st joseph’s nudgee college co-curricular music …

CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE

www.nudgee.com

S T J O S E P H ’ S N U D G E E C O L L E G E C O - C U R R I C U L A R M U S I C P R O G R A M 1

Contents

CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM


• 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

2 S T J O S E P H ’ S N U D G E E C O L L E G E C O - C U R R I C U L A R M U S I C P R O G R A M


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 FOSTERMusic Director (Activities)

Coordinator of Music (Academic)

Email: [email protected] Tel: 07 3865 0506


The academic benefi ts of engaging in instrumental music

Learning music develops and improves

learning abilities. Music education develops basic

cognitive and learning skills that improve student

performance across all subject areas. This claim

is supported by a wide range of Australian and

international academic literature across areas of

brain research, psychology and behavioural studies.

Learning music improves auditory skills. Neural

researchers at Northwestern University in the United

States have found that students who had musical

training in childhood were better able to pick out

a wider range of essential elements of sound, like

pitch, timing and timbre. This ability to discern

the components of sound plays a major role in

developing a child’s capacity to make sound-to-

meaning connections, learn to speak and learn

written languages, including foreign languages.

Learning music enhances early childhood

development of the brain. Research at the University

of California has found that learning and playing

music builds or modifi es neural pathways related to

spatial reasoning tasks, which are crucial for higher

brain functions. This study showed that preschool

children who received basic piano keyboard

instruction scored an average of 34 per cent higher

on tests of their reasoning skills than children who

were given computer and singing lessons. Singing

together increases serotonin and oxytocin levels

in participants, which is very helpful in mental

well-being and provides for enhanced social

interaction (Griffi th University).

Learning music can enhance non-musical

abilities. A two year Swiss study involved 1,200

children in 50 schools. The students were taken

from regular classes for three additional one-hour

music classes per week.


At the end of the experiment, despite missing

regular classes, these students were better at

languages, learned to read more easily, had better

social relations, demonstrated more enjoyment

in school, and had a lower stress level than those

who remained in regular classes. Learning music

improves test scores in key academic subjects. A 12

year study linked to Harvard, Stanford and Columbia

universities that tracked more than 25,000 students,

found that across all backgrounds, music students

get higher marks in school tests than students who

do not study music.

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.

Involvement in music will add signifi cantly to

the quality of life for the boys both now at school

and later on. It is inevitable that scheduling confl icts

will arise between music and sport, assessment,

camps, excursions and other co-curricular

activities. Learning to manage these confl ict using

proper communication and forward- thinking is

an invaluable life skill.

Students will be encouraged to participate in

a wide variety of musical ensembles and musical

activities, allowing them to experience the joys

of music making and to stimulate their creativity.


Music ensembles

Whilst the music ensembles may vary from

year to year below is a summary of our core groups.

NC POPS ORCHESTRAIn the tradition of the Queensland, Boston

and Cincinnati Pops orchestra tradition, this group

comprises of a mix of String, Woodwind, Brass, and

Percussion Players with the addition of a rock rhythm

section (electric bass guitar and keyboard) to make a

full pops symphony orchestra. The repertoire for this

group includes a large mix of popular music ranging

from contemporary pop/rock classics to popular

classical music, hence their Pops Orchestra name.

This group is made up of our strongest players

on all of the required instruments. This includes

student string players of varied degrees of ability.

These boys provide music for major College events

as required.

SENIOR CONCERT BAND (ALSO CALLED NC BIG BAND)

Membership of this group is by audition only.

It is the premier band at the College and performs

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

be able to demonstrate superior leadership skills

and an ability to prepare their own parts

independently through regular practice. As far as

possible, the instrumentation of this band should

refl ect the demands of the pieces chosen for

performance. Students wishing to be part of this

group should strive to the highest level of musical

performance. Additional consideration will be given

to boys who play “endangered instruments”, such

as French horn, bassoon, oboe, tuba or euphonium.

A professional standard of performance is expected

from these boys.

INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND

This group caters for boys a minimum of

2-3 years of experience and upwards, depending

on vacancies for that instrument. The three main

skills which boys in this band will develop are their

sound (tone), playing technique and music reading

ability. Repertoire will be selected to challenge

the boys in these areas. Boys with a high standard

of playing and a mature attitude are given the

opportunity to audition for the Senior Concert Band.

JUNIOR CONCERT BAND

This band is for boys in the College who are

just starting out on their instrument (1-2 years).

Rehearsals centre on the goal of developing a nice

sound (tone) and improving music reading ability.

In this band, boys develop at their own pace, gaining

confi dence to progress to the next level. Boys who

show signs of rapid development will be given

the opportunity to audition for the Intermediate

Concert Band. Considerations for promotion

to Intermediate Band will also include ability to

socialise with older boys.

NC STAGE BAND

This is an eclectic contemporary ensemble

featuring a horn section, rhythm section and a

vocalist. The boys enjoy playing a range of diff erent

musical styles, including contemporary rock, pop,

jazz, disco, and recently ska punk. This group is

made up of our strongest players on all of the

required instruments. The members of these groups

perform regularly at College and community events.

Entry is by audition only.


NC VOICES

This group includes students from Years 5

to 12. They develop a love of singing through group

music making. Students who wish to develop their

vocal skills are warmly welcomed into this ensemble.

A commitment to fun, learning and attending all

rehearsals/performances on time are the only entry

requirements for this premier group. The NC Voices

prepare repertoire for concerts, liturgies and offi cial

College functions.

NC DRUMLINE

This multi-award winning marching percussion

ensemble were gold medal winners (2015-2018)

at the Queensland Catholic Schools’ and Colleges’

Music Festival (QCMF) and won the National

Percussion Eisteddfod in 2009. This group caters

for dedicated percussionists from Years 5 to 12.

They feature at the Anzac Ceremony, Awards

Ceremony, Ekka and at regular home game GPS

sporting events.

GUITAR ENSEMBLE

This group is for boys with quite developed

guitar skills, including the ability to read music.

The boys in this group will be expected to learn

and perform in a variety of styles. Performance

opportunities include Dimensions NC Art Festival,

Open Days, Music Soirees and other special events.

CLARINET ENSEMBLE

This group has won a mix of silver and gold

awards each year at QCMF. They specialise in

chamber music of various styles for clarinets.

Members of this group must also take part in the

Concert Band Program. Performance opportunities

include Dimensions NC Art Festival, Open Days,

Music Soirees and other special events.

SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE

This group of four or more saxophones in various

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.


FLUTE ENSEMBLE

This newly formed group is to promote the

playing of Flute amongst boys. They play a wide

variety of chamber music for Flutes. Members of

this group must also take part of the Concert

Band Program. Performance opportunities include

Dimensions NC Art Festival, Open Days, Music

Soirees and other special events.

BRASS ENSEMBLE

This is a specialised brass group made up of

trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium and tuba

players. Members of this group must also form part

of the Concert Band Program.

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 (trumpets/ 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

held at the start of each calendar year.

ROCK BAND 2

As consistent gold award winners at QCMF,

this is our second premier contemporary music

group at the College. The group may range in size

from a fi ve piece traditional rock band to a nine

piece band. They regularly tour interstate/nationally

and is also demand for community events. Entry is

by audition only.

ROCK BAND 3, ROCK BAND 4 & ROCK BAND 5

These are our training bands for our

Contemporary Music Performance Program.

The members of these groups perform regularly

at College and community events. Entry is by

audition only.

Note: There are no charges for being involved in a

music ensemble.


Joining the Nudgee College co-curricular music program

To join a music enemble, please complete an

Expression of Interest form from the College website.

HOW TO ENROL FOR MUSIC LESSONS

To enrol for Instrumental Music Lessons at

Nudgee College you need to complete a Music

Tuition Application Form. This can be achieved

in a number of ways, so please feel free to choose

the method that is most convenient for you.

