You can feel the pride and passion exude from Janelle Fletcher as she reflects on her thirty-year career as a Music Tutor at Toowoomba Grammar School.
“It’s a long time to stay in any job,” she admitted.
“But working with the boys, seeing how important it is to have music in their lives and to develop not only as musicians but as people, that’s what’s kept me here.”
Janelle believes staff in an all-boys’ school have a real understanding of boys.
“It’s been very positive for me to see the changing face in education with boys over the years and how we connect with, engage and inspire boys to learn across the board; it’s a good thing,” said Janelle.
Janelle has played an integral role in the development of the Music Program at TGS. Watching it grow from one room with less than 50 boys involved in the co-curricular program, to the opening of the Junior School in 1997 and dedicated music facilities across the entire School. Janelle contributed to the program’s growth from a few small Senior School choirs to instrumental lessons, then the involvement of all Junior School students and the implementation of performances, competitions and musicals.
“It’s an extraordinary achievement and has been inspiring to be part of the development of such an impressive music program,” Janelle beamed.
“My role has evolved over that time too; starting out teaching piano to being involved in all aspects of the program.”
Janelle credits the success of the TGS Music Program to the dedication of staff and the calibre of educators in the music department. She said TGS seeks out the best candidates and finds the right people for the job.
“I’ve worked in a lot of schools but the support of the TGS staff and Executive has been extraordinary,” said Janelle.
“The School really nurtures the performing arts; the cliché the we’re just a sporting school is certainly not true, as anyone involved in the Arts here would know.”
Her continued connection with former students is testament to her love of her job and the passion she evokes in her tutees.
Just a few weeks ago she recognised a young man in the shops and said “Geoffrey Raymond, boarder from Gundy.” His response, “Miss Fletcher, piano teacher from TGS.” Janelle had not seen him since his last music lesson in 1994!
“That type of reconnection is a wonderful reflection on the TGS music department,” said Janelle.
“We’re not just tutors, we’re heavily involved in pastoral care as well. The boys often talk to us about life in general and we’re there to help them find their way.”
Janelle’s career is diverse. Along with her lessons at TGS, she is a Director on the Board of the Empire Theatre and the Chair of the Empire Theatre Foundation, responsible for awarding thousands of dollars in bursaries to promising performers.
She shrugged off the responsibility of the role and stated, “I invest as much time into teaching a Prep student to love music as I do into keeping the Empire Theatre operational during a pandemic.”
She has too many highlights from her career to list them all but said to see former students Andrew Stone and Alex Miller reach the pinnacle of their careers has been very satisfying. Andrew Stone (TGS Old Boy 1997-2001) is the General Manager of Chugg Music, the Record Label and Management division of Chugg Entertainment, while Alex Miller (TGS Old Boy 2007-2011) is the Associate Principal, French Horn with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
But what she finds equally rewarding is receiving photos of TGS Old Boys playing music from music sheets with Janelle’s notations on them, dating back to the nineties; or messages from them saying that they still enjoy playing music today.
“Now I teach the children of my former students,” smiled Janelle.
“And I have no plans to finish any time soon, I love it too much.”
Latest Blog
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
Women of Grammar Luncheon
A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment
Lachlan Stuart's Marathon Feat
Mr Stuart will return to TGS again for the event held on Wednesday, 28 May to support the Year 12's significant fundraising G150 Gift Run event. The boys are running 1500km in a relay format to honour a 1968 TGS Interact Club fundraising project that will help upgrade the original School gates on Herries Street, along with raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.
