We were thrilled to learn a fortnight ago that Canyu (Alice) Jia (Year 12) was awarded the Don Maynard Music Prize. An award that is presented annually to the student who achieved the highest number of marks in the SACE Music subjects containing the greatest component of practical work.

Don Arthur Scott Maynard (1919-1979), a lay musician, church organist, and professional educator, was passionate about music. In 1969, Don pushed for Music to be introduced into South Australian Secondary Schools, other than as an elective, and for performance to become a vital part of its teaching. He believed that Music should be recognised as an equal subject in secondary school and that students should be able to take it to the highest level and proceed further. Following his death, Don’s family wished to commemorate his work by extending the amount of Music taught in South Australian schools and encouraging students to continue with music.

Last year, Alice studied Solo Performance and Ensemble Performance, earning a Merit for both subjects. This award is an additional accomplishment; in essence, it is the most outstanding achievement by a student in SACE Stage 2 Music across South Australia and the Northern Territory. Alice is an exceptional musician and is every bit deserving of this award. Congratulations on your tremendous success Alice!

2021 was an exceptional year for our Music students, with two other Year 11 students, Jacinta Chronowski-Wong and Isabelle Yu, also achieving Merits.

We are so very proud of the girls’ achievements and the wonderful musicians they have become. We hope that music continues to be a presence in their lives. Well done.

Term 2

Instrumental and Vocal lessons, as well as all ensembles, will commence on the first day back of Term 2—Tuesday 3 May.

We have several events planned for Term 2, and we hope they can go ahead. Please keep an eye out for more information in the first week of term.