• Download Music Tuition Application Form from

www.nudgee.com and email a completed copy

of the form to [email protected] or drop

it off at the Music Offi ce (Cleary Building,

Ground Floor)

• If you currently enrolled at the College and

have a Parent Portal login, you can complete

an electronic application using the Online

Services link

Please note the following:

• All new enrolments must be submitted using

one of these forms as there are fi nancial

implications involved with the enrolment, so

it contains an agreement

• Waiting lists may exist on some instruments,

so the submission of a form does not guarantee

a place in a Tutor’s Studio. If this is the case, you

will generally be notifi ed once the form has

been received at the Music Offi ce

• Parents have the opportunity to request

involvement in the optional AMEB or ANZCA

exam preparation as part of the weekly lesson

MUSIC TUITION FEES

Students involved in the Nudgee College Co-

curricular Music Program pay the same amount

for lessons as other private, independent or state

schools in Queensland. The Music Teachers’

Association of Queensland (www.mtaq.org.au)

sets this rate. At the time of printing, the MTAC

recommend a rate of $35 per 30 minute lesson or

$70 per hour lesson or part thereof.

Meticulous attendance logs are kept and

reviewed each Term. We try where possible to

account for excursions, sickness, and other excused

absences. Any lesson adjustments that are required

to be made will be accounted for in the following

Term fees.

Students usually have a minimum of 8-10

lessons per Term. Music tuition fees are payable to

the College in advance at the start of each Term, and

are added to your College Tuition Account Fee. It is

appreciated, if your accounts are settled within two

weeks of receiving the invoice. Please understand

that if our accounts are not settled with reasonable

notice or a mutually agreeable arrangement is not

reached promptly with Finance, it is the prerogative

of the Co-curricular Music Activities Director or the

College Leadership Team to suspend lessons for

your child until the accounts are settled.

Please note: when a son/s is/are enrolled in an

extra-curricular activity i.e. Private Music Tuition

and parents are separated, the College will require

enrolment consent to be provided in writing or by

email from both parents, as these fees are charged

to the parents fee account.


LESSON STRUCTURES

Students joining the program generally receive

one private lesson per week with a specialist teacher

of the student’s chosen instrument. Group lessons

are also available for Year 6 boys continuing from the

Year 5 Music Immersion Program. Our private Music

Tutors are some of Brisbane’s fi nest professional

musicians.

Music lessons are normally 30 minutes long

and held during the school day. A select number of

boys may request up to a one-hour private lesson

but this is generally limited to boys completing

advanced instrumental Grades AMEB / ANZCA

Grades 5 and above or Year 12 boys in the Senior

Music Extension Program.

Most students will receive a rotating lesson that

will take place during the College day. A selected

number of students may request a fi xed lesson

(with permission), depending on availability from

the tutor. This is the model for instrumental music

lessons that you will fi nd across the state, in private,

government and independent schools.

• Rotating Lesson

If you are allocated a rotating lesson, the times

will change each week on a rotating timetable

and you will be advised each week what the

new time will be. We use this general model

as our default, as it ensures a boy will not miss

the same part of a lesson each week.

• Fixed Lessons

May be requested by older boys in the music

program to ensure they minimize absence

from classes. This is particularly useful if the

boys have a spare in their academic timetable.

These type of lessons are arranged at a time

deemed mutually acceptable by the music

teacher and the student, and must be approved

at the discretion of the Co-curricular Music

Activities Director.

• Out of Hours Lessons

In some cases a tutor, may be happy to

continue to teach after the normal school day

has completed. In this case, only, allocations

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.


STUDENT MUSIC ENSEMBLE OBLIGATIONS

All students involved in the Co-Curricular

Music Program are required to perform in the

large performing ensemble that is appropriate to

his instrument or voice. Ensemble placement is

decided by audition and/or in consultation with

the Co-curricular Music Activities Director.

Proposed major performance dates for the year

are posted in the College calendar, however closer to

each performance details and any schedule changes

are provided via email, in the newsletter and on

the College website. As much forward notice is

given of a special event (such as requests to play

for concerts, festivals etc.) as is possible. Where

possible, we also try to provide a Music Department

Performance Calendar on the Quick Links page of

the College website each Semester to help parents

and students plan.

If students are unsure of their responsibilities,

they should discuss their concerns with their Music

Tutor or Co-curricular Music Activities Director. The

rehearsals that precede an event are as important

as the event itself. If a student fi nds himself in a date

confl ict, it is imperative that he discusses this with

the Co-curricular Music Activities Director as soon

as possible, as there is often a solution that they

may not have been considered yet.

