CO-CURRICULARST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE MUSIC PROGRAM www.nudgee.com

CO-CURRICULARST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE MUSIC PROGRAM

Contents

• Welcome to St Joseph’s Nudgee College’ co-curricular music program 3 • The academic benefi ts of engaging in instrumental music 4 • Music ensembles 7 • Joining the Nudgee College co-curricular music program 10 • Orchestral/Concert Band Music Curriculum Immersion Program (Year 5) 16 • History of music at Nudgee College 19

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 1 2 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM Welcome to St Joseph’s Nudgee College’s co-curricular music program

Learning a musical instrument or voice and being able to make music, not only individually but also in a group situation, is one of the joys of the human experience. Music performance at St Joseph’s Nudgee College is an exciting and engaging activity, in which boys fi nd academic, social and emotional benefi ts, in addition to many other positive outcomes. This handbook is to assist parents and potential music students to understand the basic functions and policies of the Nudgee College Co-curricular Music Program. If answers you seek are not in this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact the Music department. While the College off ers this opportunity to students, a commitment is also required of the boys in choosing to take lessons or joining a music ensemble. There is an expectation that a student who takes part in the Co-curricular Music Program will: 1. Attend their weekly tuition lessons (or give advanced notice of absence) 2. Practise at home regularly 3. Attend their scheduled ensemble rehearsals and performances 4. Show continual improvement and commitment 5. Take the responsibility of proactively solving scheduling confl icts

Yours sincerely, MR BRETT FOSTER Music Director (Activities) Coordinator of Music (Academic) Email: [email protected] Tel: 07 3865 0506

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 3 The academic benefi ts of engaging in instrumental music

Learning music develops and improves Learning music enhances early childhood learning abilities. Music education develops basic development of the brain. Research at the University cognitive and learning skills that improve student of California has found that learning and playing performance across all subject areas. This claim music builds or modifi es neural pathways related to is supported by a wide range of Australian and spatial reasoning tasks, which are crucial for higher international academic literature across areas of brain functions. This study showed that preschool brain research, psychology and behavioural studies. children who received basic keyboard instruction scored an average of 34 per cent higher Learning music improves auditory skills. Neural on tests of their reasoning skills than children who researchers at Northwestern University in the United were given computer and singing lessons. Singing States have found that students who had musical together increases serotonin and oxytocin levels training in childhood were better able to pick out in participants, which is very helpful in mental a wider range of essential elements of sound, like well-being and provides for enhanced social pitch, timing and timbre. This ability to discern interaction (Griffi th University). the components of sound plays a major role in developing a child’s capacity to make sound-to- Learning music can enhance non-musical meaning connections, learn to speak and learn abilities. A two year Swiss study involved 1,200 written languages, including foreign languages. children in 50 schools. The students were taken from regular classes for three additional one-hour music classes per week.

4 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM At the end of the experiment, despite missing Involvement in music will add signifi cantly to regular classes, these students were better at the quality of life for the boys both now at school languages, learned to read more easily, had better and later on. It is inevitable that scheduling confl icts social relations, demonstrated more enjoyment will arise between music and sport, assessment, in school, and had a lower stress level than those camps, excursions and other co-curricular who remained in regular classes. Learning music activities. Learning to manage these confl ict using improves test scores in key academic subjects. A 12 proper communication and forward- thinking is year study linked to Harvard, Stanford and Columbia an invaluable life skill. universities that tracked more than 25,000 students, Students will be encouraged to participate in found that across all backgrounds, music students a wide variety of musical ensembles and musical get higher marks in school tests than students who activities, allowing them to experience the joys do not study music. of music making and to stimulate their creativity. The aim of the Nudgee College Music Performance Program is the development of students’ musical, social and personal awareness through participation in instrumental music instruction, ensembles, rehearsal and performance. Undertaking the study of music not only involves the learning of new skills, it also teaches important timetabling and time management skills, as students are given the responsibility of managing their lesson timetables.

