Director of Music P-12

Welcome to Term 3

As we move through Term 3, the energy and creativity across our P-12 Music Department is truly inspiring. From the joyful performances on Grandparents Day and Discovery Tours, to the artistry of our Chamber Recital and the anticipation building for our Italy Music Tour, our students continue to shine. With Open Rehearsals and Friday Recitals still on the calendar before the term is through and preparations already underway for our Celebration of Music concert and Fra Angelico performances, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and pride in every rehearsal room. We commend students for their diligent commitment to these pursuits alongside their studies, and thank our entire community for your ongoing support. it’s a joy to share this musical journey with you.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

Graduating class on the home straight

In assembly this week we were delighted to witness the start of that annual relay – the beginning of the baton pass between our graduating class and the Year 11 leaders who are emerging in the wings. Our Year 12 students round their final corner in coming weeks, having completed their Practical Trials and submitted performance and composition work for final assessment. We applaud their perseverance and artistry as they approach the finish line, with their HSC Final Practical examinations scheduled for Thursday 18 September and the IB portfolio uploads thereafter, we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.

Grandparents Day and Discovery Tour

A heartfelt thank you to the generous student performers who elevated both our recent Grandparents Day on Thursday 7 August and our Discovery Tour last Thursday 21 August. Your music consistently brings joy and warmth to these special events, and we are delighted to showcase your work as exemplars of Santa Sabina College life.

Chamber Music Recital 

On Tuesday 26 August, our extension musicians offered a delightful recital for our community ni the Santa Sabina Chapel. A stunning showcase of musical finesse and collaboration – congratulations to all performers for a memorable evening of chamber music excellence, and thanks to our tutors and guest artists for their support.

Italy Tour preparation

With the Italy Music Tour just around the corner, weekly rehearsals are intensifying! Departing on the last day of term, students will present concerts in Florence and Venice; sing during Mass at the Vatican and again in the chapel of Santa Sabina; as well as participate in masterclasses It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and their commitment is truly commendable. Students have worked with Dr Paul Taylor (composer of the St Benedict Mass) and with Australian Choral composer Lisa Young as we prepare our repertoire for international showcase.

Correspondence will be sent to parents shortly. There will be a Tour Meeting with Hayllar Travel on 10 September from 5:00-6:00pm.  A reminder to all in our community to keep your family’s Medical and Personal records up to date with the College, as this is what is used in preparing our documents prior to all excursions – big and small.  

Friday Afternoon Open Recitals

Join us for our final Open Recital of the term on Friday 19 September at 3:45pm in Adams, Holyrood – featuring students from our Private Tuition program. These informal performances are a wonderful opportunity for students to share their music in a supportive environment. Interested in performing? Speak to your private music teacher about how you can sign up for our next one!

Here are some photos from the recital that took place on Friday 8 August 2025.

Open Strings Breakfast Recital 

We’re excited to invite our community to our annual Strings Open Breakfast Rehearsal on Monday 22 September from 7:15 – 8:30am.  Drop your child at the Santa Sabina Hall at 7:15 to prepare, grab a coffee and bite to eat and then enjoy their presentation from 8:00am. Launch your week with some borrowed energy, as you witness this burgeoning ensemble and in action! With over 90 students involved weekly in this intermediate ensemble, we can’t wait to open the doors and share our progress.  For families in Del Monte, this is a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of what lies ahead for your child at Santa Sabina

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Join an ensemble, class or learn an instrument!

We believe that music makes life and the human experience so much richer – and therefore it should be accessible to all. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, there’s a place for you in our music programs at Santa! From choirs and orchestras to bands and contemporary ensembles, studio engineering classes and private lessons – we offer a wide range of opportunities for all abilities.

It’s never too late to start learning an instrument or join an ensemble, and the start of semester is the perfect time to slot in. Come and be part of something special! Register via this link.

Please reach out to music@ssc.nsw.edu.au if we can support your music journey in any way!

Wishing all our students a wonderful semester to come.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12
music@ssc.nsw.edu.au