Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mackay North State High School students joined 135 young musicians from more than 20 schools for Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s regional State Honours Ensemble Program. Photos supplied by Mackay North State High School
After just 10 hours of rehearsal, 135 young musicians from more than 20 schools came together for a Grand Finale concert at Mackay North State High School.
The performance marked the conclusion of Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s three-day regional State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP), hosted at North High.
Flautist and Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association National President Sharelle Guest led the band, veteran music educator and Young Conservatorium Conductor Mark Sullivan led the strings, and award-winning choral educator Dr Anthony Young led the vocal ensemble.
North High Head of Department Music Kathy George said the students “blossomed unbelievably” during their 10 hours working with the conductors.
“The standard of the Grand Finale concert on the final day — capital G, capital F,” she said with a laugh, “was just outstanding.
“The hall was absolutely full of parents, and they were absolutely raving about how much they enjoyed it and how incredible the standard was.”
Kathy described SHEP as “absolutely invaluable”, providing regional students with access to high-level music teaching that is usually available in southeast Queensland.
She said the Mackay community should feel “extremely indebted” to the SHEP team for travelling across Queensland and ensuring regional students did not miss out on the opportunity.
Since Queensland Conservatorium launched SHEP in 2001, the program has connected more than 45,000 students from over 2000 schools with conductors.
North High advocated for the program to come to Mackay and welcomed the opportunity to share the experience with musicians from across the district.
And there is already a date in mind for the next chapter.
Kathy left no doubt about North High hosting SHEP again in 2027, saying: “I’ve already locked it in.”
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
