Cultural Activities

St John’s College is known for its strong and widespread cultural offerings. Students participate in, and support their peers involved in, musical and art activities, events, and competitions with other residential colleges. 

Music

Music plays a key role in everyday life at St John’s College. Many students play instruments or sing casually, but there are also two official College bands: the Jazz Band and Who Is John? Auditions are held for both at the start of each academic year and the band convenors are selective.

Two students playing brass instruments in the SJC Jazz bandIn addition, there is a string quartet and choir.

Each year, St John’s College hosts John’s Fest, a music festival on campus. Local, amateur, and nationally recognised bands perform during John’s Fest.

Jazz Night is known as THE event of the year. It is a ticketed event, attended by over 1,000 people, and open to residents at all Colleges. The Jazz Band and Who Is John? are the headliners. Jazz Night is held at a surprise location each year and attendees come dressed in their best to impress.

On a smaller scale, open mic and karaoke nights occur several times a semester at the Buttery.

 

Fine and Performing Arts

Some of our St John’s College students are enrolled at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium. As part of their studies, they participate in plays, musical theatre, and other performing arts. When their performances are in full swing, a large contingent of Johnians head to South Bank to take in the show and cheer when the curtain falls.

For those students interested in social fine and performing arts opportunities, each year an art exhibition is held. There is also a film festival, oratory and debating teams, and one act plays.

Band playing at SJC event in the dining hall

Cultural Competitions

St John’s College is a member of the Inter-College Council (ICC). ICC is the student council within The University of Queensland Colleges that promotes and organises sports, cultural, and community competitions.

Each year the ICC hosts competitions that lead to the awarding of the Cultural Cup. Since the ICC Cultural Cup was first established 27 years ago, St John’s has won the award 15 times.

St John’s College consistently participates in all ICC competitions which presently include:

  • Dancefest
  • Choralfest
  • Bandfest
  • One Act Play
  • Debating
  • Chess
  • Art Show
  • Oratory
  • College Idol

In 2022, St John’s College won Bandfest for the fourth year in a row and took home the premiership in Debating.