Emma Chau’s journey at St Andrew’s Cathedral School highlights how the performing arts and shared adventures foster personal growth and lasting connections. Through ensembles, leadership opportunities and experiences like Kosi to Coast, Emma found inspiration and developed the confidence to pursue her passion for music.
Do you have a few lasting memories of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, or a story you’d like to share?
I have too many memories of the School… Kosi to Coast, the Italy Music Tour, Annie and The Little Mermaid.
I remember on the Kosi to Coast hike, my group was turned around due to flooding. We had to hike all the way back to Dead Horse Gap to get a bus to our next campsite. It was cold and wet, but my group was chanting together for the last hundred metres. Our camp leader had a Spotify playlist for us. Listening to music for the first time in a week was so nice because the only music we’d had was us singing.
When did you join the School?
I joined in Year 7. There was so much opportunity to participate in activities—I was so excited. Other than the music ensembles, I participated in Knitting Club, Theatresports, SACS Factor, Soccer and Basketball. I met so many people.
In general, what was the best part about going to the School?
I always enjoyed the performing arts. Attending music rehearsals, watching my friends in Theatresports competitions and drama productions, rehearsals and interactions with special teachers. It kept me going.
I always appreciated the Music Department, especially Dr Watson. His work is really inspiring and he does it out of love, which is amazing. He taught me and my friends to be leaders in ensembles and to take the initiative. He was so generous to me and really saw the potential in me as a musician.
You were a House Captain. Did being a leader develop your character?
Being a leader made me a better team member.
I was always so used to doing things on my own and having the perfect picture in my head. Collaborating with everyone’s ideas and delegating tasks made the process more enjoyable and we were all proud of the end result we made together, like in Make Off and SACS Factor.
What do you hope to do next year and in your future?
I hope to work in the music industry and I am hoping to get accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to study Jazz Performance.
