Music Instrumental Concerts
In Week 5, the Michell Music Centre came alive with the sounds of our talented girls from R-12 during the Instrumental Music Concert Series. Spanning four nights, these concerts showcased the incredible progress each student has made throughout the year. The highlight of the series was the unwavering support the girls showed for one another, cheering and encouraging their peers with enthusiasm.

Heartfelt thanks goes to our dedicated music tutors for their guidance and efforts, and to Mrs. Vanessa Abela and Ms. Renee Lott, whose impeccable organisation made these memorable evenings possible.

A special thank you to Mrs. Abela, who has decided to step out of her Instrumental Coordinator role at the conclusion of 2024 after four years. Vanessa was previously the Ensemble Coordinator, a role this year held by Miss Paige York. I also extend my gratitude to Miss York, who has done an outstanding job during her one-year contract covering Ms Cassie Pope’s maternity leave.

In 2025, we look forward to welcoming Mrs. Pope back to take on the combined role of Instrumental and Ensemble Coordinator.

Music Staff Awards
I am incredibly proud to share the news that two members of our fabulous Music Faculty staff have been honoured with prestigious awards from the Association of Heads of Music in Non-Government Schools (AHOMINGS) in recognition of their long and noteworthy service to the profession.

Mrs Ruth Shrimpton’s music career has spanned 3 decades, and 3 states. For over 21 years at Wilderness, Ruth has had a profound impact on fostering an inclusive and engaging culture within our music department, where each student feels valued and encouraged to participate. In her Junior School music lessons, Ruth creates a magical environment, captivating every student from the moment the lesson begins until the final note.

Her warm, compassionate approach ensures that every student, regardless of age or musical ability, feels included and able to contribute meaningfully to the program. Ruth's dedication is particularly evident in her support of the Year 2 String Immersion Program, and the Annual Junior Christmas Concert where her encouragement and guidance inspires young students to explore and develop their musical skills with confidence. Her commitment to nurturing an inclusive and supportive atmosphere has left an enduring mark on our music department and its students.

Mrs Vanessa Abela has made an extraordinary impact on our music department since 2010, going above and beyond to create an inclusive and engaging environment for all students. From teaching musicianship across all levels from ELC to Year 12; to conducting bands, choirs, and curriculum ensembles, she brings dedication, skill, and passion to every role. She also accompanies students and choirs, ensuring every performance is a meaningful experience. Vanessa’s enthusiasm for music education is truly contagious, and she has become an influential mentor for young educators in our community. Her dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion and involvement has left an indelible mark on our department and on the countless students whose lives she has enriched.

Congratulations to both Ruth and Vanessa on being recognised for their significant contributions to music education in South Australia.

Music Selections - 2025
Selections for 2025 Music Ensembles, and Tuition lessons are now available via Clipboard. We ask parents to read the information carefully but would like to confirm that if your daughter already learns an instrument, and is continuing in 2025, you do not need to nominate via clipboard (the music department are adding current students into the system). Only new enrolments must be made via clipboard.

ASME Young Composers Awards 2024
Zoe Koerber (11CED) has had one of her original compositions ‘Third Time Lucky’ selected in the ASME Young Composers Awards. Zoe submitted an original violin duet, written for her Stage 2 Music Explorations subject earlier this year. Zoe will perform the piece live on Sunday December 2 at Sacred Heart College before final award placings are announced – good luck and congratulations Zoe!

London Piano Competition 2025
Congratulations to our talented junior piano students, who have been selected from an international pool of pianists to perform at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London in May 2025.

Chosen through a rigorous global competition involving participants from countries such as the USA, Japan, and Australia, they will perform contemporary English compositions on Sir Elton John's red grand piano.

Well done girls!

Aria Chen
Phoebe Duan
Hannah Say
Alice Gao
Evana Aurora

Ms Anna Lenartowicz
Head of Music