Testimonials

“Our students really enjoyed the experience and learned a great deal from their masterclasses and clinics. We were particularly impressed with the male and female voice masterclasses and the choir workshop – all EXCELLENT. The adjudication reports for Choir and Jazz Band were very detailed and nicely presented. Comments from all adjudicators were very encouraging and helpful. Our full Jazz Band workshop with the adjudicator was very beneficial. The Jazz Band Night Under the Stars was a wonderful idea, as all bands were able to hear each other and it had a great atmosphere – the students all said that this was their favourite performance, as the crowd reaction was so positive.”

Attending Teacher 2019, Toowoomba Anglican School

“ASPIRE was a wonderful experience for our students. There was a great balance of learning, performing, building confidence and meeting new people. The whole festival was organised so well. As teachers, once we arrived, we knew that everything was going to run smoothly.”

Attending Teacher 2019, St Lukes Anglican School

“Things we loved – the workshops with the Band and Jazz adjudicators, the masterclasses with clinicians, listening to the other ensembles. Also, the lanyards, ASPIRE program and reflective journal were very professionally presented, informative documents and fantastic keepsakes for the students and staff.”

Attending Teacher 2019, St Andrew's Anglican College

“It was a great pleasure to meet you and to witness your quiet, gentle efficiency in organising the Aspire Festival. Over 40 years as either Director or Assistant, I have been involved in many tours, festivals etc but I can honestly say this was the most enjoyable… There was always a friendly and happy atmosphere in the foyer – all credit to you, Brooke and all your staff. ”

Attending Teacher 2019, Camberwell Grammer School

“It was an absolute delight for me to be involved in the festival, both as part of the team and to have my Vocal Ensemble compete… it has truly inspired [the students] to strive even harder for vocal excellence, and they have been sharing their newly acquired wisdom with other singers at school”

Attending Teacher, Mt Maria College

“I felt that Peter in particular had an excellent understanding of how to work with school aged students… The Jazz Under the Star had a great vibe. Looking forward to seeing this style of event grow… Performing at the Con Theatre stage. The high calibre of most adjudicators and clinicians (in particular Peter Morris, Brett Weymark, John Curro, Jason Redman and all 3 voice masterclass clinicians). The trophies are awesome! Best I’ve ever received in any competition. We also got to hear some amazing performances (the string group from BBC). The chosen set pieces were quite a stretch for many of our students but they have certainly improved as musicians due to their participation in the Festival. Listening to John Curro was also a massive highlight for me. His passion for music education is still so evident and that was very special to hear.”

Attending Teacher 2017, St Andrew's Anglican College

“The adjudications were outstanding – relevant, concise, and very helpful. The adjudicators are to be commended for their commitment to making the competitive aspect of the Festival such a worthwhile experience… The workshop was outstanding! It was focused and relevant to the needs of our choir. The students found it engaging and well paced. The staff also enjoyed it and learnt a great deal. I thought the length was ideal”

Attending Teacher 2017, The Glennie School

“May I just say a huge thank you to everyone at ASPIRE for a wonderful event. My girls learned so much and LOVED being a part of it. We are looking forward to 2019 and hope it comes quickly”

Attending Teacher 2017, Mt Maria College

“I think that it is very important that Brisbane has a Music Event of this quality. It highlights all of the great things that are going on in this corner of the world.”

Attending Teacher 2017, Brisbane Boys College

“It was an honour to be the Artistic Director of the Inaugural ASPIRE International Youth Music Festival. The very high calibre of the industry and tertiary adjudicators and clinicians helped to make it an extra special music experience for the young musicians participating. The combination of competition and learning and development ensured for a highly enjoyable and worthwhile experience for students and teachers alike. ASPIRE 2017 was a great success. I am confident in the team at ASPIRE to build on this success and present a truly international youth music festival in 2019, attracting some of the very best school music talent to Brisbane from around the world.”

A/Prof Peter Luff, Artistic Director 2017

“The ASPIRE Festival offers an extraordinary experience for the young musicians who attend. I believe the positive approach, the camaraderie, and the expert tuition, alongside the open completion is hugely inspiring to all who attend.”

Marc Taddei, Aspire Adjudicator Orchestra Section

“I loved the atmosphere that was created for both the [students] and the staff. Making music together with friends is one of the greatest joys of music education and indeed life itself!”

Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich, Aspire Adjudicator Orchestra Section

“I was really impressed by the calibre of the performers, by the fine-tuned organisation of the event (both in the lead-up and during), and by the dedication of all involved. Everyone I dealt with was clear in their communication and so supportive.”

David Carr, Aspire Clinician

“The ASPIRE Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the many schools involved to participate in varied music experiences beyond the scope of a large performance only.”

Maria Salmon, Aspire Clinician

“Congratulations to you on a brilliant first festival. I have been singing the praises of Aspire ever since I got back to Sydney especially the calibre of the staff and the amazing focus of the children”

Brett Weymark, Aspire Adjudicator Choral Section

“Congratulations on an outstanding Festival. The quality of the ensembles and choirs at Old Government House were absolutely amazing and it was delight to compere the day… it was my pleasure to be involved and you can put me down again for the next festival if you will have me… I must also comment on the other members of the team on the day, they made the program run very smoothly and professionally. A spectacular event.”

Dianne Wagner, Aspire Compere

“It was great fun and and a real pleasure to be a part for the first Aspire! I hope I can be involved again in 2019 ”

Marc Francis, Aspire Adjudicator Jazz Orchestra Section

“Thank you all so much for a wonderful experience for the first ever “Aspire” Festival, you’ve pulled off an amazing event and everyone in attendance including your clinicians loved it! Bravo to all and thank you for including me. You have a first class organisation with many great things to come!”

Dr John Lynch, Aspire Adjudicator Concert Band Section

“It was super fun and I enjoyed all aspects of it, especially when we won the grand prize. I will remember ASPIRE forever.”

Aspire Participant 2019

“I really enjoyed this festival. It was a good chance to mix and mingle with new people, a chance to perform in front of adjudicators, watching other groups perform and it being in Australia was a very enjoyable and good experience for me.”

Aspire Participant 2019

“ASPIRE was very fun, I got to meet a lot of people from different places and got to experience lots of music. The events were also very entertaining and helpful.”

Aspire Participant 2019

“I thought it was very inspirational, thrilling and exciting. I really want to go again in future.”

Aspire Participant 2019

“Being in the auditorium with our accompanist playing on the beautiful, black, grand piano. Our sound carried so nicely and it was great to be part of that. It was one of the best parts of ASPIRE. No part I didn’t like”

Aspire Participant 2017

“I loved the tips we were given to improve as singers and performers. I think the advice we were given will help us a lot in future”

Aspire Participant 2017

“My favourite part was the French festival. Singing in French was a delightful challenge and going around that part of the festival to experience some of ‘France’ was really interesting, loved the French food.”

Aspire Participant 2017

“Overall, ASPIRE was a beautiful experience. I learnt so much as well as being able to meet new people and develop new skills. I was handed an opportunity to perform and do more with my love for singing.”

Aspire Participant 2017

“Thank you so much for organizing this wonderful tournament. It was a good experience as a person who plays an instrument. Your guys hard work has really paid off.”

Aspire Participant

“I met people that I will remain in contact for even after the event.”

Aspire Participant 2017