Philip Walsh’s influence in the St Peter’s College community has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining the School as Director of Music in 2017, Philip has raised the profile of music extensively, not just to a state level, but to a national level. None of this has happened by chance or accident, and the whole SPSC community has benefited greatly from Philip’s strategic direction in his five years of service to the School.
Some notable achievements of Philip’s time at the School:
- Big Band
- 2nd Place Division 2, Generations in Jazz 2017
- 1st Place Division 2, Generations in Jazz 2018
- Band Director’s Award – Most Outstanding Jazz Educator, Generations in Jazz 2018
- First time competing in Division 1, Generations in Jazz 2019
- Doubling student participation in Music across the whole school.
- Raising the profile of Music at SPSC to a national level.
- Overseeing the redevelopment of the Hill Wing into a functional, purpose-fit music centre.
- Sustained, meaningful engagement in music through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Engaging concert programs, culminating with Philip’s final concert “Let Me Entertain You” performed by a 200-piece festival orchestra and choir, which was an overwhelming success.
The visible achievements listed above only begin to scrape the surface of Philip’s profound impact on the Music landscape of the School community. Behind the scenes, he has worked tirelessly and passionately to shape music into a truly exceptional community of learning for the students. Through Philip’s inspirational leadership of the music department, he has delivered expansive opportunities in music to the students of St Peter’s College. The impact he has had will be long-lasting, and he will be greatly missed by students, parents, and staff. We wish Philip all the best as he moves back to Melbourne closer to family, and as he takes up his post as Head of Music at Wesley College in Melbourne.
Brad Turner
Senior School Music Teacher and Director of Music in 2022