Production & Arts Department News
The Arts Faculty is preparing for a productive and busy Term 2, and is looking forward to inviting the Girton Grammar community to a number of events showcasing the creativity of our students and staff.
Firstly, our Music Department is preparing for Foundation Day on Friday 3 May, with Junior and Senior music ensembles performing at this important school event. In addition, the String Orchestra will be participating in an exciting workshop with the Australian Chamber Orchestra on Friday 10 May, and in Week 5 we will showcase many of our artistic endeavours at Open Day.
During Term 2, our Year 9 and 10 Visual Art elective students will be participating in an 'Artist in Residence' program with artist Danny Butterworth. We are looking forward to welcoming Danny to the school to share his creative process and guide our Year 9 and 10 students through the creation of an artwork that will be displayed on school grounds.
Our Senior School Production of The Little Mermaid is in full rehearsal mode, with students preparing for their performance at the end of Term 2. It promises to be a spectacular showcase of both drama and music at the school. Director Ms Mandy Ellison, Musical Director Mrs Cally Bartlett, and Choreographer Ms Kaddison Kearin are among the many production team members working with our cast, orchestra and backstage crew to bring this Disney classic to life. The production will be performed at the Ulumbarra Theatre over three nights from 19 to 21 June. Tickets will be available for public purchase soon, and look out for an exclusive pre-sale link for our Girton community around Wednesday 1 May.
Senior School Production photoshoot
Rehearsals for The Little Mermaid are swimming along as we head into Term 2! During the recent holiday break, our team came together on Wednesday 10 April for the annual marketing photoshoot. Students arrived bright and early at 8am for make-up and costume, and the schedule proceeded smoothly and professionally. Our students were exceptional in maintaining their stamina through endless takes, a wind blower and many bubbles from the newly purchased bubble machines!
This year we engaged the services of Justin Castles and Jim Aldersy from Justin and Jim’s Photography, Bendigo. The students praised the engaging and energetic photographers, who snapped a range of character photos of the main cast and some members of the ensemble at Southern Cross Austereo studios in Lily Street as well as out on the shoreline at Lake Eppalock. Videographers Dan and Joel from Southern Cross also created some fabulous under the sea video footage for TV and social media. Having just seen the first raw files from the day, I am excited to see the final banners and posters!
Ms Mandy Ellison
Head of Drama / Director
During the photoshoot, the entire cast and production team had an amazing experience working with the team at Southern Cross Austereo. It was as if we were professional actors! We as a cast would love to thank Daniel Roche and Joel Nicholson, who did all the filming, and Justin Castles and Jim Aldersey from Justin and Jim's Photography, who did some of the character and banner shots, as well as some behind-the-scenes filming. Both of these teams worked tirelessly throughout the day to create some unbelievably beautiful promotions – some of the best Girton has ever seen.
We would also love to thank Anita Scott for supplying the incredibly detailed costumes, allowing the actors to fully immerse themselves in the characters, which brought out even more emotion and power in the promotional materials. We give thanks to the Girton Marketing team members, Mr Mark Beever and Ms Michaela Hulme, for assisting with special effects (manning the bubble machines) and also taking some behind-the-scenes photos.
We thank Mr Greg Bowen, Ms Kaddison Kearin, Mrs Kristina Forbes, Ms Williams, Ms Jackson, Ms Christie and Ms Ellison for organising this incredible event. The cast is extremely grateful for all the work that was put into the day. Finally, thanks to the parents and friends who came and helped out wherever possible to keep the event running smoothly. This will be a production that will never, ever be forgotten!
Oli Willits (12 Jones)
Production Captain
Bendigo Youth Orchestra Holiday Camp
Over the Easter holidays some of our Girton musicians participated in the return of the Bendigo Youth Orchestra. Over three days, Isabelle Weibgen (9 Riley), Audrey Jackson (10 Frew), Rory Clarke (10 Jones) and Lucas Yang (7 Aherne) took part in orchestral workshops resulting in a stunning performance on the Ulumbarra Theatre stage.
Students worked under the baton of Jenny Going, a highly experienced conductor and educator from Melbourne, in addition to participating in small group rehearsals with teachers from around the region.
The final concert drew an audience of more than 200 people, and many commented on the standard of playing achieved in just three day’s worth of rehearsals.
The Bendigo Youth Music Committee is looking forward to future events and the ongoing development of the Bendigo Youth Orchestra. More playing opportunities will be announced soon.
Mrs Cally Bartlett
Head of Faculty – Arts, and Bendigo Youth Music Secretary
