Posted on 16 September 2016
OCTAVE – a special vocal project group consisting primarily of Year 11 and Year 12 Classroom Music students recently enjoyed a whirlwind 24-hour adventure in Melbourne at the National Semi-finals and Finals of the Australian A Cappella Awards – AUSACA.
The talented group qualified for the competition with the help of a public vote held earlier this year and eagerly took on the challenge for a chance to be the National A Capella Champions. Performing against schools from around Australia, the group advanced to the National Schools Finals as the competition narrowed to eight choirs. The judging panel consisted of six vocal experts including two international vocalists, one who is a featured singer on Pitch Perfect 2.
The schools in the Championship finals included:
Brigidine College St Ives – Senior Vocal Ensemble (NSW)
Marist Sisters’ College, Woolwich – Bel Canto (NSW)
Shelford Girls’ Grammar – SHE (VIC)
Star of The Sea – Stacella (VIC)
Centenary State High school (QLD)
St Mary Mackillop College (ACT)
St Leonard's College (VIC)
Ormiston College - OCTAVE (QLD)
NATIONAL SCHOOLS FINAL RESULTS:
Third place was awarded to Bel Canto Marist Sisters College NSW
Second place was awarded to Ormiston College QLD
First place was awarded to Brigidine College St Ives NSW
In addition to the amazing honour of placing second, OCTAVE were also awarded Best Folk Song Performance for their rendition of the African Freedom Song – Tshotshloza and Matthew Garnett was awarded Best Vocal Percussionist!
I am extremely proud of the eight remarkable students who represented the College at this event. It has been a privilege to work with them.
Emma Dron
Dean of Music
