Director of Music P-12

It has been another inspiring and energising few weeks in Music at Santa Sabina, filled with excellence, dedication and the powerful reminder that music flourishes when it is woven into the full richness of a young person’s life.

Celebrating Songfest 2026

Chamber Choir girls represented Santa Sabina with extraordinary artistry and spirit at the inaugural Sydney Songfest 2026 (14-16 May), hosted by Gondwana choirs. Our students shared the stage with many others in this landmark choral event. They demonstrated not only refined musicianship, but also a deep commitment to ensemble excellence. Their sound was unified, expressive and communicated with sincerity – hallmarks of their emerging mature choral artistry. We are immensely proud of the way they represented themselves and the College

Holistic Excellence Music and Life in Balance

Music students are always bustling here and there, adding extras and developing the skill of juggling to their CV! We often speak about the importance of a holistic approach to life, and last week provided a perfect example. Mira Nguyen (Age Champion) quite literally ran from success to success – finishing her 400m race at the Athletics Carnival – and then racing straight to the train with fellow Chamber Choir members to honour her musical commitments at Songfest! In Tuesday’s assembly, she ran again from her seat at the piano accompanying the College song to the stage to collect all her Sports trophies. Mira deserves this special mention, but she also serves as such a wonderful exemplar. It is always great to see students achieving highly and finding joy in a variety of pursuits – but incredibly, many academic studies show that it is really those who are busiest who manage to keep smashing the goals. It’s why we encourage Year 12 students to keep spinning as many plates as possible until the finish line of exams – these life rhythms once developed become their own momentum that helps goals be achieved.

On a similar theme, last week I was delighted to welcome my former student, snowsports Olympian Daisy Thomas. Daisy spoke of her sporting journey, but my memory was of a young girl who consistently balanced elite sport with her dedication to music. Daisy learnt piano throughout her entire school life. She shared how music helped her focus and remain calm, and on the day she broke her first national record as a 15 year old, though her knees were shaking, it was the music blaring in her ears that nudged her to new heights (literally!)

These stories reaffirm what we know so deeply at Santa: a balanced and healthily active life doesn’t detract from excellence, rather somehow it enables it. Music sharpens discipline, nurtures creativity and sustains wellbeing. We commend all those who are spinning all their plates! Keep up this life-shaping, future-forming work.

Massed Choral Rehearsal – A Glimpse of Gala

On Tuesday, it was a joy to witness our first massed choral rehearsal for the Gala Concert in the Santa Sabina Hall, bringing together all students from Years 4-7 alongside our Santa Choirs. The energy in the room was electric, and the sound already promises something truly special. This gathering marked an important milestone as we move towards a performance that reflects both unity and purpose.

May Open Recital

Our May Open Recital afternoon was another wonderful showcase of individual talent and growth. These opportunities are invaluable in developing confident, thoughtful musicians, and are a great means for ‘goal setting’ amidst the weekly learning of an instrument. Having and working towards performance goals is a powerful way to energise your learning trajectory. Congratulations to all the students who performed. We look forward to the next one in Term 3.

Chinese Music Ensemble – A Vision for the Future

I was honoured to attend the 10th Anniversary Concert of the Chinese Music Ensemble at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (26 May) at the invitation of Dr Liu Lu and Conservatorium Dean Dr Anna Reid. Over 300 performers filled Verbrugghen Hall in a breathtaking celebration of traditional and contemporary Chinese music.

We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Ousiyu Luo, Ziyan Fan, and Iris Li on staff here at Santa Sabina. After witnessing this remarkable performance, I am freshly inspired by all that lies ahead for our own CME students in the Sydney music-making scene.

Chamber Ensembles – ‘Strike a Chord’ Competition Recordings

Weekly Chamber Orchestra is the extension string group for our Symphony Orchestral string players – and then they are extended further within our smaller Chamber ensembles during lunchtimes and other breaks.   These small chamber groups are working toward the annual chamber recital in August, but hey have also been busily recording for Musica Viva’s Strike a Chord Competition – with students embracing every possible moment to rehearse and refine. Music is filling the spaces in between everything else – before school, after school, between commitments. Truly, what better way to live? We wish these students all the best with their submissions.

Looking Ahead – Gala Concert: Instruments of Peace

All P-12 Music Ensembles and every child in Year 4–7 classes are working with dedication and purpose towards this Year’s Gala Concert taking place on Tuesday 23 June! They are preparing a feast of repertoire for our audience that is both meaningful and artistically enriching – under the aspiration – ‘Instruments of Peace’.  

All families have now received important information via email, and we are gratefully receiving final permissions via TASS for this event. Thank you for ensuring your / your child’s participation has been supported by this process.

We greatly look forward to sharing this special evening with our community.

Important Notice – Semester 2 Changes

A reminder to families to please submit any Notice of Change requests for Semester 2 as soon as possible. If planning to discontinue, a reminder that 4 weeks advance notice (via this form) and email to your tutor, is required to ensure there is no discontinuation levy.  

If you would like to try something new in Semester 2, you can register at any time via the College App or using this link.  If you would like to audition for an advanced ensemble for Semester 2, reach out to our Music Office (music@ssc.nsw.edu.au) and your query will be directed to the appropriate ensemble leader.

There is a vibrant sense that music is not simply something our students do – it is something that is richly shaping the people they are becoming.

Thank you for your continued support of Music at Santa Sabina.

Amy Richardson
Director of Music (P-12)