ABSENCES/MISSED LESSONS

A successful program can only remain so with

the commitment of parents, staff and students.

Continued absence from lesson and/or rehearsal

can cause problems within the lessons group

or ensemble. In order to keep a good working

relationship between students, tutors and parents,

there are specifi c communication guidelines to

follow are outlined below:

• Notice of Absence must be provided directly

to the Tutor or if you are unable to reach them,

then the Music Offi ce at least 24 hours prior

to the scheduled lesson, or by 8.30am on the

day in the case of illness. If a student is away

sick, a call or email directly to the Music Tutor

or Music Offi ce prior to 8.30am is required to

avoid lesson charges. This allows us to

reschedule another student into the timeslot.

Notifi cation after 8.30am, will unfortunately

result in that lesson fee being forfeited

• An Excused Absence will be marked in the

attendance register, if a student is away on

camp, an excursion, or cannot leave class due

to assessment, providing enough notice has

been given for the Tutor to reschedule their

lessons for the day, and therefore not lose the

teaching time. If the student or parent does not

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


• An Unexcused Absence will be marked in the

attendance register, if a student does not show

up to a scheduled lesson without prior advance

notice. In this case, the scheduled lesson fee is

forfeited. A replacement lesson will not be

provided in lieu

• Recurring absences without written explanation

may result a student’s exclusion from a

performance or in extreme cases, from the

music program. Generally, the conductor or

tutor will email a notice of recurring absence

from lessons (or ensemble rehearsals) to parents,

if a student has missed two lessons or rehearsals.

A reply is expected from the parents to confi rm

receipt of the notice


• A note to the Pastoral Teacher or to the Main

Offi ce is unfortunately not suffi cient, as there

is no assurance it will make it to the Music Offi ce

with enough time for rescheduling to happen

• Even when a student is going to be absent

on offi cial College excursions, year-level camps

or because of assessment, it is still vital that the

Music Offi ce and/or Tutor is advised so the

lesson can be rearranged

• It is a College policy that we do not ring

classrooms or chase boys in their class, if a

student has not shown up to his lesson. With

over 400 boys in lessons each week, this is an

unfair expectation due to the size of the campus

• Lesson Credits: Where lesson rescheduling due

to an excused absence or sickness is not possible

due to the close proximity to the end of Term

(or in the case of long term illness), lessons fees

will be credited to the following Term. If it is

the end of the year, then a refund of the fee/s

will be made available

DISCONTINUING LESSONS

If you wish to discontinue lessons, then we

require at least three weeks advance notifi cation

in writing. The notice should be sent to the

Co-curricular Music Activities Director and the

Music Tutor.


• You will be charged for the three weeks of

lessons from the time of notifi cation

• If you plan to fi nish instrumental lessons at the

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


WOODWIND, BRASS & STRING INSTRUMENT LOANS

A limited number of Woodwind, Brass and

String instruments are available for student loan

(Please note: we do not loan Guitars, Drum Kits

or Pianos).

You will be issued with a Loan Agreement for

the instrument, which must be completed and

signed before the instrument will be available for

your student to take home. Students and parents

agree to look after these instruments and keep them

in good working condition at all times.

Students may be required to return the

instrument to the Music department at the request

of the instrument tutor or the Co-curricular Music

Activities Director for checking, stocktaking and

servicing as required.

Parents are liable for any loss or damage

whilst the instrument is on loan to their student.

Coverage for the instrument should be included

in your normal household contents insurance

policy. General maintenance of instruments on long-

term loan will be the responsibility of the parents.

Consumable items such as music work books,

woodwind reeds, cork grease, slide grease, key

oil, valve oil and replacement strings are the

responsibility of the parents. These consumable

items are readily available from any good

instrumental music shop.

GPS MUSIC REPRESENTATION

As a member school of the GPS Association,

the College takes in two major representative music

events through the year.

• GPS Senior School Music Showcase – QPAC

• GPS Junior Music Day of Excellence – Selected

Venues

Entry to GPS music events is by nomination,

and a selection committee from the GPS Music

Sub-Committee selects fi nal representatives.

