Opportunities

Performance is our motivator. Concerts are either combined where each facet of the Shalom Music Department displays a portion of their repertoire, or it is an individual ensemble’s showcase or feature presentation. We aim to have at least one major combined concert per term with intermittent individualized concerts happening at various times throughout the year that are suitable to any particular ensemble.

The acronym stands for Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival. Honouring our school’s mission statement, it is our duty to represent Shalom College in this collegial showcase of Catholic Music Education. Held at Villanova College in Brisbane, this annual festival hosts ensembles from all over the state. Our Senior ensembles & college Choir prepare repertoire to meet performance criteria appropriate for the level where they are then adjudicated against a standard of excellence rather than each other. The weekend is an enriching experience as the students not only perform but attend professional performances and theatre shows. Students are strongly encouraged to listen to as many ensembles as they can during the festival.

The acronym stands for State Honours Ensemble Program. SHEP is an initiative of the Griffith University which offers excelling students of various ages and abilities the opportunity to work with highly experienced clinicians in an intensive workshop over 3 to 4 days . Nominations are made from the Shalom College music teaching staff while the selection and audition process is conducted by an external body. Please note that costs are not covered by the college.

All Shalom ensembles compete in the local Bundaberg Eisteddfod. Students are encouraged and supported to enter themselves, either as a soloist or in small group ensembles. The event is a wonderful opportunity to engage with other school music programs in the community and is a chance for all music students to gain valuable performance experience.

Ensembles are regularly invited to contribute to a variety of school and community functions through performance. Examples include school liturgies on and off campus, gigs in local venues, fundraising events and many more.

The music teaching staff support two external examination boards, Trinity College London and A. M. E. B. (Australian Music Examinations Board). Students wishing to extend their learning with formalized external exams are fully supported by our instrumental music teachers through the preparation process leading up to the exam date. Please note that exam materials, exam fees and accompanist fees are not covered by the college.

Students are invited to attend the Diocesan Music Camp held in Rockhampton at the end of Term 2. This 3 day camp engages students of all levels from across the diocese and culminates in a live streamed gala concert at the end of the camp . Additionally, Shalom College regularly hosts the local Catholic primary schools with one-day-only music camps. Selected Shalom music students are invited to assist the music teaching staff and mentor the younger music students.

Further opportunities that support our students’ musical learning include hosting other professional musicians, artists, clinicians, and educators to come and engage with our students at our facility. Workshops are generally tailored to suit specific needs in the form of masterclasses.