Director of Music P-12
As Term 3 comes to a close, we wish to take a moment to celebrate the achievements of our students and the vibrant musical life that continues to flourish across the College. From master classes and recitals to AMEB and HSC examinations, our Santa musicians have demonstrated remarkable commitment and artistry.
Our Italy Music Tour are now just a week away and we have a rich calendar of events ahead in Term 4 – including the Celebration of Music (Thursday 14 November), Fra Angelico Festival (Thursday 21 November) and Advent Carols (Monday 1 December) amidst other musical features at end of year masses and events.
We wish you a safe and refreshing break and look forward to a glorious festive season on the horizon! Term 4 promises to be a time for community gathering, and for beautiful music that will launch us into a soul-nourishing summer.
Amy Richardson
Director of Music P–12
Director’s Honour Roll
We proudly acknowledge the following students for their exceptional musical accomplishments this term:
| Louise Thill (Year 7) | AMEB Grade 1 Examination – Musicianship | Pass with High Distinction (A+) |
| Alicia Wu (Year 4) | Sydney Eisteddfod 18th Century Solo – Pianoforte | 1st Place |
| Alicia Wu (Year 4) | Ryde Eisteddfod – Orchestral String Solo – Violin | 1st Place |
| Alicia Wu (Year 4) | Ryde Eisteddfod – Orchestral String Restricted – Violin | 2nd Place |
| Romee Lee (Year 5) | AMEB Grade 7 Examination – Trombone | Pass with Honours (A) |
| Aiden Curran (Year 6) | AMEB CMus Examination – Double Bass | Pass with Honours (A) |
| Aiden Curran (Year 6) | Sydney Eisteddfod – Lower Strings – Double Bass | 1st Place |
| Aiden Curran (Year 6) | AUSTA Music Teacher Conference Masterclass – Double Bass | Featured Guest |
| Emily Cooper (Year 6) | AMEB Preliminary Examination – Violin | Pass with Credit (B/B+) |
| Chelsey Fa (Year 8) | AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Musicianship | Pass with High Distinction (A+) |
| Grace Mackey (Year 6) | AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Violoncello | Pass with Credit (B/B+) |
| Lillian Mackey (Year 6) | AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Violin | Pass with Honours (A) |
| Serena Li (Year 10) | AMEB CMus Examination – Violoncello | Pass |
| Naishe Mafunda (Year 8) | AMEB Grade 1 Examination –Violin | Pass with Honours (A) |
| Dalena Nguyen (Year 6) | AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Violin | Pass with Credit (B/B+) |
| Daphne Nguyen (Year 5) | AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Violin | Pass with Credit (B/B+) |
| Natalie Sun (Year 4) | AMEB Grade 3 Examination – Musicianship | Pass with Credit (B/B+) |
| Olivia Wang (Year 7) | AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Viola | Pass with Honours (A) |
| Grace Welsh (Year 6) | AMEB Grade 2 Examination – Violin | Pass with Honours (A) |
| Zara Zaika (Year 5) | AMEB Preliminary Examination – Violin | Pass with Honours (A) |
| Estelle Gilmovich (Year 8) | ACO Academy Intensive Workshop – Viola | Featured Guest |
| Estelle Gilmovich (Year 8) | Solo Performance at International Arts Festival – Viola | Featured Guest |
Graduation
HSC Final exams were held on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 18 September and we commend our students for their dedication to their craft. With IB Submissions nearly due for upload, and written examinations still to go, we are cheering for our seniormost students as they wind up their Santa Sabina chapter.
With HSC Music exams now complete, we look forward to honouring our graduating students at the upcoming Graduation Assembly and Mass on Thursday 25 September. Their contributions to the musical life of the College have been deeply valued and we wish them all the best with their bright futures to come. They will be missed!
Italy Tour
On the final day of term, our tour group of 43 students and staff will depart for Italy. We will perform in Rome, Florence and Venice; including contributions to music during Mass at the Vatican and at the original Santa Sabina chapel – before participating in masterclasses with internationally regarded performers.
Spread the word to friends and family who are abroad! All are welcome to join us for the free concerts on the dates below!
Viola Master Class with Tahlia Petrosian
On Friday 12 September, our viola students participated in a masterclass with internationally acclaimed violist Tahlia Petrosian. We are delighted to welcome her to the Santa Sabina Music staff. Santa’s viola program continues to grow, now recognised as one of the largest school-based viola programs in the country. We are also thrilled to welcome Tahlia on board officially as the newest addition to our Santa Sabina Music staff. #shaketheworld https://www.tahlia-petrosian.com/
Friday Afternoon Open Recitals
Our final Term 3 recital will take place on Friday 19 September at 3:45pm in Adams, Holyrood. These informal performances provide a supportive space for students to share their music and develop their performance skills. One final recital is scheduled in 2025 – speak to your tutor about participating in November.
Concert Regina Mundi
Under the guidance of Sydney Conservatorium lecturer and Santa Sabina tutor Tanith Bryce, students from our Vocal Tuition program performed for the dear sisters of Regina Mundi during lunch time on Thursday 18 September. Always a highlight when our Dominican Sisters offer their sung blessing in reply!
Open Strings Breakfast Recital
Join us for our annual Strings Open Breakfast Rehearsal on Monday 22 September from 7:15–8:30am in Santa Sabina Hall. With over 90 students involved in this ensemble, it’s a wonderful opportunity to witness their progress and enjoy a musical start to the week. Also a great opportunity to hear ‘what comes next’ for students currently in Year 6 in the Gioia House string program. We look forward to welcoming you.
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!
Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12
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!
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
_____
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.
Please reach out to music@ssc.nsw.edu.au if we can support your music journey in any way!
Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12
music@ssc.nsw.edu.au