On November 19, 2024, Clonard College hosted an exceptional Students Ensemble Evening, highlighting the musical talents of its students. The event began with an Acknowledgement of Country, led by Music Leader Marcia Howard, who paid tribute to the Wadawurrung people, the traditional custodians of the land. Marcia emphasized the significance of Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. She welcomed the audience, expressing gratitude for their support, which provides a safe and encouraging environment for students to perform.
Principal Luci Quinn introduced the talented alumni performer, Libby Leissner, who returned to Clonard to share her musical journey. Libby, a former student who graduated in 2017, spoke about her experiences at Clonard, the inspiration she gained from teachers, and her career in the music industry. Principal Quinn’s warm introduction set the stage for Libby’s inspiring performance, where she shared her work on an upcoming EP and her evolving path as an artist.
The concert featured a range of performances, starting with the Clonard College Concert Band, led by Allister Cox, who recently earned second place at the Geelong Show. In the Year 8-12 category. Other highlights included the Year 7 ensembles, VET Music students performed Use Somebody and Stacey’s Mum with two students from Sacred Heart appearing with our Clonard VET music students, Clonard Singers, Rock Band, Percussion, and String Ensembles. The Rock Band, led by Adam Corless, performed Seven Nation Army and Dear Maria, while the String Ensemble captivated the audience with pieces like Skeleton Waltz and Viva La Vida.
The evening concluded with an energetic performance of La Bamba by Year 7 students from combined Year 7 classes, demonstrating the impressive collaboration and talent across the year level.
The event was a true celebration of Clonard’s music program, made possible by the collaborative work of students, teachers, and audio technicians. A heartfelt thank you to Principal Luci Quinn, Libby Leisner, Melinda Hopper, Darren Sobiech, Daniel Millie, the music staff, and all those who supported the evening, making it a resounding success.
Marcia Howard
Music Leader
