Hundreds of young musicians at Matthew Flinders Anglican College bravely took to the stage to showcase their talent, skill and passion for music to judging panels and audiences at the 2025 Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod, from 1 August to 16 August.
Instrumental and vocal students represented the College with pride across the eisteddfod season, demonstrating the strength of Flinders’ thriving co-curricular Music Program.
The majority of the eisteddfod season was presented in the Flinders Performance Centre, a professional-grade stage setting that is familiar to our musicians as they regularly rehearse, perform and learn in the venue as part of their curriculum and co-curricular programs.
In total, Flinders entered in solo, duet, trio and quartet, small and large ensembles, achieving places in 62 sections.
Overall, Flinders achieved 37 first place awards, 23 second places, 19 third places and 26 Highly Commended awards. (See award recipients below)
Notably, Flinders entered an ensemble in every item and placed first in every Secondary large ensemble item and secured a place in every Primary large ensemble item!
Individually, three students won championship categories, including:
- Yana Masurkar – Senior Vocal Championship
- Alexis Lanskey – Senior Brass and Woodwind Championship
- Gary Koryukin - Senior Piano Championship
- Yana Masurkar was also awarded the Julene Robertson Memorial Bursary in the Vocal Section.
The Flinders Acting Head of Music, Ms Sally McHugh, said, “The Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod is an important opportunity for our young musicians to challenge themselves, share their love of music and celebrate the arts within the wider community.
“Our students and ensembles delivered performances that captivated audiences and impressed adjudicators alike,” she said.
“What a thrill for our Secondary Band, Choir and College Strings to each claim 1st place in their sections—a true “Triple Crown” moment.
“Our Primary Band, Choir and Strings were equally impressive, placing in each section with outstanding results. These young musicians are building strong foundations for the years ahead, and we are proud of their efforts and growth.
“Participation in the Eisteddfod also highlights the breadth of opportunity available at Flinders, where students are nurtured through a thriving program of ensembles, private tuition and classroom music.
“Many of the performers are already looking ahead to upcoming concerts and events, eager to continue building on their success.
“It is wonderful to see how our students’ hard work, resilience and teamwork has been richly rewarded. The students’ achievements are a testament to their passion and perseverance, and a wonderful celebration of the strength of music at Flinders.”
The College has an exceptional reputation for inspiring students' music development across the curriculum and co-curricular programs, with expert music teachers, conductors and accompanists nurturing talent across 25 College instrumental and vocal ensembles.
There is also the Friends of Music parent volunteer group who support the budding musicians to prepare for their performances.
Congratulations to our students for the following achievements in their categories.
Championships & Awards
Flinders students won 3 Championship Categories:
- Yana Masurkar – Senior Vocal Championship
- Alexis Lanskey – Senior Brass and Woodwind Championship
- Gary Koryukin - Senior Piano Championship
- Yana Masurkar was also awarded the Julene Robertson Memorial Bursary in the Vocal Section.
Large Ensembles
261 Flinders students competed in the large ensemble sections of the Eisteddfod.
Flinders entered an ensemble in every item and placed first in every Secondary large ensemble item and secured a place in every Primary large ensemble item!
- College String Orchestra 1st place - Strings / Full Orchestra Secondary Age Large Ensemble
- Stage Band 1st place - Stage Band Secondary Age Ensemble
- Wind Symphony 1st place - Concert Band Secondary Age Ensemble A
- Chamber Voices 1st place - Secondary Age Choir Ensemble
- Flinders Strings 1st place - Strings/Full Orchestra Primary Age Ensemble
- Flinders Band 2nd place - Concert Band Primary Age Large Ensemble
- Flinders Choir 2nd place - Primary Age Choir Large Ensemble
- Junior Primary Choir Highly Commended - Junior Primary Choir Ensemble
Small Ensembles
A total of 103 Flinders students competed in the small instrumental/vocal ensemble sections.
Flinders won every small ensemble they entered!
- Brass Ensemble 1st place - Small Instrumental Ensemble 18 years & under
- Chamber Voices 1st place - Small Vocal Ensemble 18 years & under
- Flinders Voices 1st place - Small Vocal Ensemble 12 years & under
- Capriccio 1st place - Small String Ensemble 18 years & under
- Vivace 1st place - Small String Ensemble 12 years & under
Trios & Quartet Sections
There were 32 Flinders students competing in six Trio/Quartet items across Brass & Woodwind, Vocal and Strings.
- Primary Brass & Woodwind Trio – 1st place
- Secondary Brass & Woodwind Quartet – 1st place
- Secondary String Quartet Section – 1st and 3rd place
- Secondary Vocal Trio/Quartet Section – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places
Duet Sections
- Brass & Woodwind Duets – 3 x 1st placings
- String Duets – 3 x 1st placings
- Vocal Duets – 2 x 1st placings
- Piano Duet – 1 x 1st placing
Solos & Duets
Flinders students competed 157 times in 43 items:
- Students achieved 28 - 1st places, 20 - 2nd places, 18 - 3rd places and 22 - Highly Commended places.
Please note: A full list of student results can be found on the Music page on MyFlinders.
Below are just a few photos of our Flinders students, taken after their wonderful performances.
