Over 450 performances were presented by the young musicians of Matthew Flinders Anglican College at the 2026 Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod from 31 July to 15 August, showcasing students' exceptional music development across the College’s curricular and co-curricular programs.
The College is renowned for providing expert instrumental and vocal teachers, conductors and accompanists to nurture student talent across its 25 co-curricular instrumental and vocal ensembles.
Overall, Flinders achieved 36 first-place awards, 28 second places, 31 third places and 23 Highly Commended awards.
Three of the Flinders Music Scholars, Gary K, Yana M and Ally L, each won a Championship award, while Gary and Yana also each accepted two prestigious bursaries. (See the full list of award recipients below.)
In the Large Ensemble section of the Eisteddfod, the Primary and Secondary bands, choirs and strings ensembles delivered outstanding performances, representing the College with pride.
Director of Music Ms Sally McHugh said, “While our students’ results are certainly something to celebrate, it is the commitment, collaboration and growth demonstrated by every musician throughout the preparation and performance process that makes us most proud.
“Their performances reflect countless hours of rehearsal, a willingness to challenge themselves and, importantly, the way they support and encourage one another as musicians.
“It is wonderful to see our students’ efforts recognised and to celebrate the continued strength and enthusiasm for our extensive Music Program across the College.
“On behalf of the College, I thank the dedicated Flinders music staff, our supportive families and the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod for providing such valuable performance opportunities for our students.”
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Primary Age Ensembles
1st Place: Junior Primary Choir (Junior Primary Age Choir Ensemble)
1st Place: Flinders Strings (Strings Primary Age Ensemble)
2nd Place: Flinders Band (Concert Band Primary Age Ensemble)
2nd Place: Flinders Choir (Primary Age Choir Ensemble)
Secondary Age Ensembles
1st Place: Chamber Voices (Secondary Age Choir Ensemble)
1st Place: College Strings (Strings Secondary Age Ensemble A)
3rd Place: Wind Symphony (Concert Band Secondary Age Ensemble A)
3rd Place: Stage Band (Stage Band Secondary Age Ensemble)
Small Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
The College’s small ensembles and vocal ensembles also enjoyed remarkable success, with 138 Flinders students competing in these sections:
1st place: Capriccio Strings (Small String Ensemble 18 years & under)
1st place: Saxophone Ensemble (Small Instrumental Ensemble 18 years & under)
1st place: Chamber Voices (Small Vocal Ensemble 18 years & under)
1st place: Flinders Voices (Small Vocal Ensemble 12 years & under)
2nd Place: Vivace Strings (Small String Ensemble 12 & under)
Championships & Special Awards
Flinders Music Scholars students captured three Championship titles:
- Gary K – Senior Brass and Woodwind Championship
- Yana M – Senior Vocal Championship
- Ally L - Intermediate Vocal Championship
Additionally, two were awarded major bursaries.
- Yana M:
- The Julene Robertson Memorial Bursary (Vocal Section)
- The Flora Stephens Memorial Music Bursary (Vocal Section)
- Gary K:
- The Julene Robertson Memorial Bursary (Piano Section)
- The Flora Stephens Memorial Music Bursary (Brass and Woodwind Section)
Duets
Flinders students excelled in duet sections, securing multiple top placements:
- Brass & Woodwind Duets: 2 duets awarded 1st place, 1 duet awarded 2nd place
- String Duets: 1 × 1st place, 1 x 2nd place, 3 x 3rd place, 1 x Highly Commended
- Vocal Duets: 2 × 1st place, 2 x 2nd place, 3 x 3rd place, 2 x Highly Commended
- Piano Duets: 1 x 1st place, 2 x 2nd place
Trios & Quartets
In the trio and quartet sections, Flinders achieved outstanding results:
- Brass & Woodwind Trio/Quartet: 3 × 1st place, 1 x 3rd place
- String Trio/Quartet: 2 × 1st place, 1 x 2nd place
- Vocal Trio/Quartet: 1 × 1st place, 1 x 2nd place, 1 x 3rd place, 1 x Highly Commended
Solos
Across 35 solo items, Flinders students were awarded:
- 15 × 1st place
- 14 × 2nd place
- 20 × 3rd place
- 17 × Highly Commended
Just some of the highlights over a month of music making at the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod.
