Director of Music P-12
It has been an energising and joy‑filled few weeks in the Music Department. We were honoured to host Dr Brad Merrick from the University of Melbourne, who selected Santa Sabina as a key research site exploring the links between music engagement and academic achievement. Our students, alumnae and staff contributed across three days, gaining a rare insight into real research protocols – I suspect many catching a glimpse of their own future doctoral pathways.
We also launched two new mentored rock bands, celebrated student‑led initiatives, enjoyed the brilliance of NESA Encore in an Excursion, and proudly announced our 2026 Gala Concert theme – Instruments of Peace. In following up our 2025 Voices of Hope Gala Concert, this year – in light of the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis – it seemed only fitting to launch this year’s direction. All P-12 ensembles and Years 4-7 curriculum classes have their eye on the prize and are working earnestly, with some deeply important works being curated and commissioned to share with our community. Tickets will be on sale early next term.
Read on to hear of all the happenings in our department across recent weeks, and as we look ahead to Term 2!
Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12
Dr Brad Merrick Research Visit – University of Melbourne
From 10-13 March, Dr Brad Merrick spent three days interviewing current students, alumnae, and staff as part of a national study examining how music engagement shapes academic achievement. Thank you to the students, parents and staff who saw the importance of this research, and who signed up to participate. While he was here, it was fun to fish out one of his textbooks off our library shelves for him to sign. It was an enriching experience for all of us as we reflected on the potential benefits of music in every aspect of our lives.
Launch of two new rock bands!
Our contemporary program continues to thrive with the launch this week of two new mentored rock bands! Joining the long‑established Year 11 group Boulevarde 27 – if the first rehearsal is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these young musicians! We warmly welcome Ms Samantha Kennedy who joins our team of mentors alongside our existing specialist Mr Dane Connor. These new ensembles are already showing such great energy! Keep your eye out for their debut performances, and later in the year when they perform at the Fra Angelico Festival!
Student-led Music Clubs initiatives!
It was wonderful hearing the student-led group preparing for a Harmony Day item earlier this week, and all across the department, student-led musical expressions are taking various shapes. This agentic exploration is such a critical aspect of a healthy Music program, and we are happy to support these fun clubs as they spring up.
An idea for one such group was offered by Sienna di Santo (Year 11) and friends – somewhere between a Glee club and a Pitch Perfect movie revival, this joyful, inclusive singing club invites students from Years 9-12 to explore harmony, mash‑ups and feel‑good repertoire in a no-pressure way. A launch meeting for The Santa Stellars (not at all to be confused with the Barden Bellas!) will be held in Holyrood (Room 703) at lunchtime on Friday 27 March 2026. Contact Sienna if you would like more information or leave your contact details via this link.
The Bell-Ringing Club will be resuming next term under the leadership of ex-student Ms Ruby Bron. Contact the Music Office for more information.
Open Recitals Series 2026
Next Friday, 27 March, from 3:45pm – 5:00pm will see the first of our Open Recitals for 2026. If your child is one of the 300+ who are receiving Private Tution at the College, you might like to talk to them and their tutor and see if this is a performance experience they would like to pursue to grow their confidence in this way as we celebrate their learning.
Our Friday afternoon Open Recitals sit alongside our Curriculum Recitals, and are relaxed experiences, giving students the chance to share their music with family and friends while celebrating the steady growth happening in our Private Tuition program. We’d love to see you there!
AMEB Diploma Ceremony
Congratulations to the five students who were invested with Associate (A.MusA) and Licentiate (L.MusA) diplomas at the Australian Music Examinations Boards’ ceremony at UNSW on Sunday 8 March 2026.
Clara Kwon (Year 9) – A.MusA, Violoncello
Estelle Gilmovich (Year 9) – L.MusA, Viola
Ellie Kwon (Year 12) – A.MusA with Distinction, Clarinet
Anne Ma (Year 8) – A.MusA, Flute
Isabella Yang (Class of 2024) – L.MusA, Violoncello
We commend these students for this wonderful achievement, demonstrating exceptional dedication to musical excellence.
Australian Composers Day 2026 – What Will You Say?
Set for Monday 4 May 2026 from 8:30am – 3:30pm, we are delighted that ACD2026 is already attracting a record number of delegates from all over NSW. It is our privilege to pull this day together that is of significant value to the Australian Music terrain – both now and in the future. While Santa Students attend free of charge, we are happy to welcome individual registrations from peers at other schools should they wish to register to join us. Tell your friends! Spread the word!
This year’s provocation – What Will You Say? – continues to celebrate the pursuit of musical excellence with the development of each artist’s expressive voice. We are honoured to be welcoming guest composers including Maria Grenfell and Alice Chance, and hip‑hop artist Luka Lesson whose collaboration with James Humberstone, Agape will be ‘dropping’ online as part of the week’s festivities.
Join a Music Program or activity
Music ensembles and activities are open for enrolments all year round. It’s a joy to see more students discovering the confidence and connection that music brings. If any of our programs are of interest to you, you can register at any tine via the College App or via this shortcut link. Reach out to our Music office if we can assist in any way.
Amy Richardson
Director of Music P–12