Thousands of young musicians raise the roof at QCMF

Thousands of young musicians hit the stage this week (13-16 August) for the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere - the 2026 Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival (QCMF) – hosted by Villanova College, Coorparoo.

From aspiring singers and songwriters as young as Prep, to future conductors, musicians and performers, talented students from across 74 Brisbane Catholic Education schools, 17 Religious Institute schools from Brisbane, three Toowoomba schools, five Central Queensland schools, one school from Cairns, and even two from New Zealand, all came together for the southern hemisphere’s largest music festival!

Villanova College Director of Music and QCMF Artistic Director Michael Jones said the event brings thousands of young musicians into harmony for four days of performances spanning classical and contemporary genres.

“From choirs and concert bands to jazz ensembles, string orchestras, percussion groups and contemporary music acts, QCMF showcases the breadth and diversity of music education taking place in schools across the state,” he said.

Mt Maria College, Mitchelton Principal Luke Reed said the event offered a powerful way for students to express themselves, build confidence and develop skills that extend far beyond the rehearsal room or stage.

"At Mt Maria College, we are proud to offer a diverse music program of a truly exceptional calibre that allows students of all abilities and interests to find their place, whether that's in a choir, concert band, string ensemble, contemporary bands, drumline or one of our many other performance groups,” he said. 

"Events like QCMF give students the opportunity to perform alongside their peers, learn from other schools and experience the excitement of being part of something much bigger than themselves. 

“Those experiences create lasting memories, inspire personal growth and help students develop a lifelong appreciation for music.”  

In 2025, Mt Maria College ensembles achieved outstanding results at QCMF, with 41 per cent receiving gold awards, 46 per cent silver, and 13 per cent bronze, in addition to individual awards of excellence recognising exceptional soloists in ensembles.  

In 2025, Mt Maria College ensembles achieved outstanding results at QCMF, with 41 per cent receiving gold awards, 46 per cent silver, and 13 per cent bronze. 

BCE is proud to sponsor QCMF in 2026 and support opportunities for students to perform on one of the state's biggest stages for school musicians. 

The festival's 35-year success reflects the importance of music in shaping confident, creative, and connected young people. 

This year organisers are inviting families, alumni, local residents, and music lovers to experience the energy, passion, and talent that have made QCMF a highlight of Queensland's school music calendar. For more information about the event, click here. 

Main image caption: St Eugene College, Burpengary Year 2 and 3 students perform in the QCMF Choir category. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).

Image 1 below: Carmel College, Thornlands students perform in the Contemporary Ensemble category. (From left to right) Year 8 and 10 students Andrea (on keys), Rory (singer), Addison (on guitar), Tahlia (drums), Sophie (signer), Elisabeth (bass), and Alexander (singer). ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).