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 5 6 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM Music ensembles

Whilst the music ensembles may vary from INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND year to year below is a summary of our core groups. This group caters for boys a minimum of 2-3 years of experience and upwards, depending NC POPS on vacancies for that instrument. The three main In the tradition of the Queensland, Boston skills which boys in this band will develop are their and Cincinnati Pops orchestra tradition, this group sound (tone), playing technique and music reading comprises of a mix of String, Woodwind, Brass, and ability. Repertoire will be selected to challenge Percussion Players with the addition of a rock rhythm the boys in these areas. Boys with a high standard section (electric guitar and keyboard) to make a of playing and a mature attitude are given the full pops symphony orchestra. The repertoire for this opportunity to audition for the Senior Concert Band. group includes a large mix of popular music ranging from contemporary pop/rock classics to popular classical music, hence their Pops Orchestra name. JUNIOR CONCERT BAND This group is made up of our strongest players This band is for boys in the College who are on all of the required instruments. This includes just starting out on their instrument (1-2 years). student string players of varied degrees of ability. Rehearsals centre on the goal of developing a nice These boys provide music for major College events sound (tone) and improving music reading ability. as required. In this band, boys develop at their own pace, gaining confi dence to progress to the next level. Boys who SENIOR CONCERT BAND show signs of rapid development will be given (ALSO CALLED NC BIG BAND) the opportunity to audition for the Intermediate Concert Band. Considerations for promotion Membership of this group is by audition only. to Intermediate Band will also include ability to It is the premier band at the College and performs socialise with older boys. at most formal occasions. Students are expected to have a high level of musical ability, as well as a high degree of punctuality and reliability. They must NC STAGE BAND be able to demonstrate superior leadership skills This is an eclectic contemporary ensemble and an ability to prepare their own parts featuring a horn section, rhythm section and a independently through regular practice. As far as possible, the instrumentation of this band should vocalist. The boys enjoy playing a range of diff erent refl ect the demands of the pieces chosen for musical styles, including contemporary rock, pop, performance. Students wishing to be part of this jazz, disco, and recently ska punk. This group is group should strive to the highest level of musical made up of our strongest players on all of the performance. Additional consideration will be given required instruments. The members of these groups to boys who play “endangered instruments”, such perform regularly at College and community events. as , bassoon, , tuba or euphonium. Entry is by audition only. A professional standard of performance is expected from these boys.

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 7 NC VOICES GUITAR ENSEMBLE This group includes students from Years 5 This group is for boys with quite developed to 12. They develop a love of singing through group guitar skills, including the ability to read music. music making. Students who wish to develop their The boys in this group will be expected to learn vocal skills are warmly welcomed into this ensemble. and perform in a variety of styles. Performance A commitment to fun, learning and attending all opportunities include Dimensions NC Art Festival, rehearsals/performances on time are the only entry Open Days, Music Soirees and other special events. requirements for this premier group. The NC Voices prepare repertoire for concerts, liturgies and offi cial College functions. ENSEMBLE This group has won a mix of silver and gold awards each year at QCMF. They specialise in NC DRUMLINE chamber music of various styles for . This multi-award winning marching percussion Members of this group must also take part in the ensemble were gold medal winners (2015-2018) Concert Band Program. Performance opportunities at the Queensland Catholic Schools’ and Colleges’ include Dimensions NC Art Festival, Open Days, Music Festival (QCMF) and won the National Music Soirees and other special events. Percussion Eisteddfod in 2009. This group caters for dedicated percussionists from Years 5 to 12. They feature at the Anzac Ceremony, Awards SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE Ceremony, Ekka and at regular home game GPS This group of four or more saxophones in various sporting events. ranges, specialise in chamber music of various styles for saxophone. Members of this group must also take part of the Concert Band Program. Performance opportunities include Dimensions Art Festival, Open Days, Music Soirees and other special events.

8 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM ENSEMBLE ROCK BAND 2 This newly formed group is to promote the As consistent gold award winners at QCMF, playing of Flute amongst boys. They play a wide this is our second premier contemporary music variety of chamber music for . Members of group at the College. The group may range in size this group must also take part of the Concert from a fi ve piece traditional rock band to a nine Band Program. Performance opportunities include piece band. They regularly tour interstate/nationally Dimensions NC Art Festival, Open Days, Music and is also demand for community events. Entry is Soirees and other special events. by audition only.

