Drumroll please… Fanfare 2018 grand finalists revealed

Education Minister Grace Grace has announced the Fanfare 2018 grand finalists, who will compete for the top gong on 13 and 14 August at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Ms Grace made the announcement today at The Gap State High School, one of the ten schools in the grand final. 

“I congratulate the five primary and five secondary state school ensembles which have made it through the gruelling regional rounds to reach the decider,” Ms Grace said.

“This year the regional competitions saw more than 30,000 students from 1,143 ensembles compete.”

Ms Grace said the biennial Fanfare program began in 1985, providing students with valuable performance experience and the chance to hone their skills.

“We all know there’s a huge pool of creative talent in our Queensland state schools,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is a passionate supporter of fostering creative talent in our schools and that’s why we’re investing $14.4 million over the next four years to hire more music teachers.”

Ms Grace said Fanfare had attracted an estimated 190,000 students since the program began.

“The winning secondary ensemble will receive the Erica Brindley Memorial Trophy,” she said.

“This trophy is named after Erica Brindley, a dedicated state school instrumental music teacher who was killed in a tragic accident at Carnarvon Gorge in 2002.

“The memorial trophy honours Erica’s life and her commitment to music education in Queensland.”

Fanfare program partner AEG Ogden has sponsored the program since 2012. Tickets to the Fanfare 2018 primary or secondary grand final concert can be purchased directly through Ticketek, by calling 132 849 or online.

More information on Fanfare 2018 is also available here http://education.qld.gov.au/community/fanfare/index.html

A list of the Fanfare 2018 grand finalists is available below.

Primary

The Willows State School Concert Band

Conductor: Ruby Johnson

Ashgrove State School String Orchestra

Conductor: Keith Sharp

Ironside State School Chamber Strings

Conductor: Trudy Weekes

Banksia Beach State School Senior Concert Band

Conductor: Martin O'Callaghan

Varsity College String Orchestra

Conductor: Michelle Wilson

Secondary

Cairns State High School Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Jon Christodoulis

Stretton College Symphonic Band

Conductor: Adam Hornagold

The Gap State High School Asymmetry Percussion Ensemble

Director: Jeff Jarrott

Brisbane State High School Symphonic Band

Conductor: Brad Ruben

Centenary Heights State High School String Orchestra

Conductor: Jessica Johansen

Media contact: Emma Clarey – 0439 578 472