The Arts

Music Staff Performances

Academy’s percussion teacher and Concert Band director, James Davies served as the Principal Percussionist in the recent season of Beauty and The Beast at Her Majesty’s Theatre.  James will again showcase these talents in the upcoming season of HAIR with the Australian Shakespeare Company and Anastasia at the Regent Theatre. 

James has also contributed greatly to our music department resources by sourcing a donation of a full set of four Timpani for the Concert Band.  

The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Broadway Revival Version includes in its cast Bianca Montagner, teacher of piano and singing.  This Lightbox production is showing at The Round in September and features this instrumental teacher as the character Edwin Drood.

Yiyun Gu, piano teacher and accompanist, performed at Tempo Rubato to a sell-out crowd on Friday, 1 August.  Adults and student musicians were entertained by an exquisite classical music concert.  

The concert featured Piano as well as Cello and Erhu.  A highlight, and there were many, was Rachmaninov’s Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano – all four movements went for over thirty-five minutes, the performance was flawless and absolutely mesmerising.

Academy music students, under the guidance of our instrumental specialist and ensemble directors, will perform for family, relatives, friends and fans on Thursday, 23 October from 5:00pm.  Save the date!   A varied program of entertaining musical items will be presented by soloists, bands, choirs and a combined orchestral performance.

If you are interested in learning a musical instrument at the Academy, please email music@academy.vic.edu.au for all enquiries.

Ms Mirelle Morris 

Instrumental Music Coordinator

Student-Led Dance 

The Performing Arts program at the Academy continues to thrive, thanks to the creativity and dedication of our students.  This term, VCE students Zoe Dafnias and Mira Russo have taken the lead in forming a new dance team, showcasing their leadership and artistic vision.

The group is currently rehearsing an original contemporary routine set to John Lennon’s timeless song "Imagine".  Through thoughtful choreography and expressive movement, Zoe and Mira are guiding their peers to explore the themes of unity, peace and hope that underpin the music.

Audiences will have the opportunity to witness this moving performance at the Performing Arts Concert next term.  It promises to be a highlight of the evening, reflecting both the technical skill and the collaborative spirit of our young performers.

Stay tuned for more details about the concert program.  We can’t wait to share the stage with you and celebrate the talent and passion of our students.

Ms Olivia Hamilton

Performing Arts Learning Leader