A newly-formed choir of more than 25 St James College students from Years 7–12 delivered their debut performance at the annual Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival last weekend. They were accompanied by the college's talented band. 

Performing in the St James Church at Coorparoo, the choir was awarded a silver medal for their passionate rendition of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), a song made famous by music artist Shakira, at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

St James College Music Teacher Hannah Flower praised the choir for their first public performance and the enthusiastic audience response.

“They received astounding feedback from the audience after they finished singing.”

“Members of the St James Church community said they had never heard a performance like that before, describing it as a roof-raising experience.

“I am extremely proud of their phenomenal performance,” Flower said.

Now in its 33rd year, the Queensland Catholic Schools Music Festival is the premier event on the Catholic Schools and Colleges annual music calendar. Proudly hosted at Villanova College, the event showcases the best in music education, covering a diverse range of genres within classical and contemporary styles.