On Thursday 23 April, the Nicolas Barre Auditorium came alive for the La Salle College Music Soirée, an evening dedicated to celebrating student musicianship, growth, and courage in performance.

The Soirée featured a diverse and engaging program of soloists, small ensembles, and chamber groups, showcasing a wide range of musical styles from classical repertoire through to contemporary works. Students from Years 10–12 demonstrated not only their technical skill, but also their individuality and artistry as performers. A key focus of the evening was the opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace live performance. As highlighted in the Director of Music’s address, each performance represented a different kind of courage, whether it was refining a piece through hours of practice or simply having the confidence to step onto the stage and perform in front of an audience.

The event also served as an important assessment opportunity across multiple year levels. Year 10 Music Allegro students were assessed on their solo performance, Year 11 Certificate II students demonstrated their skills through bump-in and bump-out operations, and Year 12 Certificate III students managed the installation and operation of sound equipment, ensuring the evening ran professionally and smoothly. The concert concluded with a high-energy performance from the Certificate III band, bringing the evening to a fitting close and highlighting the collaborative strength of the senior music cohort.

A special thank you to our instrumental tutors, accompanist Mr Shaun Davis, and the music staff for their guidance and support. We also acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our VET students who worked behind the scenes, as well as the families and community members whose encouragement continues to make these opportunities possible.

The 2025 Music Soirée was a powerful reminder that music is not just about performance, but about growth, resilience, and connection.