SKC Unplugged

Guests at the Music Centre’s recent Unplugged concert were invited to ‘pull up a couch’ and settle down for an evening of acoustic entertainment. Rows of comfortable sofas were the invitation to relax and listen to some of our upcoming young vocalists. The concert featured a number of College students performing acoustic based music; some of them singing their own original songs as well as cover tracks.

The first musician to perform was Isaac Samuels followed by Brodie-Ann MacDonald, Kellie Crighton, Fluorescent Black (a group comprising Brodie-Ann MacDonald, Cameron Mayhew, Nick McQueen, Nick Hood and Nick Taylor) who performed a set of their original songs, Melissa Moore, Kieran Lennox, Jack Muirhead and, finally, Denelle Bagwandhin who performed mainly original material accompanied on guitar and piano by Old Collegian, Mitchell Thompson. As a skilled vocalist and song writer, Denelle has already made the first steps towards a musical career having been signed to Auckland studio label, Ellamy Records at 15 to release a self-titled debut album available on iTunes. 

Following the student performance, music teacher, Mr Kristian Holmes performed a set before introducing the special closing guest performer, Old Collegian and Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Tim Walker. Tim, who had featured on the TV One Breakfast Show that morning, performed four of his own songs and talked to the audience about his journey to make music his career.  He told the students that his friends from College days would not remember him as a musician but rather a sportsman who excelled at rugby and tennis - but a sports injury playing rugby in Sydney changed his direction. He said he had been quietly writing songs since the age of 12. A depth of talent and quiet determination has seen him carve a niche in the acoustic music scene with recognition coming last year at the Musicoz Awards at the Sydney Opera House. These awards cover 18 genres and attract more than 5000 entries. Tim was a finalist in three of the categories, winning the International section. He released his first CD at the end of last year – You/Me, which can be purchased on iTunes.

Tim told the aspiring music students that through his international travel he has come to understand that there are ‘heaps’ of people who can play guitar and there are ‘heaps’ of people who can sing. If they truly want to be successful they need to ‘find their own voice’ and, in particular, write their own material. We thank Tim for sharing his talent and wish him well.

The College music department has become well recognised for original concerts that appeal to a range of musical tastes. Watch out the College Solo Music Finals on Saturday 11 May and ‘A Night with the Stars’ on Saturday 18 May.

Denelle and Tim Walker’s songs can be heard on Youtube and iTunes.