42nd Street

Kilbreda Alumna Nicole Marshall Accepted into Prestigious Conducting Program in Denmark

We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Nicole Marshall, a past pupil of Kilbreda College (Class of 2012), who has been accepted into the prestigious Master of Conducting program at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in Nicole’s journey as a conductor and artist.

Nicole’s musical path began at Kilbreda, where she studied saxophone and trumpet through the Band and Tuition programs led by Ms Tanya Ravbar. During her time at the College, she participated in local music competitions and events, gaining formative experiences that shaped her musical identity. Despite the small size of her ensembles, Nicole and her peers demonstrated resilience, passion and creativity – qualities that continue to define her work today.

Nicole is now recognised as one of Australia’s most exciting young conductors, celebrated for her natural flair, emotional depth and artistic maturity. She has worked with a wide range of ensembles including the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, Preston Symphony Orchestra, The University of Melbourne Saxophone Ensemble and Play It Forward ensembles. Her leadership has also been nurtured through Music Director roles with various community ensembles across Melbourne.

After completing a Bachelor of Nursing in 2015, Nicole followed her passion for music, earning a Bachelor of Music Performance from The University of Melbourne in 2021. She went on to complete a Graduate Diploma and Honours degree in Orchestral Conducting at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in 2024 under the guidance of Dr Luke Dollman. Nicole is a two-time recipient of the Rosemary and John Hopkins Award for Conductors (2018 and 2024).

Nicole continues to give back to the Kilbreda community. She is currently supporting our upcoming production of 42nd Street by playing the Reed part in the band and mentoring me in the conducting role. Her ongoing involvement is a testament to her generosity and enduring commitment to our music program.

In addition, Kilbreda String and Wind students have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Casey Philharmonic Youth Intensive, taking place 7 – 11 July, which will be run by Nicole. This is a fantastic chance for students to develop their ensemble skills under her expert guidance. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

As Nicole prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter in Denmark, she is seeking support to help cover the associated costs. Donations can be made through the Australian Cultural Fund and are tax-deductible.

You can learn more about Nicole visiting her website at: www.nicolemarshall.com.au.

Kara-Lee Rabbetts

Learning Leader: Performing Arts – Music