BRASS ENSEMBLE ROCK BAND 3, ROCK BAND 4 This is a specialised brass group made up of & ROCK BAND 5 , trombone, horn, euphonium and tuba These are our training bands for our players. Members of this group must also form part Contemporary Music Performance Program. of the Concert Band Program. The members of these groups perform regularly at College and community events. Entry is by audition only. ROCK BAND 1 As consistent gold award winners at QCMF, this is one of our premier contemporary music groups at the College. The group may range in size from a fi ve piece traditional rock band to an 11 piece pop/funk/soul group including a rock horn section (/ trombones/ saxes). The group prepares an amazing range of repertoire from modern to classic pop and rock from yesteryear. This group tours regularly interstate and internationally and is in demand for community events. Entry is by audition only. Auditions are Note: There are no charges for being involved in a held at the start of each calendar year. music ensemble.

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 9 Joining the Nudgee College co-curricular music program

To join a music enemble, please complete an MUSIC TUITION FEES Expression of Interest form from the College website. Students involved in the Nudgee College Co- curricular Music Program pay the same amount HOW TO ENROL FOR MUSIC for lessons as other private, independent or state LESSONS schools in Queensland. The Music Teachers’ Association of Queensland (www.mtaq.org.au) To enrol for Instrumental Music Lessons at sets this rate. At the time of printing, the MTAC Nudgee College you need to complete a Music recommend a rate of $35 per 30 minute lesson or Tuition Application Form. This can be achieved $70 per hour lesson or part thereof. in a number of ways, so please feel free to choose the method that is most convenient for you. Meticulous attendance logs are kept and reviewed each Term. We try where possible to • Download Music Tuition Application Form from account for excursions, sickness, and other excused www.nudgee.com and email a completed copy absences. Any lesson adjustments that are required of the form to [email protected] or drop to be made will be accounted for in the following it off at the Music Offi ce (Cleary Building, Term fees. Ground Floor) Students usually have a minimum of 8-10 • If you currently enrolled at the College and lessons per Term. Music tuition fees are payable to have a Parent Portal login, you can complete the College in advance at the start of each Term, and an electronic application using the Online are added to your College Tuition Account Fee. It is Services link appreciated, if your accounts are settled within two Please note the following: weeks of receiving the invoice. Please understand that if our accounts are not settled with reasonable • All new enrolments must be submitted using notice or a mutually agreeable arrangement is not one of these forms as there are fi nancial reached promptly with Finance, it is the prerogative implications involved with the enrolment, so of the Co-curricular Music Activities Director or the it contains an agreement College Leadership Team to suspend lessons for • Waiting lists may exist on some instruments, your child until the accounts are settled. so the submission of a form does not guarantee Please note: when a son/s is/are enrolled in an a place in a Tutor’s Studio. If this is the case, you extra-curricular activity i.e. Private Music Tuition will generally be notifi ed once the form has and parents are separated, the College will require been received at the Music Offi ce enrolment consent to be provided in writing or by • Parents have the opportunity to request email from both parents, as these fees are charged involvement in the optional AMEB or ANZCA to the parents fee account. exam preparation as part of the weekly lesson

10 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM LESSON STRUCTURES • Rotating Lesson Students joining the program generally receive If you are allocated a rotating lesson, the times one private lesson per week with a specialist teacher will change each week on a rotating timetable of the student’s chosen instrument. Group lessons and you will be advised each week what the are also available for Year 6 boys continuing from the new time will be. We use this general model Year 5 Music Immersion Program. Our private Music as our default, as it ensures a boy will not miss Tutors are some of Brisbane’s fi nest professional the same part of a lesson each week. musicians. • Fixed Lessons Music lessons are normally 30 minutes long May be requested by older boys in the music and held during the school day. A select number of program to ensure they minimize absence boys may request up to a one-hour private lesson from classes. This is particularly useful if the but this is generally limited to boys completing boys have a spare in their academic timetable. advanced instrumental Grades AMEB / ANZCA These type of lessons are arranged at a time Grades 5 and above or Year 12 boys in the Senior deemed mutually acceptable by the music Music Extension Program. teacher and the student, and must be approved at the discretion of the Co-curricular Music Most students will receive a rotating lesson that Activities Director. will take place during the College day. A selected number of students may request a fi xed lesson • Out of Hours Lessons (with permission), depending on availability from In some cases a tutor, may be happy to the tutor. This is the model for instrumental music continue to teach after the normal school day lessons that you will fi nd across the state, in private, has completed. In this case, only, allocations government and independent schools. of lessons outside of school times are at the discretion of the Tutor/Music Director and priority is given to senior Music students and boarders.

