Music patron assembly

On Tuesday 24 June a special assembly was held to induct clarinetist Ashley Smith as our new Music Program Patron. Ashley attended John Forrest Secondary College from 1997 to 2001 and has gone on to enjoy an international career as a performer and composer. Ashley is Artist in Residence at the University of Western Australia where he was also recently appointed an Assistant Professor position as the Head of Winds and Contemporary Performance.

We are honoured that Ashley has agreed to become our patron. He has already been involved in the College, having performed for our 50th Anniversary Concert in 2012 and conducted some master classes with our senior school students.

During the assembly Ashley spoke about what he would tell his high school age self about what was important about school and life. He performed one of his own compositions, which was spellbinding, and really showed why he has earned such an international reputation. Les Peirce, the former John Forrest Head of The Arts, also spoke at the assembly about his memories of Ashley as a student and special guest, City of Bayswater His Worship The Mayor, Sylvan Albert, spoke about the importance of giving back to the community. The Senior Concert Band, under the direction of Mayuka Juber, performed fabulously at the assembly with the help of some of the John Forrest Secondary College SIM instrumental teachers and ex-students.