SHELDON College students have been awarded the Australian Champions title in the senior high section at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod.
Performers from across Australia attended the competition at Saint Stephen’s College to perform solos, percussion ensembles and drumlines earlier this month.
About 40 Sheldon College students received first place in the Percussion Ensemble I and placed in all ensemble categories.
Head of instrumental music David Adelt said students stepped up and performed well without the lead of a conductor.
“It is wonderful to see these students progress – many of whom I have taught from year 4,” he said.
“They are now so confident in playing really challenging music and it is so rewarding to see them grow into young adults and become such accomplished musicians.”
Mr Adelt said the outcome was a show of their hard work after students relentlessly rehearsed at home and during school breaks.
“The big result for us was senior high section which is highly competitive and the top four groups were outstanding,” he said.
“For the students, this is an affirmation of their hard work to get the recognition they deserve and they were on a high knowing how competitive the field was.”
Mr Adelt said students also were runners up for the Australian Drumline Battle Champion title.
“This was the first time we have ever performed in the drum battles and it’s the first time it’s been done in Australia,” he said.
“The students really responded to the challenge and had a lot of fun with it.
“They thought they were up against the odds and when they took it out they were elated.”
Mr Adelt said the college urged children to learn a musical instrument for fun and the life skills they could develop.
“Students learn resilience, time management and they use both sides of their brain which is important,” he said.
“The shared experiences will be with them for the rest of their lives and will help create memories.”
