Now in its 18th year, the Honours Band Festival continues to grow in strength, bringing together students who share a passion for music, collaboration, and pride in their craft.
This year’s festival featured students from Dio, King’s School, St Cuthbert’s College, St Kentigern Boys, Liston College, and Belmont Music Centre. Representing Dio with dedication and skill were nine talented instrumentalists:
- Jasmine Hughes (Trumpet)
- Angela Yang (French Horn)
- Lillianne Huang (Clarinet)
- Lola Tan (Clarinet)
- Selena Liu (Clarinet)
- Miranda Lai (Flute)
- Bella Liu (Flute)
- Cynthia Li (Bassoon)
- Orla Loveridge (Alto Saxophone)
The day was filled with intensive rehearsals under the guidance of five music directors, leading up to a finale concert that showcased the students’ hard work. A highlight was Dio’s moving performance of A Mother’s Hymn, an arrangement of the Swedish hymn How Great Thou Art, the only slow piece on the programme, which was warmly received by the audience.
Despite being a smaller team, Dio stood out as the only school represented by both a bassoonist (Cynthia Li) and a French horn player (Angela Yang). Adding to the occasion, Orla Loveridge was recognised as the best student speaker, representing Dio with confidence, inclusivity, and pride.
This memorable day was a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and celebrate the talents of young musicians.