You must be an active member of the Nudgee

College Co-Curricular Music program to be

nominated. This event represents the best musicians

in the GPS schools associations and is equivalent

to representation at GPS Sports.


Orchestral/Concert Band Music Curriculum Immersion

Program (Year 5)

As part of the Year 5 Classroom Music Program

at Nudgee College, all students in this year group

learn either a Concert Band or Orchestral String

instrument to take part in a beginner classroom

band or orchestra. The boys have two music lessons

per week as part of their normal weekly timetable.

Through actively learning a musical instrument with

a professional tutor and playing it in a class Band

or Orchestra, the boys will learn about music in a

very practical way. This includes learning to read

music at a basic level. This immersion program is a

standard part of the Nudgee College curriculum,

so there are no additional costs for participation

for Year 5 boys.

It has been shown conclusively in many

international studies on the developing brain that

learning to play a musical instrument is one of the

best ways for young people to fully develop their

brain’s capacity. Playing an instrument encourages

the brain to develop a greater number of neurons

/ nerve connections between the left (analytical

and mathematical) and right (creative and spatial)

sides or hemispheres, thus improving their overall

cognitive (thinking) ability. Please fi nd below an

internet address for a great little video, featured

on Channel 7 News last year, which explains

much of this process in an easy to follow format.

The Year 5 boys also watch this in class: http://

thekidshouldseethis.com/post/ted-ed-how-

playing-an-instrument- benefi ts-your-brain.

The choice between Concert Band or

Orchestral instruments will depend on their class

timetable allocations. Up to two classes will choose

instruments from the orchestral strings family and

the remaining four classes will choose from Concert

Band instruments.

The list of instruments includes violin, viola, cello

and double bass. As the boys are young, they will be

learning on smaller versions of these instruments.

These are half (½) size for violin, viola and cello and

quarter (¼) size for double bass. (Please note the

basses are still reasonably large, however where

possible, the boys will have access to two basses;

one to keep at home for practise and one at school

for classes).

The list of Concert Band instruments available

for Year 5 include woodwinds (fl ute, clarinet,

alto saxophone), brass (trumpet, trombone or

euphonium) or percussion (featuring glockenspiel,

timpani and snare drum).

During their fi rst few music lessons at the start

of the year, the boys have an opportunity to learn

about the instruments on off er to their particular

class, as well as to see and hear each of these

played. From here, each boy is able to nominate

the instrument they would be interested in learning

from those allocated to their class using a preference

order system.

Using this system, we try our best to match

each student to an instrument listed in their higher

preferences on the form. Allocation of instruments

will be based on the very important need to create

balanced musical groups (in the same way that

not every person can be the goalkeeper in a

soccer team). For a group to function as a Band

or Orchestra we need to have both high and low

pitch instruments. Similarly, if we allocate too

many Percussionists, we will not be able to hear

any of the Flutes or Clarinets. We also will take into

consideration some of the current physical attributes

of the boys and that they will grow during the year.


For example, does the student have a long enough

reach in their arm to stretch out a trombone slide,

or is he tall enough or strong enough to support a

euphonium, cello or double bass, which are slightly

larger and heavier instruments. Unfortunately, we

cannot guarantee that all students will receive their

fi rst few preferences and this has been discussed

with the boys in their Music class.

As part of this program, the boys will be

provided with a small group instrument lesson each

week on their allocated instrument during one of

their Music periods. They will also be provided with

a free loan instrument belonging to the College,

which should be taken home to practice each night

(with the exception of percussion and double bass

students). Either most of the larger instruments have

built in wheels (cello) or a small trolley is provided

(euphoniums).

Please note, that if your child has been allocated

percussion, they will only be provided with a set of

sticks and they can use any fl at padded surface to

practise on, they will not receive a drum kit.

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.

Please remember the boys are assessed on their

work in learning to play an instrument, so they need

to take their home practice and lesson attendance as

seriously as they would any other subject. To achieve

the best outcome from our Music Program, the boys

will be encouraged to do around 10-15 minutes of

practice per weekday on their instrument, as set

homework for music (minimum of 50 minutes total

per week). The key to success for young musicians

is many short practices, done regularly. If they have

a few busy afternoons, weekend slots can be used

as an alternative to make up their missed practice.

