ENSEMBLES 2024

Hale St Mary’s Wind Orchestra

Hale St Mary’s Wind Orchestra The Hale St Mary’s Wind Orchestra represents the pinnacle of woodwind, brass, and percussion music at the partner schools. This ensemble is characterized by its dynamic range and bold programming, engaging students between 13 and 17 years of age in the exploration of wind ensemble literature from symphonic classics to avant-garde compositions. With performances that enliven school functions and community events alike, the Wind Orchestra has also taken its talents abroad, mirroring the touring success of its sibling ensembles. The Hale and St Mary’s combined music programs took part in a landmark performance in 2023, where they joined forces with Sydney Grammar School to present "The Cave of the Sleeping Lady" by Paul Jarman. This event not only highlighted their musical excellence but also their commitment to cross-institutional collaboration and new music commissioning.

Jodie Upton

Conductor

Jodie Upton holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Music (Performance) from the University of Melbourne in addition to a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) from UWA. As the current Director of Music at St Mary's Anglican Girls' School in Karrinyup, Jodie brings a wealth of experience and passion for leading school-based ensembles. Awarded an orchestral fellowship by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2004, Jodie has since performed with all major Australian orchestras. Her proficiency as a clarinettist extends to both solo performances and chamber music, recently highlighted at the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Festival. In collaboration with Mel Skinner, Jodie co-directs the Hale School and St Mary’s Wind Ensemble. Her conducting acumen has been shaped by mentors including Rob McWilliams, Alice Farnham, Kata Körtvési, Dale Pointon, and Peter Moore OAM. Her expertise also includes guest conducting for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Wind Ensemble.

Melissa Skinner

Conductor

Melissa was awarded an instrumental music scholarship at Perth Modern School (a specialist music school) and later studied Jazz as a saxophonist at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She has been fortunate to have performed in a wide variety of genres and ensembles, including the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Perth Symphony Orchestra, James Morrison Big Band, Western Australian Jazz Project, WAYJO, Jazz West, Perth Jazz Orchestra, Artemis Jazz Orchestra, and as a soloist in her own jazz groups. Melissa is passionate about teaching music and is invested in advocacy for music education. Throughout her career, she has taught instrumental and classroom music and has worked as a musical director and conductor for concert bands and jazz ensembles. Melissa will be directing the Wind Orchestra whilst on tour.

Celebration Program

Additional Concerts Program