Director of Music P-12
It’s the most wonderful time…
I can almost hear Bing Crosby already! The year is indeed fast drawing to a close, but our classrooms and rehearsal spaces are as alive as ever as we tie up our year’s learnings in Music – finishing on the highest of notes (pun accidental, but appropriate).
Students are having fun while consolidating their year’s learning through various projects – from creating Christmas music videos to writing imaginative arrangements of seasonal favourites to share. The student-led collaborations are so vibrant, and we are enjoying seeing their industrious efforts and their applied learnings.
The Year 12 Class of 2026 have launched their IB/HSC programs with vigour, setting ambitious goals and embracing the challenge ahead of them in their final year of study. It’s inspiring to see such energy and commitment as we celebrate the achievements of 2025 and look ahead to the opportunities of 2026!
Changing any music enrolments in 2026?
As we put things in place for the coming year that will ensure a smooth entry next term – please let us know if you are interested in joining a program we offer – and more critically (as soon as possible) if you plan to un-enrol from one of your activities. Early confirmation helps us ensure we have the right team infrastructure in place from the outset of the year, supporting smooth scheduling and continuity for all students. Thank you for partnering with us in this important planning process! Reach out to our Music Office or complete the MUSIC PROGRAM | NOTICE OF CHANGE FORM.
Celebration of Music – THIS Friday at 5:00pm!
Friday 14 November 2025 | Santa Sabina Hall | 5:00pm
Join us this Friday for a thrilling culmination of our co-curricular music year in Santa Sabina Hall. The program will showcase diverse international musical styles that are challenging and extending our young musicians – and will be sure to delight all who attend with the sheer variety and virtuosity on display!
Programmed highlights will include works by Australian composers Lisa Young and Paul Stanhope, and a special performance by Year 12 2025 graduate Sophia Wong of the beloved Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto with our Symphony Orchestra. Please check all details in the emailed communication piece noting arrival time for performers for the evening concert.
Admission is free and doors open at 4:45pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Final Open Recital for 2025
Last Friday’s Open Recital – our final for the year – was a wonderful culmination of learning – sharing so much student talent and growth! These informal recitals provide a supportive space for students to develop confidence and artistry – and Friday’s performances were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young musicians, supported by our wonderful team of tutors. Thank you to all families who joined us, and congratulations to every performer for their commitment and excellence.
Learning Showcase – Gioia House Instrumental
Wednesday 19 November 2025 | Santa Sabina Hall | 12pm
Gioia House Parents and Friends – You’re Invited! Although our jam-packed program means the Mini Maestros won’t be performing at Fra Angelico next Friday night, we have something special just for you! Join us for a casual open rehearsal in the Santa Sabina Hall on Wednesday, 19 November at 12:00 noon, where every student in Gioia House will showcase a vibrant mix of exciting repertoire. It’s a wonderful chance to see their progress up close and celebrate their musical journey in a relaxed setting. We can’t wait to share this joyful moment with you! Please RSVP using this link!
Fra Angelico Festival
Friday 21 November 2025 | Siena Centre Amphitheatre
Every child from Mary Bailey House to Year 6 will take centre stage in this joyful celebration of learning and creativity! Featuring festive, crowd-pleasing repertoire from our whole P-6 Curriculum Music program, this concert is a heartwarming highlight of the year! Please check all details in the emailed communication piece carefully to ensure your young performer is in the right place at the right time – and then enjoy an evening of music-making and memories!
Advent Carols
Monday 1 December 2025 | Santa Sabina Chapel | 6:00pm
A beloved tradition of beauty and reflection, this year’s Advent Carols will feature our College and Chamber Choirs, members of the College Symphony Orchestra and special guests. WE look forward to welcoming our entire College Community – from youngest to oldest members to join us in the Chapel for this evening of sacred music and community reflection to welcome the season of Advent together.
Looking ahead…
As we move toward the final weeks of the year, our musicians are working hard and rehearsing as they continue to play a central role in our College life:
- Funeral of Sr Pauline Riley OP – Chamber Choir are honoured to join in the mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Sr Pauline’s life and legacy at the College.
- Speech Night – Our Year 4 Strings, Chamber Choir & Symphony Orchestra will provide music to mark this significant occasion (keep your eye out for communication from our office).
- Del Monte Carol Singing – Mary Baily House and Del Monte students will be sharing their festive cheer under the rotunda on Tuesday 2 December at 1:30pm with family and friends welcome to attend.
- Thanksgiving Masses – we look forward to gathering together in music, gratitude and reflection across all sections of the school – whether the Del Monte or Senior School Mass, or the Gioia House Thanksgiving Liturgy. We look forward to singing and playing together at these important moments together as we wrap up the College year!
A reminder that critical communications are being sent from the Music Department in the form of emails ahead of all these events. Please read these thoroughly and ensure permissions have been granted in the Parent Lounge for any events in which your child is participating!
Thank you dear community.
Looking forward to bringing this year home with you!
Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12
music@ssc.nsw.edu.au
Any questions?
Don’t hesitate to 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