Largest ever Swainson Memorial Music Competition

On Tuesday evening we had our largest ever Swainson Memorial Music competition, with a total of 39 fantastic performances. Congratulations to Freya Y12 winner of the Betty Swainson Memorial Prize for Musical Performance, Carina Y9 who won the Nell Clere Music Scholarship and to all our deserved winners below:

Nell Clere Music Scholarship

Kathleen Clere (Nell) was a past pupil and music teacher at Marsden. She helped establish the Old Girls’ Association with Miss Baber and in 1936 was its second president. Her interest and support in the school and its endeavours remained with her all her life. This scholarship is valued at $1,000 and is awarded annually by the Old Girls’ Association to a student from Years 7 – 12 who shows considerable potential. The scholarship will enable the recipient(s) to continue musical studies while at Marsden.

Winner - Carina Y9
Highly Commended - Joyce Y12

Year 11-13 Session

The Betty Swainson Memorial Prize for Musical Performance was established in our Centenary Year in 1978 and is open to a Marsden Year 11 - 13 student in recognition of their outstanding performance at the Swainson competition. The recipient receives the Director of Music Award.

Betty Swainson Memorial Prize - Freya Y12
Highly Commended - Louisa Y12
Adjudicator's Award - Arlo Y11

Year 9-10 Session

The Marian Campbell Prize for Junior Performance was introduced in 2020 and is open to a Year 9 - 10 student in recognition of their outstanding performance at the Swainson competition. The recipient receives a Director of Music Award.

Marian Campbell Cup - Rose Y9
Highly Commended - Lilja Y9
Adjudicator's Award - Lopa Y10

Year 7-8 Session

The Middle School Prize for Junior Performance was introduced in 2022 and is open to a Year 7 or 8 student in recognition of their outstanding performance at the Swainson competition. The recipient receives a Director of Music Award.

Middle School Prize - Karen Y8
Highly Commended - Wendy Y7
Adjudicator's Award - Bonnie Y8

It was a wonderful evening of music. Huge thanks to our adjudicator Jessica Oddie, who had the difficult job of deciding, the standard was so high! Thanks also to the Old Girls' Association for the Nell Clere Music Scholarship and to the family of Gemma New for your continued support. And finally, to our wonderful performers, bravo you are amazing!

See more photos on our Facebook page.

Thank you to School Photographer, Mackenzie Y13 for the photos.