QCMF 14 August – 17 August

Recently, nine of our ensembles participated in the Queensland Catholic Schools & Colleges Music Festival.

It was a lighter year for us regarding participation in the festival due to the Marian Mass and OMAD, but we still had a great spread of beginner, intermediate, and advanced ensembles.

I was extremely proud of the way our students represented the College both on stage and throughout their time at the festival. The feedback reminded us that, while many ensembles can already perform at a high level, focusing on the finer details comes only with more regular practice and preparation.

As some students move into higher ensembles next term with the departure of the Year 12s, we will again emphasise regular practice, organisation, and attendance.

Results (in order of appearance):

• Year 5 Band – Gold
• Year 5 Guitars – Silver
• Concert Band – Gold
• Guitar Ensemble 2 – Bronze
• Symphonic Winds – Gold
• Guitar Ensemble 1 – Silver
• Brass Ensemble – Gold
• Percussion Ensemble 1 – Silver
• Big Band 1 – Gold

A special Award of Excellence was presented to Jake Bullpitt, our Year 5 bassoon player. Jake did a fantastic job playing his parts and leading the band — and we’re thrilled that the adjudicators noticed!

Essentially Ellington – Big Band 1

Big Band 1 had the incredible opportunity to work with Vincent Gardner last Monday night. It was a truly inspiring experience.

Vincent has taught at The Juilliard School, Florida State University, Michigan State University, and The New School, and has performed with icons including the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Bobby McFerrin, Harry Connick Jr, Chaka Khan, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more.

Having that level of expertise in the room with our boys was fantastic — and gave us all the inspiration to keep striving to be better.

Senior Farewell

And that’s a wrap! Tuesday night saw our final concert for our Year 12 musicians in IPAC. With nine ensembles and a very memorable Year 12 item fusing together the bands Journey and ABBA, it was a fantastic night of music and celebration.

We wish all Year 12s the very best as they begin preparing for their external exams and their final term of schooling.

Duke of Edinburgh

Congratulations to Anthony Emery on receiving his Duke of Edinburgh Award. Anthony’s commitment to the Iona College choirs played an important role in his achievement, and we are proud to see his dedication to music recognised as part of this prestigious award.

Individual Lessons

When students begin their musical journey in Year 5, they start with group lessons, which allow us to introduce many boys to an instrument or voice in a supportive and accessible way.

From Year 6 onwards, families also have the option of individual lessons. While many students continue in groups, we often find that boys make even greater progress in a one-on-one setting, where teaching can be personalised to their pace, interests, and strengths.

Individual lessons also provide more opportunities for detailed feedback and encouragement, helping students to progress faster and deepen their enjoyment of music-making.

Spaces for individual tuition are limited and in high demand, so if you would be interested in individual lessons for 2026, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Year 5 Step-Up Program

Re-enrolment for the 2026 Instrumental and Vocal Music Program is now open. Families who wish for their son to continue into Year 6 must complete the online re-enrolment form by Friday 29 August to secure their place.

Families discontinuing also need to complete the form by the deadline.

Emails with the re-enrolment link have been sent home to all families.

All continuing students will take part in a special Term 4 Step-Up program, introduced at the Year 5 concert, which helps boys transition from the in-school music model to our co-curricular ensemble program.

During Term 4, students will continue their Year 5 group lesson during school time while also joining a morning rehearsal once a week before school, starting at 7.30am.

This is a valuable opportunity for boys to play or sing alongside older students, gaining encouragement and skills from being part of a larger ensemble.

Please see the table below for ensemble allocations, rehearsal days, times, venues, and teachers.

Mr Brian L'Huillier
Head of Instrumental Music