Band Jam 2026
On Wednesday of Week 8, 160 young musicians from four schools came together at Thomas Hassall Anglican College for our annual Band Jam — a vibrant celebration of ensemble music-making and community spirit. Under the baton of guest conductor Joan Thorp, the combined band rehearsed and workshopped across the day, culminating in a spirited evening showcase of three pieces for parents and families.
The highlight was Thorp’s own arrangement of You’re the Voice, the iconic John Farnham anthem, which filled the hall with a powerful wall of sound as students from every school played as one. Events like Band Jam remind us of the joy that comes from making music together — to play in a massed band, to feel your part lock in with 159 others, is an experience our students will not soon forget. The energy, focus and enthusiasm on display were a credit to every young musician who took part.
Our sincere thanks go to Joan Thorp for her expert direction and to Thomas Hassall Music staff for organising the day. Thank you also to the students themselves, who rose to the occasion with skill and great heart. We look forward to next year’s Band Jam!
Courage and Curiosity
One of the quieter highlights of Band Jam came not from the stage, but from a moment of curiosity. During the day, a senior student approached our guest conductor, Joan Thorp, to ask her a question about orchestration — and she was only too happy to oblige. Together they poured over the orchestral score of one of the works the students were performing, examining how the parts had been written and woven together to create the sound the band was bringing to life.
What made this moment so special is that it happened entirely under the student’s own steam. No one prompted him; he simply saw an opportunity to learn from an expert and had the courage to take it. This kind of initiative — the willingness to ask, to dig deeper, to treat a guest musician as a mentor rather than just a conductor — is becoming more and more common amongst our music students at Oran Park Anglican College, and it is wonderful to see. Courage and curiosity like this are exactly the qualities that turn a good young musician into a lifelong one, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Studio Concert
On Monday of Week 7, students in instrumental and vocal tuition took to the stage for our first little Studio Concert, each stepping forward to perform a solo piece before family, friends and fellow musicians. The standard was wonderful to see — from the first notes to the final bow, our young performers played with poise, musicality and real confidence. Performing solo takes courage, and every student who shared their music should be proud of how well they rose to the occasion.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the parents and families who came along to support and encourage their children, and to our dedicated tutors, whose patient guidance week after week made these performances possible. It was encouraging to hear music from our Year 12 Music 1 and 2 students too! Most of all, we congratulate the students themselves for their hard work and the musicianship they showed on the day. Occasions like the Studio Concert are a highlight of our musical calendar, and we look forward to hearing these talented young musicians perform again soon.
Podium Performance
Our bands recently stepped beyond the music room and out into the community, performing for shoppers and passers-by at the local shopping centre, The Podium. Four ensembles took part — the Intermediate Concert Band, Senior Concert Band, Intermediate Stage Band and Senior Stage Band — and each one represented the College superbly. From rich concert band textures to the swing and groove of our stage bands, the students sounded fantastic and filled the centre with wonderful live music.
Nocturnes
In place of Capturing Creativity this year, we are excited to introduce the Nocturnes — a series of evening concerts designed to showcase the three pathways of music at Oran Park Anglican College. Each concert in the series features one of our musical pathways, giving students the opportunity to perform and celebrate the distinctive character of their pathway before a warm and supportive audience.
The series will unfold across Term 3 with three separate events: Strings Nocturne, Bands Nocturne, and Choirs Nocturne. Each promises to be a memorable evening of music-making and a chance to see just how much our students have grown in their craft. Further details, including dates, times and venues, will be announced soon — so watch this space. We can’t wait to share these special evenings with our College community.
Mr Tim Chavura
Head of Performing Arts
