For many young musicians, performing in a packed live music venue can feel like a distant dream. At Seton Catholic College, it is part of their learning journey.
7 Jul 2026
Seton students finding their place in Perth’s music scene
Recently, Seton’s Music students swapped classroom for stage at the College’s Annual Live & Local gig at iconic live music venue, Clancy’s Fish Pub in Fremantle. Playing where professional musicians regularly perform, students experienced the excitement, pressure and reward of presenting their work to a live audience.
The evening featured performances from the College’s Rock Bands and Jazz Band, including student groups The Setones and Retrospect. Family and friends packed the venue to enjoy a repertoire spanning contemporary artists such as Paramore, Sombr, Raye, and Olivia Dean alongside classic favourites.
The event also provided an authentic learning opportunity for Year 12 Media
students Veronika, Georgianna, and Oliver. Veronika and Georgianna were responsible for photographing the performances and producing a social media reel that captured the energy of the night, while Oliver documented the event through photography, whenever he wasn’t performing on stage himself. The professionalism and outstanding quality of their work reflected the real-world skills they have developed through the College’s Media program while preserving the event for the wider school community.
For Year 11 student Renee, the experience transformed once the performance began:
“Right before I went on stage I started to feel the nerves coming in, but as soon as I got on stage and the music started playing, I calmed down and the lyrics just started flowing. I was focusing more on connecting with the audience than the actual song at that point.”
Clara, also Year 11, felt the atmosphere made all the difference.
“The crowd really wanted to be there. A packed room with good vibes made everyone feel so comfortable and much more inspired than an awkward school gym!”
That opportunity to connect with a genuine audience is what makes experiences like Live & Local so valuable.
Music teacher, Mr Mangan believes performing in a professional venue provides lessons that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom:
“In a professional venue, students are immersed in an authentic performance environment where they engage with a live audience and respond to the energy and atmosphere of the space. It allows them to step into the role of a professional musician, developing a deeper understanding of performance expectations, stage presence and career pathways in the music industry.”
“Returning to Seton as a teacher is a full-circle moment that reminds me how deeply music at Seton shaped who I am,”
Teenage Vertigo drummer Tiana
At Seton, music education extends well beyond rehearsal rooms and assessments. Students are encouraged to develop their creativity, collaborate with others and perform in authentic settings, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the wider music industry. The impact of that approach can already be seen in the College’s alumni.
Former school rock bands Interflow (Class of 2019) and Teenage Vertigo (Class of 2023), both formed through Seton’s music curriculum, continue to perform across Perth’s live music scene. Their success provides current students with tangible examples of where a passion for music can lead.
That connection has come full circle with Teenage Vertigo drummer Tiana, returning to Seton as a Peripatetic Drum Tutor while balancing regular performances with her Occupational Therapy studies.
“Returning to Seton as a teacher is a full-circle moment that reminds me how deeply music at Seton shaped who I am. My hope is to inspire the next generation of musicians by fostering the same supportive environment that shaped my own journey, sharing my experiences and helping students discover the passion, confidence and joy music can bring.”
For Mr Mangan, seeing former students return to mentor the next generation is one of the program’s greatest measures of success.
“Seeing former students like Tiana return as tutors and performers reflects the lasting impact music can have beyond the classroom. It highlights how the program nurtures both passion and professional pathways, inspiring students to pursue and succeed in careers within the industry.”
As the final notes echoed through Clancy’s, it was clear that the skills, creativity and connections developed at school can become the foundation for lifelong opportunities.