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 11 STUDENT MUSIC ENSEMBLE ABSENCES/MISSED LESSONS OBLIGATIONS A successful program can only remain so with All students involved in the Co-Curricular the commitment of parents, staff and students. Music Program are required to perform in the Continued absence from lesson and/or rehearsal large performing ensemble that is appropriate to can cause problems within the lessons group his instrument or voice. Ensemble placement is or ensemble. In order to keep a good working decided by audition and/or in consultation with relationship between students, tutors and parents, the Co-curricular Music Activities Director. there are specifi c communication guidelines to follow are outlined below: Proposed major performance dates for the year are posted in the College calendar, however closer to • Notice of Absence must be provided directly each performance details and any schedule changes to the Tutor or if you are unable to reach them, are provided via email, in the newsletter and on then the Music Offi ce at least 24 hours prior the College website. As much forward notice is to the scheduled lesson, or by 8.30am on the given of a special event (such as requests to play day in the case of illness. If a student is away for concerts, festivals etc.) as is possible. Where sick, a call or email directly to the Music Tutor possible, we also try to provide a Music Department or Music Offi ce prior to 8.30am is required to Performance Calendar on the Quick Links page of avoid lesson charges. This allows us to the College website each Semester to help parents reschedule another student into the timeslot. and students plan. Notifi cation after 8.30am, will unfortunately If students are unsure of their responsibilities, result in that lesson fee being forfeited they should discuss their concerns with their Music • An Excused Absence will be marked in the Tutor or Co-curricular Music Activities Director. The attendance register, if a student is away on rehearsals that precede an event are as important camp, an excursion, or cannot leave class due as the event itself. If a student fi nds himself in a date to assessment, providing enough notice has confl ict, it is imperative that he discusses this with been given for the Tutor to reschedule their the Co-curricular Music Activities Director as soon lessons for the day, and therefore not lose the as possible, as there is often a solution that they teaching time. If the student or parent does not may not have been considered yet. notify us in advance, or simply forgets to come to the lesson, we must pay the tutor, and therefore the parent must pay for that lesson

12 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM • An Unexcused Absence will be marked in the • It is a College policy that we do not ring attendance register, if a student does not show classrooms or chase boys in their class, if a up to a scheduled lesson without prior advance student has not shown up to his lesson. With notice. In this case, the scheduled lesson fee is over 400 boys in lessons each week, this is an forfeited. A replacement lesson will not be unfair expectation due to the size of the campus provided in lieu • Lesson Credits: Where lesson rescheduling due • Recurring absences without written explanation to an excused absence or sickness is not possible may result a student’s exclusion from a due to the close proximity to the end of Term performance or in extreme cases, from the (or in the case of long term illness), lessons fees music program. Generally, the conductor or will be credited to the following Term. If it is tutor will email a notice of recurring absence the end of the year, then a refund of the fee/s from lessons (or ensemble rehearsals) to parents, will be made available if a student has missed two lessons or rehearsals. A reply is expected from the parents to confi rm receipt of the notice DISCONTINUING LESSONS If you wish to discontinue lessons, then we Please note the following: require at least three weeks advance notifi cation • A note to the Pastoral Teacher or to the Main in writing. The notice should be sent to the Offi ce is unfortunately not suffi cient, as there Co-curricular Music Activities Director and the is no assurance it will make it to the Music Offi ce Music Tutor. with enough time for rescheduling to happen Please note the following: • Even when a student is going to be absent • You will be charged for the three weeks of on offi cial College excursions, year-level camps lessons from the time of notifi cation or because of assessment, it is still vital that the Music Offi ce and/or Tutor is advised so the • If you plan to fi nish instrumental lessons at the lesson can be rearranged end of a term, then three weeks’ notice should be given in Term time (i.e. before the completion of the Term). If notifi cation is not given prior to the break you will still be charged the three weeks of fees required for your notifi cation

