Primary & Secondary Music

On tour with Gondwana Voices

In the last school holidays, I had the unforgettable experience of touring with Gondwana Voices, Australia’s acclaimed children’s choir, across the UK, France, and Spain. After attending the Gondwana National Choral School in early 2023, I was thrilled to be selected as one of just 36 students—and honoured to be featured as a soloist in some of our pieces—as we embarked on Gondwana’s first international tour since 2019.

Our journey began with three days of intensive rehearsals in the UK countryside, where we stayed in a stunning 17th-century castle. We premiered our first concert at Cripplegate Church in London’s Barbican Centre. One of the highlights of our time in London was performing Spinifex Gum with Marliya, an Indigenous children’s choir from Cairns, alongside The Farnham Youth Choir and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. It was inspiring to share the stage with so many talented groups! We also enjoyed some spontaneous singing sessions around London, including at Westminster Abbey.

Our next stop was Paris, where we performed at the beautiful La Madeleine and even held a private concert at the Australian Embassy. After a brief but memorable visit, we travelled by train to Bilbao, where we stayed with Spanish host families whose children sang in the choir Kantika. We performed together at San Juan Bautista Church in Leioa and even had the chance to sing for the mayor and on Spanish TV!

Our final destination was Barcelona, where we performed at the Teatre Auditori in Granollers with Veus Chor Infantil Amics de la Unió. As we explored the city, we noticed posters of our choir everywhere, with a bold (and humorous) claim that we were “the best choir on the planet”—our conductor found this especially amusing!

This tour has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Performing in such historic venues, collaborating with talented singers from around the world, and feeling the warmth of our audiences is something I’ll never forget. I’m incredibly grateful to Ms Allum and SCEGGS for their support and encouragement on this amazing journey.

You can find more information about Gondwana Choirs here.

Amber Jarman (Year 11)

Sydney Youth Orchestra Summer School (SYO)

SYO Summer School is suitable for any student who plays an orchestral instrument; from those in their first year of playing, through to primary, secondary & tertiary level players. 

Join SYO for five fun and intensive days of rehearsals and tutorials with Sydney’s best educators, culminating in a concert at Sydney Conservatorium of Music to showcase your week of work.

Musicians will receive expert guidance from tutors and conductors, who will challenge and support their orchestral skills. Students will be placed in ensembles suited to their experience level, helping them build confidence while learning alongside their peers.

Find more information here.

Musicale 4

Musicale 4 will be held on Wednesday 6 November in the SCEGGS Great Hall.

The Primary Concert will run from 5.00 pm – 5.45 pm (approximately) and the Secondary Concert from 6.30pm – 7.30pm (approximately).

Find more information here.

Primary Ensembles performing at the 5.00pm Concert

Training Band, Bugles’ Band, Primary Rock Band, Primary Percussion Ensemble, Cantare, Sinfonietta, Chamber Strings and Primary String Octet.

Secondary Ensembles performing at the 6.30pm Concert

Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Clarion Concert Band, Year 9 Rock Band (Electric Fuse), Secondary Jazz Combo, Van Reyk Percussion Ensemble, Contemporary Strings, Lux Strings and Special Project Orchestra (Project 2).

Rehearsals

All rehearsal information can be viewed on Clipboard. Please check rehearsal venues in the lead-up to the concert as we try to schedule at least one Great Hall rehearsal for each group.

Festival of Lessons and Carols

• Primary students involved: Years 5 & 6 Choirs (all students in Year 5 & 6) & Cantare
• Secondary students involved: Choir, Madrigal Ensemble and Amati Strings

Further details can be found in these notes Primary and Secondary. 

Clipboard

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. If you haven’t set this up yet, please follow the provided instructions. For any issues with Clipboard set-up, contact our Music Administration Assistant Miss Alice Kotowicz.

Upcoming Events:

Term 4

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)