Term 3 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 25 July 2025

Co-curricular Spotlight: Music Academy

At Thomas Hassall, the journey of a musician is one of growth, passion and community. From the very first notes played in a Year 1 Strings group to the dynamic energy of our Senior Stage Band or Vocal Group, students are nurtured and challenged as they develop their musical identity through every stage of College life.

The Music Academy is a vibrant and thriving co-curricular program where students can explore their musical interests, develop their talents and express their creativity in a collaborative and supportive environment. With 361 students involved across private tuition and 17 ensembles, there is a place for everyone to flourish.

A Diverse Program with Something for Everyone

Our ensemble program offers a wide range of musical opportunities that cater to students at every stage of their development. All ensembles are carefully structured to support each student’s musical journey and diverse interests, helping them grow their skills and confidence over time. Here's a breakdown of our current offerings:

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Performance is a key part of the musical journey at the College, with students regularly showcasing their talents at College events, external gigs and on domestic and international tours. Just this year, a group of students toured Queensland in April, and a few years ago our ensembles embarked on an unforgettable music and cultural tour of Japan. These experiences build not only musical skill but also independence, teamwork and resilience.

Upcoming Event: Senior Ensembles Night

We are excited to invite the community to our Senior Ensembles Night on Thursday 31 July. This evening is a highlight of the music calendar, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our senior students. We especially encourage younger musicians and families to attend—seeing where music can take you is often the inspiration needed to stick with practice or join a new group.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

As we plan for the future, we want to encourage quality practice habits, the kind that lead to long term success. Just like in sport, academics or life itself, small, consistent improvements over time produce big results. We ask families to help support this by creating time and space for regular practice at home.

We would also encourage as many students as possible to engage in private tuition, whether through the College or with an external tutor. Private lessons provide tailored instruction, consistent feedback and individual goal-setting—accelerating progress and deepening musical understanding. For students involved in ensembles, private tuition can sharpen their skills and give them the confidence to contribute more meaningfully. For those new to music, it is an excellent way to build a strong foundation.

Thank You to Our Team

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our outstanding music tutors, who bring both expertise and encouragement into every lesson. We are incredibly grateful for the way they invest in each student’s growth.

A special thank you as well to our Creative and Performing Arts Team, including Mr Kennedy (Head of Ensembles) and Mr Mark (CAPA Coordinator), whose leadership ensures that the program runs with excellence, vision and heart.

We are proud of the thriving Music Academy at Thomas Hassall and excited for all that is still to come.

Mr Luke Robinson
Director of Co-curricular