28 June 2024
The extraordinary talent of young musicians was on display at the annual Opus concert where audience members were treated to a night of creativity and joy.
Held at the Perth Concert Hall, Opus is the Instrumental Music School Services showcase concert highlighting outstanding instrumental and choral music from public school students.
Shenton College students were among those who performed at Opus 2024.
The theme for this year’s concert was technology. Schools explored the relationship between the timeless art of music and the cutting-edge world of technology, creating an unforgettable symphony of innovation and tradition.
Students from Shenton College, Balcatta Senior High School, Churchlands Senior High School, Perth Modern School, Kalamunda Senior High School, Rossmoyne Senior High School, Leeming Senior High School, and Mount Lawley Senior High School were among those who performed on the night, while video interludes from schools across WA were also played.
Shenton College music teacher Amanda Noordzy was the alumni feature of the evening. A former Instrumental Music School Services student herself, she went on to study a Bachelor of Music Education from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Her career at the Department of Education has spanned more than 28 years, serving as an IMSS ensemble director, instrumental teacher, and classroom music teacher.
Ms Noordzy said she was honoured to be featured in Opus 2024, and her highlight of the event was the performance of the collaborative project Yokolarang.
“I enjoy my job immensely. The opportunity to learn an instrument and perform in an ensemble is indeed very special and something to celebrate proudly in our public system," she said.
“Access to quality education is enhanced enormously by the power of music to build capacity, culture, and belonging in our schools.
“To set goals, work toward achieving these, and collectively assessing along the journey are indeed valuable skills to develop in young people. I enjoy exploring possibilities together in sound with my students, taking some risks along the way, persevering, and supporting each other.
“I truly believe music affords us these opportunities to grow and learn.”
Instrumental Music School Services principal Kevin Fraser said Opus 2024 was a brilliant team effort.
“Congratulations to all involved, including all the fabulous IMSS teachers who supported these wonderful students,” he said.
“The event, with its tag of ‘technology’, featured a wonderful welcome to country by Dr Noel Nannup.
“The concert was full of ingenuity, inventiveness, creativity, excellence in teaching and learning, commitment from students and their fabulous schools.”