Blackburn High School
Public school in Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Blackburn High School is a co-educational public secondary school for children from years 7 to 12 in Blackburn North, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, founded in 1956.[3] The school is notable for its music curriculum and extracurriculars, particularly for its early adoption of music education in government schooling.
(Growing Towards the Light[1])
| Blackburn High School | |
|---|---|
Blackburn High School sign | |
| Location | |
 | |
58/62 Springfield Road , 3130 Australia | |
| 37.8109°S 145.1500°E | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | Ad Lucem Crescimus (Growing Towards the Light[1]) |
| Established | 1956 |
Principal | Joanna Alexander |
| Years | 7–12 |
| Enrollment | 1321[2] |
| Colours | Green, white, black |
| Website | www |
History
The land for Blackburn High School was acquired from the Pearce Family, who grew peaches and cherries.[4][5] In 1955 (five years before opening) the site was described "still in the cherry orchard state",[6] however the Lilydale Express reported that a "Mr. Percy" from Lilydale High School would be promoted to head-master of Blackburn.[7]
Blackburn High School's instrumental music program began in 1965 under the guidance of teacher Renee Maddocks and principal Arthur Beaumont.[8]
Extracurricular activities
Music
The school has performed in outside events such as the Monterey Jazz Festival,[9][10] Floriade,[11] International Society for Music Education Conference,[12] Victorian School Music Festival,[13][14] the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic,[15] and the local Whitehorse Christmas Carols.[16][17]
It has also competed in the Echuca-Moama School Bands Festival,[18] Royal South Street Eisteddfod, Generations in Jazz Competition,[19][20] and the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival.[21]
The school has released three albums, one in 1977,[22] and two from the Midwest Clinic in 2017.[15][23]
| Awards | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Honourable Mention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Band | ||||
| Division 1 | 2017, 2014 | 2019, 2018, 2011, 2010 | 2015, 2012 | |
| Division 2 | 2010 | 2019 (2.1) | 2026 (2.2) | 2009 |
| Division 3 | 2009 (3.1) | |||
| Division 4 | 2019 (4.2), 2018 (4.2) | |||
| Small Jazz Combo | ||||
| Division 1 | 2019 (1.2) | |||
| Division 3 | 2024 | |||
- SBA Division 4+ Nick Mulder Memorial Award - 2025
- James Morrison Golden Mouthpiece Award - 2014
Notable alumni
- Christos Tsiolkas – Novelist[24][25]
- Ross Irwin – Trumpet player in Melbourne based band 'The Cat Empire'.[26]
- Shannon Barnett – Trombonist, Bell Awards winner for Young Australian Jazz Artist (2007)[27]
- Daniel Merriweather – R&B Singer/Songwriter.[28]
- Reuben Morgan – Singer/Songwriter at the Hillsong Church[29][30]
- Darren James – 3AW Radio Announcer[31]
- Don Scott – Former Hawthorn AFL Football Club Captain & Premiership Player & South Adelaide coach.[32]
- Dee Ryall MP – Former member for Mitcham and Ringwood in the Victorian Parliament[33]
- Jenny Donnet – Olympic and Commonwealth Games diving athlete[34]
- Steve Irons – Federal Member for Swan (WA) 2007[35]
- Jacinta Parsons – Radio host[36]
- Timothy Fehring – student who died on a school camp[37]
- Kynan Brown – Former Melbourne AFL Player[38][39]
- Elizabeth Minter – Former professional Tennis Player[40]
- Trung Luu MP – Member for Victorian legislative council & Former councillor for City of Brimbank[41]
- Erica Sigmont – Track and Field Athlete[42]
- Martin Grant – Fashion Designer[43]