For this newsletter article, I decided to hand over to our Junior School Music Captains so you could hear from them all the great things that have been happening in music in the Junior Schools, and what it has meant to them to be involved.
From our JSK Music Captains: Mia and Isaac
Looking back on our time in music, it’s hard to believe how quickly it’s all gone. Some of our favourite memories aren’t even from the performances themselves, but from the rehearsals, the things that went wrong, the moments we couldn’t stop laughing and the people who made showing up each week something to look forward to. As we graduate, we think what we’ll miss most isn’t necessarily the music itself, but the people we got to make it with, and the fact that we won’t all be in the same room doing it together again.
Vivace, the Junior school auditioned choir has truly been a delight for both of us. Mr Dickinson, our hilarious conductor, has been a joy, from weekly assemblies to nerve-wracking but also exhilarating summer concerts, performing in Vivace has been a big highlight of our time in Junior School.
Los Bandidos has been an amazing experience, as has Bel Canto. Weekly meetups on Tuesdays and Fridays (even if it was at 7.30 in the morning) was always something we looked forward to. We will really miss you Ms Russell (our amazing Bel Canto teacher), and of course, we can’t forget Mr Arnold (the great Los Bandidos conductor), who, despite his strictness sometimes, is the best band conductor one could hope for.
Metcalfe Strings was a big, bold highlight for us. We made countless friends we never thought we would even talk to and had so much fun during rehearsals, but the best part were the performances. Of course, Metcalfe wouldn’t be the same without Mr Johnston and Mr Barker, the ones that held us together and encouraged us every step of the way!
We both love music and we hope these co-curricular activities will only get more fun, enjoyable, entertaining, and, well, musical!
From our JSD Music Captains: Katherine and Elliot
What a year it’s been! 2026 has been full of opportunities for the Donvale ensembles, giving each and every student a chance to shine. Throughout the year, the ensembles have worked hard in rehearsals and excelled in performances, showcasing their talent, dedication and love for music.
Fiddlesticks and Sforzando gave an excellent performance at the Winter Strings Concert, highlighting the skill of collaboration and showing our growth throughout the year.
Musique du Coeur and Chamber Choir were involved in the premiere of Dan Walker’s ‘An Ode to Music’, providing both choirs with a lot of excitement and the opportunity to work with singers from Middle and Senior School.
Bandit has continued to develop and throughout the year and we have loved working on different pieces and learning how to play the best we possibly can.
Overall, the year has been spectacular, with the above just being a tiny snippet of all the amazing things that happened. So much was achieved, and we learnt so much on the way. So, to the amazing music staff – thank you for your passion, dedication and constant hard work and discipline. You’ve taught us all so much and without you none of this would be possible.
And to the students: in the end, you’re the reason we have our music community. You’ve proven time and time again how lucky Carey is to have such wonderful musicians.
Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts
