BSSC’s Musician of the Year 2024 was a night of musical excellence for the appreciative audience gathered in the Ulumbarra foyer.
Talented pianist and Year 12 student, Violet Thoma, remembers the intense nerves she felt prior to, and during, her performance.
But few in the audience would have been aware of this. Violet performed outstandingly and went on to win both Musician of the Year and the Audience Choice Award.
“It helped to be playing one of my favourite pieces,” she says, “I love music that is emotional and Liszt’s Sonetta 104 del Petrarca is grand and majestic—but it’s so incredibly complicated, it scared me off at first. Then I became determined to learn it.”
Over the last couple of years, Violet’s piano teacher has been Cheryl Long who has been inspirational both musically and confidence-wise for Violet.
“My previous teacher was so focused on technique and skill, it sometimes made me doubt my ability.
“In contrast, Cheryl has taught me—yes, lots of important techniques and skills—but most importantly to focus on enjoying my playing.”
Beginning piano lessons at the age of five, Violet progressed quickly. In secondary school she won a music scholarship to a college in Ivanhoe and, while she enjoyed her time there, she stopped playing during Covid.
At this stage she was in Year 9 and had already completed AMEB Grade 8 and commenced AmusA (Associate Performance Diploma).
“I did miss piano, but it wasn’t until I met Cheryl during Year 10 at Girton, that I got back into it.”
Violet came to BSSC in Year 11 and says senior has worked very well for her. She describes the college as ‘unique’ –and not just because of the first-name basis or the lack of a uniform.
“Here everyone treats you more like an adult, and I’ve noticed how students seem to really mature and grow up while at BSSC.
“I also love my teachers and the incredible support they give us.”
Something else she has found unique about BSSC is the sense of being valued for who she is.
“I don’t feel like I’m being shaped into something the school has decided I should be.”
However, Violet admits the hardest challenge at school has always been self-discipline, and VCE has really tested her.
By the end of first semester this year she knew something had to give. She was lagging in both Chemistry and Music and had a hard decision to make.
“I knew what my interests were and, in the end, I chose Music.”
Second semester her subjects have been Music Repertoire, English Literature, Philosophy and Legal Studies and one of the most effective study techniques she recommends, “is to annoy one of your family members and teach them what you’re trying to learn or study.”
Good friends are incredibly important for keeping life in a happy and healthy balance for Violet and she is very grateful for her good mates.
Her life has also been enriched by a wonderfully supportive grandpop. Violet says they “really click” but he also impresses her for his humility—despite his considerable talents—and the quality of the advice he always offers.
Violet is acutely aware how important his help has been over the years.
In fact, she is deeply grateful for all the quality people in her life, including the rest of her family and all the adults who want the best and go above and beyond for her.
“Including my teachers,” she adds.
De-stressing is an important part of dealing with VCE and, for Violet, there’s nothing better than a walk in the forest, especially if she’s also listening to music—from Liszt to Pink Floyd.
Despite her musical accomplishments and obvious ability, Violet is not planning a career in music, saying she wants to keep it as a hobby.
Instead, she is planning to study Biomedicine at La Trobe University, Bendigo, with a view to working in the health sector.
Playing piano in Aged Care Homes—something she’s been doing since she was just nine—and occasional special events, like being part of a concert at Langley Hall earlier this year, will keep piano very much part of her life. Taking on a few music students is not out of the question either.
In a completely different vein, Violet also volunteers with the SES. She joined because she was attracted to hands-on responses that help others and involve the challenge of having to act quickly.
“We don’t go to traumatic events until we are over 18. But earlier this year I was part of a night-time search and rescue training session where we had to find a dummy hidden in bushland.
Reflecting on the last few years, Violet says she’s proud to have shifted out of the discouraged mindset that affected her.
“For a while there I was in a bad headspace where the negatives blotted out the positives. I’m much more focused on the good things in my life now.
“I’ve learnt how to use my inner voice to remind me to appreciate every day; to be grateful for the little things that usually can go unnoticed, and to focus on how fortunate I am.”
If it was possible to revisit her twelve-year-old self, Voilet would offer this advice: “You don’t need external validation to be proud of yourself.”
