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Find your voice at St Mary’s Cathedral junior school

Joining the junior school of St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney marks the beginning of an enriching experience with a specialist music and academic education that is highly rewarding.

The St Mary’s Cathedral Junior School is Sydney’s only Catholic specialist music primary school.

It is part of the prestigious St Mary’s Cathedral College, in the heart of Sydney and home to Australia’s oldest music choir, where expert teachers cater to musicians and choristers with a passion for music. 

The choir, which has sung for Pope Francis at the Vatican – with their performance broadcast to millions – is now accepting enrolments from boys in Years 3 to 6 and is also offering scholarships for Choir candidates. 

An enriching opportunity

The St Mary’s Cathedral College Junior School Choir program includes two years of piano tuition, starting in Year 3. Students then choose an orchestral or band instrument to learn. 

The choir’s weekly schedule includes seven rehearsals, private singing lessons, music and instrument tuition with instruments provided, as well as three performances. Transport services are also provided to help choristers get to rehearsals.

The road to musical success

A student and parent of St Mary's Cathedral College and choir in the classroom. Bede Byrne (pictured with his mum Mary) enjoys the life of a St Mary’s Cathedral chorister. Photo: Zane Wilson

Bede Byrne joined the choir at St Mary’s Cathedral College Junior School when he was in Year 3. He’s now in Year 6 and plays the trumpet.

The scholarship-holder came to the choir with a love of singing and no formal music training. The school nurtured his inner musician.

According to Bede’s mother, Mary Byrne, “They look at your potential, rather than at …

How a Sydney Music Teacher is Instilling Her Passion

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program continues to gain momentum at an unprecedented scale as one of the most comprehensive and ambitious investments to enrich the musical experiences and opportunities for Sydney students.

The program is delivered by accomplished educators whose dedication to being consummate musicians themselves fuels their passion for inspiring and nurturing the next generation of young talent.

One of these educators is Julia Pokorny, a dedicated music teacher at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Belfield and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Cabramatta.

Outside of school, Ms Pokorny performs as an accomplished musician for the Sydney Contemporary Orchestra, Bourbaki Orchestra and Strathfield Symphony. 

“I believe in the transformative power of music. Every child should have the opportunity to learn an instrument and experience the confidence and joy that music brings, regardless of their background,” Julia Pokorny said. 

The launch of the Amadeus program at 147 Sydney Catholic Schools has only further heightened Ms Pokorny’s enthusiasm for teaching music.

She continues to feel fulfilled as she witnesses the joy and progress of her students.

“The future of music education is programs like Amadeus. As they continue to thrive, the lasting impacts on students’ lives are invaluable,” Ms Pokorny said.  

Her involvement in orchestras has provided Ms Pokorny with a unique training ground, honing her skills and preparing her for challenges which she today shares with students to positively influence what she hopes will be a lifelong devotion.

“My passion for both performing and teaching fuels an enthusiasm that helps me bring a unique perspective to the classroom and further fosters my understanding of each of my students’ unique learning styles,” Julia Pokorny said.

Ms Pokorny’s journey into the …

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