Leaders in Tune

Old Scholar Kate Holland (1992) found a rare moment of quiet to chat with the leaders of that space, Lester Wong (Director of Music Performance) and Stephen Millar (Head of Music – Curriculum).

For Lester, his musical journey began during his schooling in Singapore. Forced to select a co-curricular activity, he chose the Chinese Orchestra. He learnt both the violin and erhu (a traditional instrument) in an intense, competitive environment that he grew to love.

'I found my voice in the violin and gained many friendships. After two years in the army, I decided to pursue music and headed to the Conservatorium in Adelaide.'

Stephen’s parents were in the Salvation Army, and at the age of 8, he was offered lessons so he could join the brass band. He began learning euphonium, which he says was terrible. Persistence carried him to the band around 10, then the choir, and later Brighton High’s special music program in its second-ever intake, where things really took off. Trombone became his main instrument, but he learned across brass, percussion and composition.

'I was open to pursuing both Maths and Music postschool, then in Year 12, my Music grades soared while my Maths dropped. It became clear that I was better at Music, and I also realised that I wanted to be a Music Teacher, not just a performer.'

Today, the duo harnesses passion and professionalism to oversee a dynamic program of musical offerings. Lester looks after strings, jazz, Rock School, choirs and bands, 'ensuring every student finds a place to discover their musicality'. Stephen conducts, teaches and oversees the curriculum—'refining programs, setting exams and ensuring compliance.'

Their two roles used to be one, and they have high praise for the split, saying it’s given them more time to grow the programs in their own domain and hire specialists.

Whether a student is engaged in Music as a cocurricular activity outside school hours or as part of the curriculum, the pair extols its benefits – particularly when experienced in groups. As well as connecting us to history, Stephen believes 'Playing in ensembles teaches patience and is teamwork at its purest.' According to Lester, 'The collective experience of making music can deliver goosebumps and is incredibly moving.'

Asked whether they still play for fun, the answer was a resounding yes. In perfect unison.

'I’ve performed with ensembles from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra to Opera Australia. But now my greatest joy is watching young musicians grow, collaborate and create something greater than themselves. Every time I see our students perform in front of an audience, I am inspired by their resilience and thoughtfulness in creating music where there would otherwise be silence.' – Neal Holmes, Coordinator of Bands, IMT

'Music is ever-present in my life – not only through teaching, playing and collaborating, but also through my involvement in Kodály and Orff communities worldwide, where I explore best practice.' – Mary-Anne Riley, Coordinator of Junior School Arts

'Playing in ensembles, It is rewarding to engage in conversations with students, exploring composers, performers and pianos. I enjoy developing series and displays to share what I’ve learned, especially the quirky details. I am continually amazed by the maturity and insights young students bring and it is teamwork at its purest.' – Jennifer Stokes, Peripatetic Music Teacher, IMT

'I love seeing students stand tall and confident, proud of their creations and their skills. What music teaches us about ourselves and about others is an educational journey like no other.' – Charmaine Jones, Coordinator of Choirs and Singing, IMT