At the end of the year, all groups will join for a

fi nal concert in the last week of Term 4. After this,

anyone who has enjoyed the Year 5 program will

have the option to apply to continue tuition on

this instrument for Year 6 and onwards (additional

charges apply beyond Year 5). This will also open

up the option of playing a College Music ensemble

from Year 6 onwards as well. If the boys are not

taking the option to continue in Year 6, they will

be asked to return their instruments, spare parts

and lesson books.


History of music at Nudgee College

Music has been an integral part of the Nudgee

College curriculum since the College’s inception in

1891. We even have photos of the College music

classes, bands and orchestras from as far back

as 1899. A number of very notable and famous

musicians have graduated from Nudgee College

and gone on to do great things in the music world.

Composer, Ron Grainer (1922-1981) graduated

from the College in 1938 and went on to study music

in Great Britain, becoming one of Britain’s most

renowned early fi lm and television composers. Ron

is most famous for composing the famous theme

music for Dr Who, as well as a string of other theme

tunes for television and movies: Steptoe and Son,

Tales of the Unexpected, as well as the incidental

music for the famous movie To Sir with Love.

Composer, Richard Mills graduated from

Nudgee College in 1966. Richard was initially

a percussionist who went on to study at the

Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Richard is

now deservedly one of Australia’s most sought after

composers and music directors. In recent years,

he has pursued a diverse career as a Composer and a

Conductor, which has seen him working with a large

number of the nation’s music organisations. Notable

works by Richard include the operatic version of

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. Mills continues

a high level of involvement in the community

through such commissions for music for the 1982

Commonwealth Games, the 2000 Olympic Games,

the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and the Australian

Bicentenary re-orchestration of Charles Williams’

Majestic Fanfare (the ABC news theme). Richard

is currently the Artistic Director, Victorian Opera

and the In Perpetuity Director Emeritus Australian

Music Program, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.


The founder of the Queensland Youth Orchestra

and current Director of Music, Mr John Curro is also

a Nudgee College Music Alumni, graduating in

1949. John studied at the Conservatorium of Music

in Rome and went onto play for a number of years

with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. In 1969,

he was appointed to the staff of the Queensland

Conservatorium of Music, a position he held for

almost 25 years. Mr Curro has conducted many of

Australia’s professional orchestras as well as many

opera and ballet seasons in Australia. His guest

conducting appearances include the London

Virtuosi, the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, the

Australian and Bavarian Youth Orchestra, the Bangkok

Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor

with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Curro

has received many prestigious awards including

Member of the Order of Australia and Member

of the British Empire. He has received Honorary

Doctorates from the University of Queensland

and Griffi th University, Rotary International’s Paul

Harris Fellow award, the Australian Music Centre

(Qld) Award, the Don Banks 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.

Contemporary musician and Nudgee College

Old Boy Pete Murray (NC 1986-87) released his debut

album Feeler in 2003, which has gone on to sell

over half a million copies worldwide. The album

earned him 12 nominations in the Australian Record

Industry Awards (ARIA) and spent over two and a

half years in the Australian Top 100 Music Charts.

Like all schools, the popularity of styles of music

has waxed and waned as times have changed

throughout the years. For a while through the 1990s

the College also boasted a solely Contemporary

Music program.

However, since 2012, a musical renaissance

has taken place as part of a wider cultural revival

for the Arts, and the College is now positioned

with a large and well-balanced Music program.

From its modern classroom teaching methods

to traditional Concert bands, Choirs, Orchestras

formations through to a unique Contemporary

Music Program, Nudgee College has something

to off er all budding musicians.

www.nudgee.com


2199 Sandgate Rd, Boondall, QLD 4034

Telephone: 07 3865 0555 Fax: 07 3865 0500

Email: [email protected]

A Catholic School in the Edmund Rice TraditionABN 96 372 268 340 CRICOS Provider No. 00572G

st joseph’s nudgee college co-curricular music …

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