Thank You

It has been a massive, event-filled term for Instrumental Music, and we are proud of the way our students and families have embraced every opportunity.

As we reach the end of the term, congratulations are in order for the commitment, enthusiasm, and resilience shown by both students and parents.

A reminder that there is still one week to go – students are expected to attend all remaining lessons before the holidays.

Last week’s Intermediate Concert

Since our last newsletter, we have held our second-last major concert of the term – the Intermediate Concert. This event featured:

• Concert Band
• Symphonic Winds
• Brass Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble 2
• Guitar Ensembles 2 and 3
• Ionian Chorus

A big thank you to all the students and families who contributed to such a successful night. The standard of performance was excellent, and it was inspiring to see just how strong our younger ensembles have become.

Small Groups Concert at Lindum-mere

Next week we will hold our very first Small Groups Concert at Lindum-mere.

• When: Tuesday 16 September, 6.30pm start (students to arrive by 6pm)
• Ensembles Performing: Saxophone Ensemble, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Chamber Strings 2, Chamber Strings 3, and Clarinet Ensemble
• Tickets: Seating is limited, and the event has already sold out.

We are excited to see these smaller ensembles shine on stage in an intimate concert setting.

Instrumental Reports

Instrumental Music reports will be available next week in Compass. These reports provide feedback on your son’s progress across the term and use a five-point scale:

• Excellent
• Very Good
• Good
• Satisfactory
• Needs Improvement

We encourage families to take the time to read these reports together, as they highlight achievements as well as areas for future growth.

New Ensembles for 2025/26

Our new ensembles for the 2025/26 season have been announced, and ensemble lists are now posted on the noticeboards outside the Music Office. Students are to check these lists to ensure they know:

• Which ensemble they have been placed in
• The rehearsal day and time for that ensemble

Important: All ensembles will begin rehearsals in the first week of Term 4.

Instruments Must Go Home

As the Term 3 concludes, please ensure your son takes his instrument home over the holiday break.

• Our storerooms undergo cleaning and maintenance during this time.
• Any instruments left behind will need to be collected during the holidays, which is inconvenient for families and staff.

Taking instruments home also means students can continue to enjoy music-making and keep up their practice routines over the break.

Individual Lessons – A Pathway to Success

For students in our top-tier ensembles, we strongly encourage taking up the opportunity for individual lessons on their instrument or voice. These lessons provide:

• One-on-one tuition tailored to your son’s needs
• Faster progress and stronger technical development, provided there is consistent practice
• A solid foundation for those considering future study in the arts

In group lessons, teacher attention is naturally divided among students, whereas individual lessons allow for targeted guidance and accelerated growth.

If you think your son may be interested in pursuing music beyond school – or if you simply want to see him flourish – this is an important step.

To arrange lessons, please contact the Music Office via ionamusic@iona.qld.edu.au

Looking Ahead – Term 4

Term 4 is always a special time, with end-of-year performances and celebrations on the horizon. Our musicians will be heavily involved in some of the College’s most significant events, including:

• Year 12 Valedictory: Featuring the Iona Singers and the Staff Band
• Presentation Night: Performances by Percussion Ensemble, piano players, and the Musical Band
• Year 5 Concert: A showcase evening with two streams of performances:
• Instrumental & Vocal Stream – highlighting the progress of our Year 5 musicians
• Performing Arts Stream – the debut performance of ‘Dragon Days the Musical’

Please enjoy your time off and we look forward to seeing you back at school for Term 4.

Mr Brian L'Huillier
Head of Instrumental Music