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 13 WOODWIND, BRASS & STRING Consumable items such as music work books, INSTRUMENT LOANS woodwind reeds, cork grease, slide grease, key A limited number of Woodwind, Brass and oil, valve oil and replacement strings are the String instruments are available for student loan responsibility of the parents. These consumable (Please note: we do not loan Guitars, Drum Kits items are readily available from any good or ). instrumental music shop. You will be issued with a Loan Agreement for the instrument, which must be completed and GPS MUSIC REPRESENTATION signed before the instrument will be available for As a member school of the GPS Association, your student to take home. Students and parents the College takes in two major representative music agree to look after these instruments and keep them events through the year. in good working condition at all times. • GPS Senior School Music Showcase – QPAC Students may be required to return the instrument to the Music department at the request • GPS Junior Music Day of Excellence – Selected of the instrument tutor or the Co-curricular Music Venues Activities Director for checking, stocktaking and Entry to GPS music events is by nomination, servicing as required. and a selection committee from the GPS Music Parents are liable for any loss or damage Sub-Committee selects fi nal representatives. whilst the instrument is on loan to their student. You must be an active member of the Nudgee Coverage for the instrument should be included College Co-Curricular Music program to be in your normal household contents insurance nominated. This event represents the best musicians policy. General maintenance of instruments on long- in the GPS schools associations and is equivalent term loan will be the responsibility of the parents. to representation at GPS Sports.

14 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 15 Orchestral/Concert Band Music Curriculum Immersion Program (Year 5)

As part of the Year 5 Classroom Music Program The list of instruments includes , , at Nudgee College, all students in this year group and double bass. As the boys are young, they will be learn either a Concert Band or Orchestral String learning on smaller versions of these instruments. instrument to take part in a beginner classroom These are half (½) size for violin, viola and cello and band or orchestra. The boys have two music lessons quarter (¼) size for double bass. (Please note the per week as part of their normal weekly timetable. basses are still reasonably large, however where Through actively learning a musical instrument with possible, the boys will have access to two basses; a professional tutor and playing it in a class Band one to keep at home for practise and one at school or Orchestra, the boys will learn about music in a for classes). very practical way. This includes learning to read The list of Concert Band instruments available music at a basic level. This immersion program is a for Year 5 include woodwinds (fl ute, clarinet, standard part of the Nudgee College curriculum, alto saxophone), brass (trumpet, trombone or so there are no additional costs for participation euphonium) or percussion (featuring glockenspiel, for Year 5 boys. timpani and snare drum). It has been shown conclusively in many During their fi rst few music lessons at the start international studies on the developing brain that of the year, the boys have an opportunity to learn learning to play a musical instrument is one of the about the instruments on off er to their particular best ways for young people to fully develop their class, as well as to see and hear each of these brain’s capacity. Playing an instrument encourages played. From here, each boy is able to nominate the brain to develop a greater number of neurons the instrument they would be interested in learning / nerve connections between the left (analytical from those allocated to their class using a preference and mathematical) and right (creative and spatial) order system. sides or hemispheres, thus improving their overall cognitive (thinking) ability. Please fi nd below an Using this system, we try our best to match internet address for a great little video, featured each student to an instrument listed in their higher on Channel 7 News last year, which explains preferences on the form. Allocation of instruments much of this process in an easy to follow format. will be based on the very important need to create The Year 5 boys also watch this in class: http:// balanced musical groups (in the same way that thekidshouldseethis.com/post/ted-ed-how- not every person can be the goalkeeper in a playing-an-instrument- benefi ts-your-brain. soccer team). For a group to function as a Band or Orchestra we need to have both high and low The choice between Concert Band or pitch instruments. Similarly, if we allocate too Orchestral instruments will depend on their class many Percussionists, we will not be able to hear timetable allocations. Up to two classes will choose any of the Flutes or Clarinets. We also will take into instruments from the orchestral strings family and consideration some of the current physical attributes the remaining four classes will choose from Concert of the boys and that they will grow during the year. Band instruments.

