Thornlie Senior High School is hitting all the right notes.
The school’s Concert Band is celebrating success after performing at the prestigious ABODA/IMSS Concert Band Festival.
Over three days, Churchlands Senior High School was a hub for young musicians from across the state. Among them was Thornlie’s 44-member Concert Band, ready to show what months of practice had built.
They performed three pieces on stage, then sat in on a workshop where expert conductors offered tips and guidance. By the end, the band had earned an excellent rating and an experience they took home.
The Concert Band is one of three ensembles run as part of the school’s specialist Instrumental Music Program in partnership with Instrumental Music School Services.
Students from Years 7 to 12 take part, with flutes, clarinets, saxophones, brass, and percussion creating the ensemble’s full sound.
Each student receives weekly instrumental tuition through the program.
Director and music specialist teacher Tessa Batty, who has led the band since 2001, said the festival was a highlight of the performance calendar.
“I have seen a huge improvement in the students’ musicianship, technical skills, confidence, and ensemble skills because of our commitment to participating in this festival each year,” she said.
“I love that each band is individually graded by a team of expert adjudicators and given constructive feedback, and we are thrilled to be achieving excellent results consistently now for many years. I learn so much as a conductor watching the guest conductor take the students through the post-performance workshop, and the students visibly improve as they work through sections of their pieces.”
Year 12 trumpet player James Buckland said the opportunity was both inspiring and rewarding.
“Participating in the music festival is great. I enjoy performing the pieces the band works hard on, and the constructive feedback paired with the experience of playing in front of a live audience inspires the band to be better each time we go,” he said.
Clarinettist Kingston Wei in Year 11 noted the festival an experience not to be missed.
“The ABODA School Band Festival is a worthwhile opportunity given to students to test their musicianship and learn about what it means to be a musician,” he said.
“It is an electrifyingly engaging way for schools to show what they’re made of and receive insight on their performance. Ten out of ten recommend for the advancing or novice player.”
According to Batty, the growth of the band over more than two decades tells the story of the program’s success. She added that from a small group of 12 players in 2001 to today’s 44-strong ensemble, Thornlie SHS has built a reputation for musical excellence.
“This festival is such a valuable experience for our young musicians,” she said. “It helps them develop as an ensemble while also creating lasting memories.”
