Our exceptional music program
Our cocurricular music program is renowned for its high levels of student participation, and for the quality of musicianship that it fosters.
In one term alone, there were 15 concerts across the College's three campuses! More intimate soirees of brass, percussion, piano, woodwind and guitar were complemented by concerts showcasing our Junior School musicians and an open rehearsal and workshop at the Elsternwick Campus with Australian/Swedish conductor Warwick Stengårds.
The Winter Concert, presented by the Glen Waverley Campus, featured students from Years 5 to 12 in nine ensembles, including a campus-wide choir and auditioned solos from Jade, Patrick and Selina (all Year 12)
One of the most memorable moments of the night was the world premiere of ‘Baba Biik (Mother Country)’, by James Henry, commissioned by Wesley College and a group of other schools in the Flying Emu Consortium.
As Head of Music, Geoff Smith, explains ‘we see great value in exposing students to new compositions and involving them in the process of bringing music to life for the first time.’
Henry, guided by Wurundjeri elder Craig Murphy, incorporated elements from a corroboree song notated from a performance by William Barak into the composition. Henry and the Symphonic Band, with Murphy’s blessing, performed the world premiere of the piece at the Winter Concert in a truly inspiring and heartfelt performance.
Two concerts from the St Kilda Road Campus demonstrated the depth of our music program. The Big Band Showcase, held at MEMO Music Hall, was a celebration of talent and tradition and a hallmark of our 54-year Big Band program. Since its founding in 1971, our Jazz Program has grown into a vibrant community, featuring ensembles including Big Band, Jazz Band, Stage Band, Swing Band, Wednesday Jazz Ensemble and Thursday Jazz Ensemble.
The final concert of the term, the St Kilda Road Music Festival shared 'music from the silver screen' transporting audiences through the unforgettable soundtracks that have shaped generations of cinema. Choirs, concert bands, orchestras, big bands and guitar ensembles played soaring orchestral scores to popular classics and contemporary favourites, demonstrating the timeless connection between music and storytelling.
As Mia Shawcross (Class of 2025), explains, 'Leaving behind the Music program here will easily be the most difficult part of graduating for me. I will have to say goodbye to the groups I have bonded so closely with, and my teachers who have inspired so much of my passion and growth. Music at Wesley has truly defined my time here, and encouraged my confidence as a musician and leader. I would encourage any student to try an ensemble or lesson if they have an interest. There are so many different options to branch out socially and musically.'
