Madeleine Hammond – Composing a Life in Music and Education
When Madeleine Hammond graduated from Santa Maria College in 2018, she could not have imagined the extraordinary journey music would lead her on. From composing for national orchestras to conducting on major stages and preparing to teach the next generation, Madeleine’s story is one of creativity, courage and an unrelenting passion for the arts.
A Love for Music, Sparked at Santa Maria
“My love of music, which was fostered at Santa, led me to the UWA Conservatorium,” says Madeleine. She completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) there, majoring in Composition. But this was just the beginning.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing your imagination brought to life,” she reflects. Her compositions have since been workshopped and performed by groups such as Perth’s Vanguard Consort, the Queensland Wind Orchestra, and the Australian Youth Orchestra during their National Music Camp.
Trumpet, Tours and Triumphs
Outside the classroom and studio, Madeleine thrives in orchestral life. She plays trumpet with the Western Australian Charity Orchestra’s West Coast Philharmonic Orchestra and the WA Wind Symphony. One highlight was competing in the National Band Championships in Adelaide – and bringing the title home to WA.
“I absolutely loved going on this tour and performing in Adelaide with my friends in the symphony,” she says.
From Podium to Pen - A Multifaceted Career
Madeleine’s musical journey took a turn towards leadership when she was selected as a Conducting Scholar for Perth Symphony Orchestra’s Women on the Podium initiative, “an incredibly rewarding and empowering experience involving women in music of all ages and walks of life.”
Most recently, she was named a recipient of the prestigious Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers Program. Her new work for symphony orchestra will premiere in January, under the guidance of a multi-award-winning mentor.
But Madeleine’s talents are not limited to the stage. She also discovered a love for writing through the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Words About Music course, which included podcasting and producing feature content. She has since been commissioned to write program notes and is soon to be published by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Teaching the Next Generation
Madeleine is now completing her Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) at Notre Dame University, majoring in Music and a minor in English. Her inspiration? A former Santa Maria teacher.
“I remember the significant role my teachers, particularly my English teacher Ms Morey, played in inspiring me to be curious about the world and apply critical thinking to everything I do.”
She is excited to pass that inspiration forward: “I can’t wait to put that into practice and help inspire young students in their musical and literary journeys.”
Life Beyond the Classroom
Even outside of work, Madeleine’s world continues to hum with music. She composes, rehearses and performs regularly, and stays connected with the broader arts scene by attending WASO, WA Ballet, and local theatre performances. When she needs to recharge, you will likely find her swimming at the beach or hiking through Tasmania.
“Much like swimming, hiking is something I enjoy doing to reconnect and reset.”
Words of Wisdom
When asked what advice she’d give her high school self, Madeleine said, ‘This is not a rehearsal.’
She shared, “Have the courage to follow your passion and give things a go. It’s show time!”
A Santa Start to Something Big
Madeleine’s fondest memories from Santa Maria were the mornings in the McAuley Building with the concert band, jazz band and choir. And of course, the unforgettable Music Camps in New Norcia, quiz nights, dress-ups, and the magic of the final performance.
Her story reminds us that the lessons learned at school extend far beyond the classroom. Whether it is embracing discomfort, staying curious, or using your gifts to uplift others, Madeleine is living proof that with passion and persistence, extraordinary things can happen.
We are proud to have been a part of her beginning and cannot wait to see where her music takes her next.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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