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.
In 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.
St John's College Music Society
The St John’s College Music Society is an auditioned pool of St John’s musicians who are available for hire for events in and around the community. This program offers the students and opportunity to experience professional music making in a supported but independent manner. Further support through alumni networking, masterclasses and recital opportunities are also provided. Our musicians specialise in a variety of styles, including classical piano, intimate jazz, and energetic rock, ensuring the ideal match for any function. The St John’s College Music Society offers performers for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, dinners, ceremonies, and more.
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.
ICC
The Inter College Competition (known as the ICC) is a multi-discipline competition that runs throughout the year. All 10 of the colleges located at the University of Queensland are eligible to compete in a variety of sports, cultural competitions and community events.
Students can be involved by signing up for trials/ selections in the first couple of weeks at college. Senior student convenors select the best representatives for each competition, but there is no requirement for previous experience and all students are encouraged to audition.
The events of the ICC Cultural Cup are below:
- Art Show
- BandFest
- Chess
- ChoralFest
- College Idol
- Dancefest
- Debating
- One Act Play
- Oratory
St John’s is an ICC Cultural Competition juggernaut, having won the overall ICC Cultural competition 15 times since the ICC Cultural Cup was first established 27 years ago. St John’s College has also won the ICC BandFest Competition in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.