Performing Arts

Term 3 has been full of musical performances and dramatic adventures.

Soiree Evenings

The Soiree Evenings are an excellent opportunity for students to perform on stage to an audience and share their talents with others. There was a wide range of styles and instruments at both the Junior and Senior Soirees, with piano, woodwind, brass, guitar, percussion, strings and vocal work on show. The music ranged from current musicals to Rachmaninoff and Schubert; a program of contrasts indeed!

Jessica Sia (7.3) is to be congratulated on being selected as soloist with the Australian Girls Choir, performing at the Melbourne Recital Centre and the Robert Blackwood Hall. Jessica is extremely passionate about her singing, learning her craft from our instructor Mrs Stephanie Barnden, also contributing to our Senior Choir and Middle Years Vocal Ensemble.

The Friends School Visit Oxley

Oxley Christian College enjoyed a visit from The Friends School Intermediate Concert Band, who were in Melbourne for the Victorian Schools Music Festival. The school is in Hobart and the students are in Years 7 and 8. The visiting band shared with our Year 7 Band in workshops lead by Mrs Hilary Morgan, from The Friends School, and our own Mr Aaron Chan. Both groups then presented a short concert for the Year 7 Beginner Band musicians and Years 3 and 4. The concert was a great standard for such young musicians in the developing stages of their musical journey. 

Our own Year 7 Band, conducted by Mr Jeffrey Clarke, performed The Tempest (Robert Sterling) and Junkanoo (arr. Michael Story). A highlight of the morning was the combined bands performing I Will Follow Him (arr. Michael Sweeney). 

Finding Nemo JR.

A highlight of Term 3 is always the Junior Production and this year’s performance of Finding Nemo JR. was no exception. As Marlin (Lachlan Edwards) searched for Nemo (Rose Moulton), with the help of the ever-forgetful Dory (Olivia Hu), we met sharks, moonfish, reef kids, turtles and a very Aussie pelican in a journey through the ocean depths to Sydney Harbour. The Tang Gang, comprising of Gill (Aryan Bhat), Bloat (Jeremy Feng), Gurgle (Lynn Zhang), Peach (Colin Oei) and Bubbles (Matilda Monaco) presented us with many comedic moments in their storytelling through song and dance. The music is very catchy and featured songs such as Go With The Flow, We Swim Together and Big Blue World, some of which can still be heard throughout the Junior School playground. The success of the Junior Production is in large due to every member of the school community coming together to support each other, including parents, students (both Junior and Senior), Learning Support Assistants, Home Group Teachers, Specialist Teachers, Tech Team, Wardrobe and Administration. What a team and what a show; as the song says: Just Keep Swimming Together.

Upcoming Events

As this edition of The Vine is sent out, the Senior Gala Concert has been presented where our Year 12 Musicians are honoured for their contribution to the College. A full report and photos will feature in the next edition. 

Next term will commence with The Festival of Bands where parents will be invited to attend a series of outdoor lunchtime concerts presented by the Stage Band, Forte, Senior and Junior Concert Bands, and the Year 7 Band.

Term 4 Events

Jeffrey Clarke

Head of Performing Arts