A night of celebration, masterful music, friendship, laughter and a few tears 鈥� the 2024 Sounds of Summer at 911爆料网 on Saturday, 19 October was a night to remember as students, staff and families past and present celebrated one of the College鈥檚 most impactful mentors.
Missed the concert? Watch the video here.
Mr John Thomas, aka 鈥楯T鈥�, has contributed more than 30 years of dedicated service through music to Flinders as the Wind Symphony conductor and Co-ordinator of Band, Brass and Woodwind.
The evening of music, speeches and gifts was a poignant tribute to JT鈥檚 extraordinary impact on generations of musicians, as 116 former students returned to join 52 current Band members, creating the largest Wind Symphony ensemble in the College history with a stunning 168 musicians on stage.
JT and wife Mrs Jenny Thomas will retire in December 2024, with Mrs Thomas also contributing to students鈥� passion for music over more than 30 years at Flinders as a talented Accompanist and the Archivist of the Music Program.
JT has played a pivotal role in shaping the Flinders Band Program, guiding it from its early stage with just one ensemble, the Secondary Concert Band, to the flourishing ensembles within the Band Program today, including the Wind Symphony, College Band, Stage Band, Middle School Jazz Band, Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble.
Through JT鈥檚 mentorship and conducting, many of the ensembles have proudly represented the College at local, interstate, national and international levels, including performing at the Sydney Opera House in 2023.
NEW PODCAST EP: Listen to the College podcast Episode 5, featuring College Principal Michelle Carroll in conversation with JT here, "The Magic of Music with JT".
Building a Caring Music Culture
Speaking at the Sounds of Summer concert, the Flinders Friends of Music President Mrs Sam Cuttill thanked John and Jenny for their long-standing commitment to developing students鈥� potential and nurturing a caring culture.
Mrs Cuttill鈥檚 two sons are part of the Wind Symphony and have benefitted from the program over more than 12 years at Flinders; in the Wind Symphony, Landon plays the alto saxophone and will graduate in December with the Class of 2024, while Tyler plays the horn and will graduate in 2025.
Mrs Cuttill said, 鈥淚 feel privileged to have known both John and Jenny over these past years and to see the difference they had made in our children鈥檚 lives, through mentoring, friendship and guidance.鈥�
The concert also farewelled 12 students in Year 12 who have journeyed through the Flinders Music Program.
In her speech, College Principal Michelle Carroll said, 鈥淎s testament to JT鈥檚 efforts, the Year 12s in the Wind Symphony who we farewell tonight are graduating with a passion for music and the confidence to explore their musical potential.
鈥淭hroughout his career, JT has been a beacon of inspiration to countless students, nurturing and encouraging their growth, both as musicians and individuals.
鈥淲e take this opportunity to celebrate JT as he steps forward to a well-deserved retirement, and recognise his commitment to excellence and collaboration which has fostered a generous spirit of camaraderie in our Flinders Music Program.鈥�
JT鈥檚 Contribution to the Flinders Music Program
JT was recognised for playing a pivotal role in shaping the Flinders Band Program, guiding it from its early stages to the flourishing ensembles within the Band Program today.
Mr Nick Campbell, the Director of Music at Flinders, said that when JT arrived at Flinders more than 30 years ago, the Secondary School Band Program originally consisted of a single ensemble, the Secondary Concert Band.
鈥淎s JT nurtured the students鈥� musical abilities, the Wind Symphony was formed to accommodate more advanced players, while the Secondary Concert Band was renamed the College Band,鈥� Mr Campbell said.
鈥淚n 1997, the Stage Band was introduced and, under JT鈥檚 guidance, the program expanded further, adding the Middle School Jazz Band, Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble to the range of ensembles. Through JT鈥檚 mentorship and conducting, the ensembles have proudly represented the College at local, interstate, national and international levels.
鈥淛T has also directed the Percussion Ensemble and, until early 2024, the Flinders Band in the Primary School. Many of JT鈥檚 students have pursued further studies in music and achieved professional success.鈥�
It was also JT鈥檚 vision for the College to commission 鈥淩apture鈥� for the Wind Symphony by their favourite award-winning composer, Brian Balmages, in 2022. The project was generously supported by the Fitzpatricks, an Old Flinderian family.
A few highlights from the concert
