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The Music Pocket
The Music Pocket was designed in 1970 or 1971 as a way to “dress up” the School blazer to serve as a band uniform. An early use was for the National Band Championships in Maryborough, Queensland in 1971.
The use was contrary to the Badges Regulations, but some hardy souls persisted and the pocket received “official” recognition in 1979, following a resolution of the School Union.
On 3 May 1979, Rodwan Mounjed moved the motion (seconded by Hugh Swinbourne) that year 11 and year 12 students, who have achieved certain requirements in the field of music should be awarded music pockets for their blazers. The conditions for the award of the pocket were outlined as follows:
The purpose of this award is to recognise meritorious performance in the field of the School’s musical endeavour, and to encourage and elevate the standard of our musical achievement.
To qualify for this award, which is an embroidered blazer pocket, a student must have performed in one of the following competitions: -
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State Band Championships (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place).
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Public Performance, Schools’ Festival of Instrumental Music.
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Public Performance, Secondary Schools’ Choral Concert.
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Public Performance, Winning Arts Council Music Award.
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TV or Raadio broadcast as member of School group or solo performer representing the School.
In order to encourage serious involvement in music on a continuous basis, and to preclude indiscriminate awards for casual performances, eligibility for this award must be approved and certified by the Music Master.
Following discussion and questions at the School Union meeting of 7 June 1979, the motion was again put and passed, with the adjustment that the pocket would be allowed for both junior and senior students.
The 2015 revision of the Badges Regulations now state:
An award of a special pocket may be made to senior pupils (Years 11 and 12) who have been involved in the Co-Curricular Instrumental Music Program for at least three years, and who have attained a position in the Senior Concert Band, Senior String Orchestra, Stage Band, or Guitar Ensemble. Recipients must be attending rehearsals and performances on a regular basis and display a high level of commitment to their ensemble. Eligibility to wear this pocket is to be determined by the Headmaster in consultation with the Teacher-in-Charge of Music.