The auditorium was alive with energy on Wednesday 24 June as The Knox School’s 2026 Winter Concert brought together students, families and staff for an evening of inspiring performances. From powerful percussion and soaring vocals to expressive strings and dynamic ensembles, the concert highlighted the remarkable talent, commitment and passion of our young musicians.
The concert was officially opened by 2026 Music & Performing Arts Prefects Oak Tysoe and Holly Callinan, whose warm welcome and thoughtful Acknowledgement of Country set a respectful and inclusive tone for the evening. Throughout the program, ensemble leaders also shared insights into the performances, providing valuable context and highlighting the work that goes on behind the scenes.
The night began with energy and excitement as the TKS Drumline took to the stage with Apollo by Cassidy Byars. Their dynamic performance immediately captured the audience’s attention, filling the auditorium with infectious rhythms and setting the stage for a memorable evening.
Fresh from their recent Generations in Jazz experience, the Senior Choir delivered two contrasting and captivating works. Just Work by Christina Guala-Goodwin showcased the ensemble’s vocal strength and precision, while Hit Me With a Hot Note by Duke Ellington and Don George, arranged by Mark Hayes, brought flair, personality and plenty of jazz-inspired energy.
The Brass Band followed with a spirited rendition of Bourbon Street Parade by Paul Barbarin, transporting listeners to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. Cellobration then provided a change of pace with a beautifully expressive performance of Adagio and Aria – Largo from Sonata No. 2 a tre by Jean-Baptiste Barrière, demonstrating both technical skill and musical sensitivity.
The jazz ensembles continued to entertain throughout the evening. Stage Band delighted the audience with Neal Hefti’s Cute, arranged by Mike Story, delivering a performance full of character and charm. Big Band then showcased its rich, sophisticated sound with a smooth rendition of When I Fall In Love by Victor Young, arranged by Roger Holmes.
The string ensembles also impressed with polished performances that reflected months of preparation. Corelli Strings opened with Brian Balmages’ Momentous before launching into the energetic String of Fire by Chris M. Bernotas. Volante Strings demonstrated musical maturity and expressive playing in Allegro from Symphony No. 5, Op. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The TKS Concert Band brought both storytelling and excitement to the stage with Claire Petherick’s Migaloo (The White Whale) and Robert Buckley’s Spy Train!, taking the audience on two distinctly different musical journeys.
Bringing the evening to a spectacular close, the TKS Wind Symphony delivered a powerful finale with Morton Gould’s Pavanne and Philip Sparke’s A Klezmer Karnival. Their polished and confident performance provided a fitting conclusion to an evening that celebrated musical excellence across every ensemble.
Between performances, audiences enjoyed a series of behind-the-scenes videos that offered a glimpse into the countless rehearsals, commitment and teamwork required to bring the concert to life. Meanwhile, the backstage crew worked seamlessly to ensure smooth transitions throughout the program.
As the audience departed into the winter evening, there was a shared sense of pride in what had been achieved. The 2026 Winter Concert was more than a performance, it was a celebration of community, commitment and the remarkable talents of The Knox School’s young musicians. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion.
