The 2025 Autumn Concert struck all the right chords as students, families and staff packed out the auditorium for an evening that hit every high note. We were thrilled to welcome a jampacked auditorium full of students, families and staff to this special student performance held on Tuesday 14 May 2025.
The event was officially opened by our 2025 Music & Performing Arts Prefects, Lia Henrichs and Andres De Souza. Their warm welcome and Acknowledgement of Country set a respectful and inclusive tone for the evening. Throughout the night, we also heard from a number of ensemble leaders who introduced each of the performances.
The concert launched with high energy as the TKS Funk Band took to the stage, performing Cuzco by Broken Brass. Their infectious rhythm immediately got the audience tapping along and set the tone for a lively night ahead. Cellobration then took us on an atmospheric and nerdy adventure with a beautiful rendition of Revali’s Theme from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild by Yasuaki Iwata and Manaka Kataoka.
Recently returned from our Generations in Jazz experience, the Senior Choir captivated the audience with two dynamic pieces: Company by Rosana Eckert and Feeling Good by Leslie Bricusse, accompanied by a wonderful staff band. We took each other’s hands and then launched into the sky! These pieces showcased the dynamic power of voice and the emotions that music can evoke.
In the Spotlight: Alex Spicer
Before the Percussion Ensemble took to the stage, student Andres De Souza surprised Alex Spicer, Music Teacher and Conductor Extraordinaire, with a spontaneous interview, asking some of the questions they’d been dying to know. When asked if he had a favourite spice, he quickly answered, “Cumin!” before adding, “But why settle for just one?” He shared that his journey into drumming began with pots and pans as his first instrument, which led to his family enrolling him in drum lessons (possibly out of equal parts frustration and encouragement).
Dance With Us
The Percussion Ensemble energised the hall with a bold take on The William Tell Overture by Giachino Rossini. The triangles, cymbals and vibraphones filled every inch of the hall! Powered by this energy, our audience was ready to dance! We next took a boogie down a California beach boardwalk with the Senior Guitar Ensemble with their nostalgic twist on I Get Around by The Beach Boys. Dance was definitely on the mind of our Flute Ensemble as they delivered a graceful rendition of Habanera by Georges Bizet, a piece that often accompanies Cuban ballroom dancing!
Cool Cats and Crunchy Frogs
Stage Band kept spirits high with Oye Como Va by Tito Puente, always a crowd favourite. It featured solos from drums to guitar and flute to trumpet! What a cool cat group of musicians. Big Band closed the jazz segment with a silky-smooth rendition of Chelsea Bridge by Billy Strayhorn. We then leaped from a Jazz Club in 1941 London to the bouncy leap-frog performance that is Crunchy Frog by Gordon Goodwin that they also performed during their recent trip to the Generations in Jazz festival.
In the Spotlight: Aysegul Akkaya
Before the Corelli and Volante Strings took the stage, Lia Henrichs turned the spotlight on Music Teacher and Conductor Extraordinaire, Aysegul Akkaya, with a round of thoughtful questions. When asked about her favourite string, she chose the ‘D’ string, explaining that it’s the “middle child” of the strings – so often overlooked and yet always dependable! As for her favourite piece of music, she named The Holberg Suite, noting that each time she plays or hears it, she discovers something new.
Melodies in Motion
The orchestral ensembles also shone brightly throughout the evening. Corelli Strings opened with a lively performance of March of the Wood Elves by Doug Spata, followed by the spirited Fandango Festival by Victor Lopez. Volante Strings impressed with their expressive interpretations of Orient et Occident by Camille Saint-Saëns and the serene Air from The Holberg Suite by Edvard Grieg. The Intermediate Concert Band brought both emotional depth and dramatic intensity to the stage with Blessings by Robert W. Smith and Cataclysm by Robert Sheldon. The night concluded on a high note with a powerful and polished performance by the Senior Concert Band, delivering a memorable finale of musical excellence.
Special Thanks and Gratitude
While our backstage crew seamlessly set the stage between each major performance, the audience was held captive by behind-the-scenes videos revealing the countless hours of rehearsal that brought this special concert to life. Of course, an event of this magnitude does not happen overnight and our Head of Music and Performing Arts, Nico Di Stefano, shared at the conclusion of this special evening:
This year’s Autumn Concert is the culmination of many months of preparation, planning and practice by our students and entire Music Team. It is with this in mind that we congratulate all performers, ensemble directors and supporting staff for making the night such a success. This has really been a showcase of the many musical co-curricular opportunities available to TKS students. Without a doubt, we couldn’t do it without you – our parents. Your support and involvement is so valued and we invite you to keep an eye out for the many future camps, activities, productions and opportunities that students can participate in too!
As our audience melted away into the Autumn evening on the campus grounds of The Knox School, it was easy to reflect that this concert was a true celebration of student talent, dedication and the vibrant culture of music in our school community. Thank you to all who could attend!
