Carmen Sowden, Emily Ross and Samantha Cullen prepare to go onstage for their class performance
Tom Dolzan and Andrew Raabe performed with cellos

July 23, 2013

A crowd of almost 1000 packed the Maryknoll Centre at St Mary’s Catholic College in Kingaroy on Friday night for the school’s annual Rock On Stage concert.

The hall was lined with row-upon-row of parents, friends, teachers and fellow students who’d all braved the cool winter weather for a big evening of music.

Each class produced a dance or performance piece to rock or pop music.

They had prepared the acts during their own time and in free periods.

Their teachers also braved the stage, bringing the rock’n’roll era back to life with “Elvis”, “Bill Haley”, “Buddy Holly” and “Chuck Berry” making guest appearances.

The evening opened with performances by the junior grade students, gradually moving on to the senior grades as the night progressed.

St Mary’s College principal Michael Nayler said attendance was up on last year.

He said he was very proud of the College’s students and the hard work they’d put into the event.

UPDATE November 1, 2013: It was announced at the School Awards night last night that Rock On Stage raised $2230 for a sister school in the Philippines.

It’s all go! Taryn Walters, Danielle Young, Jessica Langley and Jodie Harmon performed the 1980s pop classic “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
Rory Browne, Bridget McCarron and Liana Haak played violins and violas in the concert
Proud mum (and tuckshop convenor) Michelle Davis was on hand to help with concert refreshments at intermission
Members of the school’s Senior Dance group, at rear, Nakita McGregor, Brittani Merton, Marisa Murray and Megan Irvine; front, Rachael Patroni, Ellen Nixon, Elila-Rose Mkakanzi and Rhiannon Bugden

Teleah Brydon, Year 11, dressed as a dazzling Mad Hatter for an “Alice In Wonderland” adaptation

But which Damo does he mean? An enigmatic Damien Martoo wasn’t giving anything away on the night…
Hannah Depper and Brie Wintour, both Year 10s, were practising a number from Cats before they went onstage
Belinda and Richard Pennell travelled from Booubyjan to watch the show

[UPDATED with correction]