Week 5 was an extraordinary week for Music at IGS, with students taking centre stage at two major events: the 2026 HICES Music Festival and the Year 12 HSC Music Showcase.
From the collaborative energy of the 2026 HICES Music Festival to the sophistication and individuality of the Year 12 HSC Music Showcase, IGS musicians participated in enriching musical experiences available across the School.
Making Music Together
Thirteen students from Years 5 to 8 represented IGS at the 2026 HICES Music Festival, joining more than 450 young musicians and staff from HICES schools across New South Wales.
Following a four-day camp at Stanwell Tops, students came together in choirs, orchestras and concert bands, developing new skills, building musical friendships and preparing for the Festival’s culminating performance at Sydney Town Hall.
The concert was a spectacular celebration of young musicians making music together and sharing in an experience that extended beyond their individual school communities.
A special highlight was the official announcement of acclaimed Australian composer Paul Jarman as the new HICES Music Festival Patron. Paul, who composed the IGS Anthem premiered during the School’s 40 Years Young celebrations in 2024, attended the camp and led several sessions with students.
It was a wonderful opportunity for IGS musicians to reconnect with Paul and work alongside one of Australia’s leading advocates for music education.
A Showcase of Musical Excellence
On Friday 21 August, Year 12 musicians took to the stage for the 2026 HSC Music Showcase. The evening was a celebration of the breadth and sophistication of their musical learning, featuring performances and works spanning Opera, Eastern-influenced Chanting, Art Song, Jazz Improvisation, Rock and Roll, Pop, Musical Theatre, Blues, Funk and Fusion.
The students rose to the occasion, presenting their practical submissions across Performing, Composing and Musicology as they prepare for their NESA Music Practical Examinations in Week 8.
The Showcase was also an opportunity for families, friends and the IGS community to celebrate the dedication and development behind each student’s work. The response from families was particularly heartening, with one grandfather remarking that he “would have paid to see a concert of that calibre”, while another parent reflected on the impact of seeing others invest in young people and support them to flourish.
Congratulations to all our students, and thank you to the Music Team and staff who have supported, guided and encouraged students throughout their preparation. Their expertise, care and commitment have played an important role in developing the students’ musical skills, challenging their thinking and supporting their creative pursuits.