16 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM For example, does the student have a long enough Please remember the boys are assessed on their reach in their arm to stretch out a trombone slide, work in learning to play an instrument, so they need or is he tall enough or strong enough to support a to take their home practice and lesson attendance as euphonium, cello or double bass, which are slightly seriously as they would any other subject. To achieve larger and heavier instruments. Unfortunately, we the best outcome from our Music Program, the boys cannot guarantee that all students will receive their will be encouraged to do around 10-15 minutes of fi rst few preferences and this has been discussed practice per weekday on their instrument, as set with the boys in their Music class. homework for music (minimum of 50 minutes total per week). The key to success for young musicians As part of this program, the boys will be is many short practices, done regularly. If they have provided with a small group instrument lesson each a few busy afternoons, weekend slots can be used week on their allocated instrument during one of as an alternative to make up their missed practice. their Music periods. They will also be provided with a free loan instrument belonging to the College, At the end of the year, all groups will join for a which should be taken home to practice each night fi nal concert in the last week of Term 4. After this, (with the exception of percussion and double bass anyone who has enjoyed the Year 5 program will students). Either most of the larger instruments have have the option to apply to continue tuition on built in wheels (cello) or a small trolley is provided this instrument for Year 6 and onwards (additional (euphoniums). charges apply beyond Year 5). This will also open up the option of playing a College Music ensemble Please note, that if your child has been allocated from Year 6 onwards as well. If the boys are not percussion, they will only be provided with a set of taking the option to continue in Year 6, they will sticks and they can use any fl at padded surface to be asked to return their instruments, spare parts practise on, they will not receive a drum kit. and lesson books. The instrument lessons, instrument loan (where applicable) and required books/accessories will be provided free of charge to the boys for the duration of this year. For the group instrument lessons, the boys will receive tutoring on their allocated instruments by specialist tutors during one of their two music classes per week. In their fi rst lesson, they will receive instruction on instrument care as well as to how to put their instrument together for playing. Lesson times are generally the same each week and your child will generally be notifi ed by the tutor or their class teacher if any changes occur.

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 17 18 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM History of music at Nudgee College

Music has been an integral part of the Nudgee , Richard Mills graduated from College curriculum since the College’s inception in Nudgee College in 1966. Richard was initially 1891. We even have photos of the College music a percussionist who went on to study at the classes, bands and from as far back Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Richard is as 1899. A number of very notable and famous now deservedly one of Australia’s most sought after musicians have graduated from Nudgee College and music directors. In recent years, and gone on to do great things in the music world. he has pursued a diverse career as a Composer and a Conductor, which has seen him working with a large Composer, Ron Grainer (1922-1981) graduated number of the nation’s music organisations. Notable from the College in 1938 and went on to study music works by Richard include the operatic version of in Great Britain, becoming one of Britain’s most Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. Mills continues renowned early fi lm and television composers. Ron a high level of involvement in the community is most famous for composing the famous theme through such commissions for music for the 1982 music for Dr Who, as well as a string of other theme Commonwealth Games, the 2000 Olympic Games, tunes for television and movies: Steptoe and Son, the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and the Australian Tales of the Unexpected, as well as the incidental Bicentenary re-orchestration of Charles Williams’ music for the famous movie To Sir with Love. Majestic Fanfare (the ABC news theme). Richard is currently the Artistic Director, Victorian and the In Perpetuity Director Emeritus Australian Music Program, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM 19 The founder of the Queensland Youth Orchestra Contemporary musician and Nudgee College and current Director of Music, Mr is also Old Boy Pete Murray (NC 1986-87) released his debut a Nudgee College Music Alumni, graduating in album Feeler in 2003, which has gone on to sell 1949. John studied at the Conservatorium of Music over half a million copies worldwide. The album in Rome and went onto play for a number of years earned him 12 nominations in the Australian Record with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. In 1969, Industry Awards (ARIA) and spent over two and a he was appointed to the staff of the Queensland half years in the Australian Top 100 Music Charts. Conservatorium of Music, a position he held for Like all schools, the popularity of styles of music almost 25 years. Mr Curro has conducted many of has waxed and waned as times have changed Australia’s professional orchestras as well as many throughout the years. For a while through the 1990s opera and ballet seasons in Australia. His guest the College also boasted a solely Contemporary appearances include the London Music program. Virtuosi, the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, the Australian and Bavarian Youth Orchestra, the Bangkok However, since 2012, a musical renaissance Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor has taken place as part of a wider cultural revival with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. for the Arts, and the College is now positioned Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Curro with a large and well-balanced Music program. has received many prestigious awards including From its modern classroom teaching methods Member of the Order of Australia and Member to traditional Concert bands, Choirs, Orchestras of the British Empire. He has received Honorary formations through to a unique Contemporary Doctorates from the University of Queensland Music Program, Nudgee College has something and Griffi th University, Rotary International’s Paul to off er all budding musicians. Harris Fellow award, the Australian Music Centre (Qld) Award, the Music Award, the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award, the Orchestras Australia Lifetime Achievement award and the Queensland Premier’s Millennium Award for Excellence in the Arts.

20 ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE 2199 Sandgate Rd, Boondall, QLD 4034 Telephone: 07 3865 0555 Fax: 07 3865 0500 Email: [email protected] www.nudgee.com

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