
Practice-a-thon
In Weeks 6 and 7, the Music Support Group ran the Practice-A-Thon, a fundraiser encouraging Primary students in strings and band ensembles, and also those undertaking private lessons, to make a commitment to building and maintaining a consistent practice routine. Many students took part, raising money to support our music program and the new Steinway piano in the new St Margaret’s Arts Precinct. Over $7000 was raised which is a wonderful achievement! Congratulations to our prize winners, who took home hampers featuring some fantastic prizes.
Most Money Raised: Gia H and Jemima P
Most Practiced/Improved: Summer W
Random Draws: Freya S & Ivy P
A huge thank you to all the students who practiced, performed, and got involved, and to the Music Support Group for organising such a rewarding event!
Student Congratulations
Congratulations to Yuna (Yr 8), who earlier this year competed for the prestigious Queensland Young Instrumentalist Prize, an honour reserved for musicians performing at an exceptionally high level. As part of the selection process, finalists have the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, an extraordinary milestone for any young musician. Yuna performed on flute at the ABC studio and was short listed, receiving a Highly Commended for her performance. This is an outstanding achievement, especially for someone Yuna’s age, and is a wonderful reflection of her dedication, talent, and the high standard she brings to her music-making. Congratulations, Yuna!

Auditions for 2027 Music Ensembles
Auditions for 2027 Secondary Music Ensembles will be held in Week 3 of Term 4 with audition excerpts available via the respective POD pages (Strings/Bands/Choral) and in SHOR. Sign-up sheets are also available in SHOR. Audition times are as follows:
Monday 19 October
7:00 – 8:20am Primary String Auditions, Year 4 and 5 in SHOR
3:30-5:00pm Volare Auditions, SHOR
Tuesday 20 October
7:00 – 8:20am Primary String Auditions, Year 2, 3 and 6 in SHOR
10:25-10:50am Secondary String Auditions, SHOR
1:05-1:50pm Secondary String Auditions, SHOR
3:30-4:30pm Primary Chorale Get-to-know-your-voice Session, Primary Music Room
3:30 - 5:30pm Secondary String Auditions, SHOR
3:30 - 5:30pm Rock Band Auditions for Vocals (current Year 9-11), guitar, bass guitar and keyboard, DM01 (Rock Band Room)
Wednesday 21 October
7:00 - 8:15am Band Auditions for current Primary students, SHOR
7:15 - 8:15am Stage Band Auditions (all instruments) for 2026 Secondary students, J101/102
1:10 - 1:50pm Rock Band Auditions for Drum Kit (Secondary), SHOR Percussion Room
3:30 - 4:30pm Highly Strung Auditions (Primary) for guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drumkit, DM01 (Rock Band Room)
3:30 – 5:00pm Band Auditions for Percussion, SHOR Percussion Room
3:30 - 5:30pm Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (current Secondary students), SHOR/J101/102
Thursday 22 October
7:00 - 8:15am Band Auditions for woodwind/brass (Primary and Secondary), SHOR
3:30 - 5:30pm Exultate Auditions, SHOR
Update to Ensemble Structure for 2027 String Ensembles
As we move toward auditions for 2027 Music ensembles, we would like to inform you of a change to string ensembles that will occur once the new ensembles commence in Week 4, Term 4. Stradivari Strings (for students up to approx. Grade 5 AMEB level) will rehearse Tuesday afternoons at their regular time of 3:30-4:30pm in SHOR. Students who are in Chamber Strings (approx. Grade 6 AMEB and above) will no longer be required to attend the Stradivari Strings rehearsal. Chamber Strings will have a new rehearsal time of Monday 3:30-5:00pm, and Sculthorpe String Quartet will have a new rehearsal time of Monday morning 7:15-8:15am.
Message from the Music Support Group
As the term draws to a close, we hope you all have a safe and relaxing September break. On return, we kick off with the Annual Music Dinner and Awards Night (Friday 9 October). If you can help decorate a table, we would love to hear from you! Can you help us make this a fun night for all the Music students, staff and parents? Please email Cath on catherine@callen.com.au.
If you are new to the music community and have any questions about the Parents Support Group, feel free to email Kat Carrick anytime on katrinacarrick1@gmail.com.
Upcoming meetings for the Music Support Group are as follows:
Term 4, Week 1 - Tuesday 6 October
Term 4, Week 4 - Tuesday 27 October (AGM)
Parents from both the primary and secondary schools are welcome to attend. Please also join the Music Parents Support Group POD page to stay updated on all things Music Support, including the upcoming 2027 Musical volunteering - Beauty & The Beast: https://pod.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/homepage/8562
Brad King