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Rising Stars: Catholic Schools Music Festival celebrates young talent
The Catholic Schools Music Festival (CSMF) has once again positioned itself as the ‘Grand Finale’ for the Term 3 school calendar.
Now in its 36th year, the Catholic Education SA festival brought together approximately 1,800 students from 83 metropolitan and regional Catholic schools from across South Australia to showcase their musical talents.
Held in the Festival Theatre at the Adelaide Festival Centre across four nights from September 23 to 26, each performance comprised of a carefully crafted medley of talented youth.
The 2024 theme ‘Where Dreams Begin’ included songs from the Walt Disney/Pixar film BRAVE, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Musicals CAROUSEL (1945) and THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1959), as well as an Off To See The Wizard Tribute arranged by Pamela Buccini and Denise Rothall.
Each of the performances involved a 400-voice choir of students in Years 5 to 7 from 71 Catholic primary schools. The massed choirs were accompanied by St Mary’s College Senior Choir and a Combined Secondary Boys Vocal Ensemble of 35 boys from 8 colleges, providing a rich baritone element.
The arrangements of the choral songs involved soloists chosen by audition and this year were complemented by selected secondary students in a string ensemble and rhythm section.
Throughout the evening, the choral brackets were interspersed with performances by support acts which consisted of soloists and ensembles who are selected by audition from Catholic secondary schools.
Catholic Education SA Executive Director Dr Neil McGoran said the music festival, produced and managed by Music Director Denise Rothall and Production Coordinator Samantha Taylor, continues to be a highlight of the South Australian Catholic Education calendar.
“We are so proud of these students who are a part of the festival. It is a wonderful celebration of musical talent, joy and life in our students who come from right across our Catholic school communities.”
Festival director Denise Rothall said: “The Catholic Schools Music Festival provides the unique opportunity for students from a range of schools in the Catholic Education system to work collaboratively to share their limitless potential and capabilities.
“It is evident the festival connects our communities, including students, parents, teachers, school leaders, schools, parishes, arts partners, Catholic Education Office staff, and the wider community.
“This festival is more than just a week of performances; it is a testament to the enduring legacy and vibrant future of music education within Catholic schools across South Australia.”
The festival held its first performance in St Peter’s College Memorial Hall in 1989, with 16 schools participating. Over the years it has grown to now include four concerts, bringing together thousands of students, parents, school staff, parishes and members of the public in celebrating the extraordinary talents of young people within Catholic schools across South Australia.
The festival would not be possible without the incredible efforts of the Choir Trainers, Music Coordinators, and the Festival Committee, who work tirelessly to ensure the success of this event.
The festival is also supported by the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, Catholic Education South Australia, school principals and staff, sponsors and the parents and friends of our students.
Image credits: Clark Rodda, Festival City Photography
Visit the Music Festival 2024 page to see more photos.
🌟 The Countdown Begins for the 2024 Catholic Schools Music Festival! 🌟
Get ready to mark your calendars and witness an unforgettable celebration of musical talent and creativity! The 2024 Catholic Schools Music Festival is set to illuminate the Adelaide Festival Theatre from Monday, September 23 to Thursday, September 26, 2024. This year marks the 36th annual festival, highlighting the enduring legacy and vibrant future of music education within Catholic schools across South Australia.
A Testament to Music Education
For over three decades, the Catholic Schools Music Festival has been a beacon of musical excellence, bringing together young talents from various schools to showcase their skills and passion. This year promises to be no different, with a journey of musical discovery, unity, and celebration awaiting all attendees. The festival is more than just a performance; it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and the entire community involved in nurturing these young artists.
Celebrating Our Choir Trainers
A special shoutout goes to the choir trainers who play a pivotal role in the success of the festival. These dedicated individuals invest their time and expertise to ensure each performance is nothing short of spectacular. From the first full-day workshop on repertoire to the half-day sessions on choreography, their guidance and support shape the performances that captivate audiences every year.
The tireless efforts of these choir trainers, working behind the scenes, are instrumental in creating a harmonious and memorable event. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of choral excellence is truly commendable, and we are grateful for their contributions. Here’s to more beautiful music in the years to come!
Join the Celebration
As we count down the days to the 2024 Catholic Schools Music Festival, we invite you to stay tuned for more details on this exciting event. Prepare to be amazed by the young talent and creativity on display, and join us in celebrating the power of music education in shaping the future.
Stay connected with us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the preparations. Let’s make this year’s festival a remarkable celebration of music, education, and community spirit!
Reflecting on Our Hub Assessment Triumphs
The 2024 Catholic Schools Music Festival is shaping up to be a spectacular event, thanks to the incredible talent and dedication displayed during the recent Hub Assessments. Over the past three weeks, schools, students, and choir trainers have come together to showcase their hard work and passion for music, transforming our choirs into cohesive and captivating ensembles.
Week 1: A Resounding Success
Week 1 of the Hub Assessments set a high bar for the festival. The dedication and effort of all the schools, students, and choir trainers involved were evident in every performance. Their hard work during this vital step has fine-tuned our choirs into harmonious ensembles, ready to captivate audiences. The progress made during this first week was truly remarkable, and it set the tone for the weeks to follow.
Week 2: Building on Momentum
The momentum continued into Week 2, with even more impressive displays of talent and commitment. A huge thank you goes out to the talented students, dedicated schools, and amazing choir trainers who made this week an incredible success. Their passion for music and their commitment to excellence have turned our choirs into beautiful harmonies, ready to enchant audiences. The progress achieved during Week 2 was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
Week 3: Triumph and Dedication
By the third week, the Hub Assessments had become a showcase of incredible talent and dedication. We are overjoyed by the progress made and the transformations witnessed during this final week. The students, schools, and choir trainers who participated have once again proven their commitment to excellence. Their hard work has not only transformed our choirs into captivating ensembles but also inspired us all with their progress.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, let’s continue to support and uplift our young musicians on their journey to the grand stage. The hard work and dedication displayed during the Hub Assessments have set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable festival. Together, we will celebrate the magic of music that unites and inspires us all.
Rehearsals are well underway!
This week we welcomed an abundance of students preparing for the 2023 Catholic Schools Music Festival.
We are so excited after rehearsing for opening night and we are looking forward to the next three days of combines. We have so many wonderful voices across our schools and we are having an amazing time celebrating our students talent!
