The Arts
MUSIC
Balaklava Eisteddfod 2026 Highlights
On Friday 31 July, our students and teachers began their journey to the Balaklava Eisteddfod with an early 7:15am departure, returning around 4pm. The commitment shown by everyone involved was outstanding.
Throughout the day, our students made the most of every opportunity to perform, truly showcasing their musical talents. Their efforts were noticed beyond our own school community, with the Mayor of Wakefield Regional Council, Mr. Reid, commending the high standard and professionalism of our young musicians.
We were one of the largest groups in attendance, with only Tatachilla travelling a greater distance to the event.
A sincere thank you goes to all staff members who supported students both in the lead-up to and during the event. Your dedication and hard work played an essential role in these achievements.
Our groups received the following accolades:
- Choir – Honourable Mention
- Advanced String Ensemble – AUSTA Outstanding Strings Ensemble of the Day
- Vocal Ensemble – 2nd Place
- Intermediate Woodwind Ensemble – 1st Place
Congratulations to all students involved. Your hard work and passion for music have made us all very proud.
Article by Suriya Down | Senior Leader | Director of Music and The Arts
Celebrating Success at Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association (ABODA)
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our music students at this year’s ABODA Festival.
ABODA, is an organisation that supports and promotes music education across Australia.
ABODA festivals provide school bands and ensembles with the opportunity to perform in a formalsetting, receive feedback from experienced adjudicators, and further develop their skills and confidence as musicians.
This year’s event was especially significant, as it marked the first time in quite a while that our school has competed at ABODA. That made the experience even more exciting and rewarding for everyone involved.
We are incredibly proud to share that our Concert Band achieved a Bronze Award. This is a wonderful result and a reflection of the students’ hard work, commitment and teamwork throughout their rehearsals and preparation.
Our Percussion Ensemble also performed brilliantly, earning a Bronze Award. Their achievement is a credit to their focus, energy and dedication, and they should be extremely proud of their performance.
To return to competition and achieve such positive results is a fantastic accomplishment for our music program. These awards recognise not only the students’ musical ability, but also their courage in stepping onto the stage, working together as an ensemble, and representing our school with pride.
Congratulations to all students involved and thank you to the staff who supported and guided them throughout this journey. We look forward to seeing our music students continue to grow and thrive in future performances.
Article by Suriya Down | Senior Leader | Director of Music and The Arts
Year 7 Music Concert a Wonderful Success
Our Year 7 Music Concert was held on 1 September in the Performing Arts Centre, with students from three care groups performing as a large ensemble for an appreciative audience.
The students sounded wonderful and delighted the crowd with a range of familiar and enjoyable tunes, including the theme from Bluey, Old Macdonald, variations on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Frere Jacques and Ode to Joy.
It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our classroom music and instrumental teachers that students who have been learning their instruments for only two and a half terms were able to perform so confidently in such a large group setting.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and it was lovely to see students’ faces light up as they spotted their families in the crowd, there to celebrate the results of their hard work in year 7 music.
A special shout out also goes to pre-service teachers Kay and James, who conducted the ensemble with great confidence and professionalism.
DANCE
SACE Dance Showcase
Our recent SACE Dance Showcase was a wonderful celebration of creativity, talent and dedication, highlighting the hard work of our dance students across a range of year levels.
While the showcase featured our SACE Dance students, it was especially exciting to also include performances from our Year 10 and Year 11 students. Their involvement added great energy to the event and provided a valuable opportunity to perform alongside senior students in a supportive and inspiring setting.
The evening showcased the students’ commitment to developing their technical skills, performance quality and choreographic understanding. From the early stages of rehearsal through to the final performance, all students demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience and a willingness to challenge themselves creatively.
The showcase was not only an opportunity for students to share their work with an audience, but also to celebrate the collaboration and growth that takes place through dance. It was wonderful to see students support one another and perform with confidence and pride.
Congratulations to all students involved in the SACE Dance Showcase, including our Year 10 and Year 11 performers, for delivering such an engaging and memorable event. Thank you also to the staff who supported the students in preparing for the showcase and helping bring the performance to life.
Article by Suriya Down | Senior Leader | Director of Music and The Arts
VISUAL ART
Royal Adelaide Show Success
Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding success at the Royal Adelaide Show.
We are very proud to recognise their achievements across Photography, Art and Design.
Photography
- Bella S. (Year 11) – First, Floral Photography
- Belen S. (Year 10) – First, Colour Photography
- Samm M. (Year 10) – Second, Colour Photography
- Lewis T. (Year 12) – First, Colour Photography
Art and Design Merit Awards
Please note that in Art and Design, awards are no longer placed as 1st – 3rd and are now recognised as Merit awards only.
- Charlie B. (Year 9) – Merit, Still Life Painting
- Sasha E.(Year 8) – Merit, Drawing Miscellaneous
- Nivyn H. (Year 8) – Merit, Drawing Miscellaneous Subject Matter
- Jasmine C. (Year 11) – Merit, Drawing Miscellaneous Subject
- Genesis B. (Year 12) – Merit, Painting Miscellaneous Subject
- Laura M. (Year 12) – Merit, Painting Miscellaneous Subject
- Lacey T. (Year 7) – Merit, Environmental Design
- Ella R. (Year 8) – Merit, Product Design
Olivia M. (Year 11) – Merit, Miscellaneous Design (Tattoo)
Congratulations to all students on these excellent results and on representing Aberfoyle Park High School so well.