Festival) on Monday 18 August
  • IMP members will perform as the show band for the school musical: Addams Family, on 20, 21, and 22 August
  • Jazz Orchestra will perform at Lazybones Lounge on Tuesday 2 September
  • Chamber Choir and Vocal Ensemble will join forces with local community choirs to present Choir for Life, a concert celebrating singing and community, and raising money for Headspace! This will take place on Thursday 25 September.

Emails will be sent to each ensemble with an overview of Term 3 and 4 gigs for your diaries.

Fort Street student reaches final stage of 2025 National Youth Concerto competition

Congratulations to Clara Moloney who has been chosen as one of just three finalists in the 2025 National Youth Concerto competition. Clara will travel to Brisbane in October to perform a solo recital and the Dvorak cello concerto with the Queensland Youth Orchestra.

Percussion Ensembles shines at Australian Percussion Eisteddfod

On Sunday 27 July, The Senior and Junior Percussion Ensembles, conducted by Kerryn Joyce, competed at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod, hosted by Sydney Grammar School. Both ensembles were privileged to play in the wonderful Grammar concert hall, with its imposing sandstone backdrop, and hear a wide variety of other percussion ensembles from around Sydney. This was a real eye-opener for many of our students, and it is fair to say that both ensembles have returned to school electrified and inspired by what they saw, and the experience of playing in this fantastic event!

Both groups performed very well, with Junior Percussion taking out Bronze in their section, and Senior Percussion taking out Silver in the premium section.

A particular highlight of the day was a reunion with former IMP Percussion director, Martin Highland, who was helping out on the day. The Senior Percussion Ensemble is pictured below with Martin, and our new percussion director, Kerryn Joyce.

Photo 1: Senior Percussion Ensemble pictured with Martin Highland and Fort Street High School’s new percussion director, Kerryn Joyce.

Photo 2. Junior Percussion Ensemble wins bronze at Australian Percussion Eisteddford.

Photo 3. Senior Percussion Ensemble wins silver at Australian Percussion Eisteddford.

 

2025 Boys Vocal Program video released

The 2025 NSW Arts Unit Boys Vocal Program was held over three days at Trackdown Studios and culminated in a music video ‘Not a Man Yet’ featuring IMP member Flint Foote.

The video is now live on the Arts Unit website and can be viewed here: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/boys-vocal-program