Music

Eric Kim – Headmaster’s Assembly

Last Thursday, Music Captain Eric Kim (Year 12) delivered another splendid solo performance—something we have come to expect as he nears the end of his journey with Churchie Music. After performing solo with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra earlier this year, it is wonderful to see Eric continue to grow as a musician, constantly challenging himself with new repertoire, such as the renowned Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3, performed at Headmaster’s Assembly.

Please follow this link to a recording of Eric’s performance:

Jazz Under the Stars, 1 August 2025

Preparations are progressing well as we look forward to welcoming the magnificent vocalist Emma Pask and her trio to Main Oval. With no GPS fixtures scheduled that weekend, we hope this encourages you to bring friends and extended family along to what promises to be another memorable evening for the Churchie community.

More about Emma:

• By request, she performed the bridal waltz for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban at their wedding.
• More recently, she supported legendary guitarist and vocalist George Benson on his Australian tour.
• Emma is a Mo Award winner for Jazz Vocalist of the Year and has received two ARIA Award nominations for Best Jazz Album in 2014 and 2016.
• She has had the honour of performing for VIP audiences including the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and Princess Mary of Denmark.

Queensland Youth Symphony – Alex Smith

On Saturday evening, Queensland Youth Symphony trombonist Alex Smith (Year 11) performed the original Star Wars score at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. It was an enjoyable night for all who attended, with the ensemble displaying maturity beyond their years in presenting this iconic neo-romantic score—pleasing to the ear and rich with nostalgia.

Well done, Alex!

Luka Roberts (Year 12) Professional Engagement with Sigur Ros

Last week, Luka Roberts experienced the life of a professional musician, performing with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra in two sold-out shows at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex alongside the enigmatic Sigur Rós. Luka was the only high school student on stage—a rare and cherished opportunity in what has been an outstanding musical year for him. Congratulations, Luka!

Choral Concert

A night of Australian choral excellence at Churchie.

What a magnificent evening we shared on Wednesday 28 May at the Churchie Choral Concert. It was a special occasion that showcased the exceptional talent of our boys’ vocal groups and highlighted music by Australian composers and songwriters.

Our Junior Voices charmed the audience with spirited renditions of ‘Row Your Boat,’ the evocative ‘Can You See the Wind,’ and the beautiful ‘Sea Song.’ These young performers continue to impress with their enthusiasm and budding musicality.

Fresh from their Gold Award and second place at QYMA, our Prep Choir sparkled with energetic performances of ‘Storm’ and ‘Giant of the Forest,’ demonstrating why they are already achieving great success.

Viking Vocals: Dynamic acapella jazz

The Viking Vocals series revealed the depth of vocal talent at Churchie:

• Viking Vocals 3 performed a powerful ‘Mad World’ and an energetic ‘Dance Monkey’ featuring Jeb Barden.
• Viking Vocals 2 delighted with their lively version of the ‘Theme from Spiderman’ and a thoughtful ‘Help’ by Lennon and McCartney.
• Viking Vocals 1 challenged musical boundaries with Michelle Nicolle’s intricate ‘Navigating What?’ and a tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis with ‘Seven Steps to Heaven’—showcasing collaborative arrangement and standout solos by Alex Ma, Caspar West, Jacob Staggs and Noah Oxenford.

Senior Voices captivated with Joe Twist’s ‘Rain Dream,’ the gentle beauty of Alice Chance’s ‘So Strong’—featuring accompanist Christian Gante—and had the audience singing along to Neil Finn’s iconic ‘Better Be Home Soon.’

The Vanguard impressed once again, delivering an ethereal ‘Sing Me to Heaven’ and the joyful ‘Da Coconut Nut’ by Ryan Cayabyab.

A special guest and grand finale

We were honoured to welcome the St John’s Cathedral Choristers, who gave a stunning performance of Magnificat by esteemed Churchie Old Boy Dr Robert Boughen. It was a poignant moment celebrating the legacy of one of our own.

The evening culminated in a powerful Massed Combined Choirs performance of Robert T. Gibson’s ‘Dance’—a resounding celebration of unity and talent within our choral programme.

Congratulations to all boys and staff for their commitment, hard work and musical excellence. The future of choral music at Churchie is bright.

Please follow this link to recordings from the concert:

Music badges

If you have played in two ensembles for two or more years, please see Mr Davison in the Music Department to collect your music badge. These badges are a meaningful representation of your commitment to music and may be worn in accordance with the uniform policy.

Churchie’s Best Solos auditions

Churchie’s Best Solos is the only concert in our calendar that shines the spotlight on solo performers. The competition celebrates outstanding instrumental and vocal soloists from Years 7 to 12, with students competing for the coveted title of Churchie’s Best Solos artist.

Auditions will take place over three days. Students must prepare a solo piece that demonstrates their ability and comfort on their chosen instrument or voice, selected in consultation with their private instructor.

Registration closes Friday 13 June 2025.

Select an audition time here.

Upcoming events in Term 3

Looking ahead to Term 3, please note the following key music events:

• Soirees (all music students in Years 7–12): Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 July 2025
• Churchie’s Best Solos (successful auditionees): Thursday 24 July 2025
• Jazz Under the Stars (Windpower, Squeak, Gypsy Strings, Twisted Metal, Eagle Guitars, Flute Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Churchie Guitars, Big Band 1–5, Viking Vocals 1–3): Friday 1 August 2025
• Gala rehearsal at QUT Gardens Theatre (Concert Band, Jensen Winds, Morris Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings 1 and 2, Churchie Strings, Senior Voices, Churchie Guitars, Eagle Guitars): Wednesday 20 August 2025
• Gala Concert at QUT Gardens Theatre (same ensembles as above): Thursday 21 August 2025
• Senior Farewell (Morris Wind Symphony, Big Band 1, Chamber Strings 1, Senior Voices): Tuesday 16 September 2025

Bohdan Davison
Director of Music