Music Fest 2024: Celebrating Excellence in School Music Ensembles

Yamaha Music Australia proudly supports Music Fest, a vibrant celebration of young musical talent in South-East Queensland that took place across eight venues recently from August to October. This year’s event showcased over 11,000 performers from 280 ensembles and attracted some 6,000 audience members, highlighting the incredible passion for music education across the region. Music Fest is administered and presented by Brass Music Specialists a retailer who goes above and beyond their retail role to provide performance opportunities for Queensland's developing musicians while prioritising fun and growth.

Student performers and music directors received thoughtful on-stage adjudication and rehearsal following their performance, along with detailed written feedback from a team of leading adjudicators, including Yamaha’s own Education Outreach Clinician Prof. Rob McWilliams. Every school choir, concert band, jazz, and string ensemble, regardless of size or experience received a trophy and a certificate recognising their achievements: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. This unique system ensures the focus remains on musicianship, performance and professional development, without the pressure of heats or finals.

The atmosphere was electric, ranging from the nervous excitement of first-time performers to the polished confidence of senior students at the culmination of their school music journeys. We witnessed unforgettable performances representing months of preparation and dedication at venues including Iona College, All Saints Anglican College, Macgregor State School, Chancellor State College, St. Aidan’s Anglican Girls School, Ferny Grove Sate School and Ferny Grove High School. We are grateful to these schools for their generous provision of facilities and staff.

Music Fest 2024 once again demonstrated its important place in the school music community, with inclusivity and collaboration. At Yamaha, we are inspired by the staff and students who brought Music Fest 2024 to life and appreciate the opportunity to engage with educators and build our understanding of how to support their valuable work. We look forward to continuing our support for Brass Music Specialists’ extraordinary event, joining with BMS staff and volunteers to further encourage a lifetime of music-making for all participants.