Performing Arts News
Production
“Rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz are well and truly underway and we’re making great progress so far. A lot of the singing for all the musical numbers is completed, and the cast is very excited to start moving onto blocking the scenes and dances. From what we’ve seen so far, this year’s production is looking to be the best yet!”
Freya Matthews 8C
We have now been rehearsing for The Wizard of Oz for 5 weeks as well as 2 weeks of auditions earlier in the term.
We are now starting to get to the exciting part of the process with costumes, set design and props under way. We have three of our talented students assisting with choreography this year; Aimee Harris (Year 10), Lottie Hudson (Year 10) and Ella Dry (Year 8). They have been working hard alongside myself with some fantastic routines that our featured dancers are picking up with ease, and I know you will be impressed with the finished product.
A big shout out to Harriett Rowsell (Year 8) who has the massive undertaking of the role of Dorothy Gale, who is in every scene except two minor scenes. Her dedication to the role thus far has been quite impressive.
Students have been undergoing, rehearsals of dance, blocking and vocal (which has been with the assistance of Tori Wood our vocal teacher). We have a cast of 42 this year with recent sign ups of 32 students for the backstage crew. I am so excited to continue the path to the yellow brick road and hope you are too.
Show dates:
Tuesday 30th July
Wednesday 31st July
Thursday 1st August
Tickets will be available on Trybooking closer to the date.
Any parents who would like to assist please don’t hesitate to contact me smo@gec.vic.edu.au
Sarah Mortimer
Production Director
4 quick facts about Music Education
Taken from Australian researcher Dr Anita Collins’ project “Bigger Better Brains” – www.anitacollinsmusic.com/biggerbetterbrains
- One of the only activities that activates, stimulates and uses the entire brain is making music
- Music education improves our verbal memory
- Our brains work faster and more effectively the more we learn and play music
- The ability to read music has been associated with better memory later in life.
Radio Club
Radio Club gives students the opportunity to prepare, organise and then present their own hour-long radio show live on the air. A number of times per term (usually once every 2-3 weeks), students meet early on a Thursday or Friday morning and make their way to North Brighton to present a morning breakfast radio show on 88.3 Southern FM. The radio show can include conversations and music, but it is up to the group to decide what they would like to present during their hour on air. After the radio show there is a debriefing over breakfast to discuss what went well and what could be improved for the next show.
We currently have many students from Years 7 to 12 involved - if you are interested in participating, contact Ms Baker-Goldsmith or come along to our weekly lunchtime meetings on Tuesdays in the Room 1.
We had our first broadcast for this term on 8th March – on the air with the Big Boppers (Aimee Harris, Carmelle Kent, Essie Wilson, Sebastian Buley-Delanty and Raphael Lazarus). Alanna and the Bananas (Alanna Gray, Sierra Danon, Taylor Lowery, Ashleigh Harris and Maayan Ashkar) will be presenting their breakfast radio show on Thursday 28th March from 8am to 9am, tune in to 88.3 Southern FM.
VSSS19
Thank you to those students who expressed interest in the Mass Choir for this year’s State Schools Spectacular. We had a sufficient number of places so we are able to accommodate all students who handed in their forms and registration fee. Rehearsals will start next term – keep an eye on the bulletin for more information.
Upcoming Dates
4th April - Singfest regional event for Vocal students
22nd May - Stringfest regional events String students
Laura Baker-Goldsmith
Year 8 YLC & Head of Performing Arts