Performing Arts News
Year 8 Concert Band Celebration
The band were very happy to welcome special guests and friends to our final performance for the year. Performing a mix of old and new pieces, it is easy to hear how much progress the band has made this year. Reading music, interpreting music and performance have all improved, leading to a band that is a pleasure to listen to and create music with.
Our Christmas set was well received and prompted a visit from a very special guest. Many thanks to Santa for taking time out of a busy schedule.
Congratulations to each band member for a wonderful year of music. There have been many highlights, with one very special performance. This was and invite from Peta Murphy MP for the Seaford Seniors Morning Tea – performing for our local community. Our thanks to Peta for her ongoing interest and support of the music program at Patterson-River. A very special connection has been made that has been treasured.
My best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season and a musical year in 2024.
Margaret Griffiths
DRAMA SHOWCASE
2023 presented the opportunity to showcase the work from the drama students in Year 7, 9 and 10. The Year 7 students presented their first mime scenes that they had devised in class where they explored the expressive elements of gesture, movement, and facial expression.
The Year 9 students demonstrated how much they enjoyed and were skilled at farcical comedy when they presented the short two-part skit “The young and the senseless” to a delighted audience. Proving yet again how funny the young female actors are at Patterson River.
The Year 10 Theatre Studies class presented several Greek theatre scenes that were modernized including the betrayal of Medea, the tragedy of Oedipus and heartbreak of Agamemnon. Even if there were moments of hilarity when the baby went flying across the stage.
The final part of the show was the recreated trial scene from Alice in Wonderland re-developed by the Drama Club. Hilariously directed by Clover G, this piece was a huge hit with the audience and featured a crazy hatter, loud queen, lovely duchess, and a slightly confused king.
Having the drama showcase in the afternoon proved to be a great idea because the students really enjoyed the showcase and the performers found it less daunting than a night show. It was wonderful to have parents and grandparents at the event also. We are looking forward to expanding on the showcase for 2024 and holding it twice a year next year.
CARRUM SAILING CLUB
On Sunday 19th November the College Stage Band performed at the opening of the new Carrum Sailing and Motorboat club. The ceremony was opened by Local MP, Sonya Kilkenny and was then followed by a performance from the band and a number of water events for members including races. The weather was perfect and the band enjoyed playing with the sand under their feet. We look forward to more performance at this venue over the years as the club has welcomed us back for future events. Well done to all the students who performed on the day and a special thanks to the music staff for giving up time on a Sunday.
VCE DANCE & DRAMA MOULIN ROUGE EXCURSION
On Wednesday 29th November, 19 VCE Dance and Drama students travelled to the city to view the Story of the Moving Image exhibition at ACMI and attend the matinee performance of Moulin Rouge. The musical featured over 70 songs including everyone’s favourite, “Lady Marmalade,” as well as “Chandelier,” “Single Ladies,” and “Firework.” For some of our students, this was their very first time seeing a professional show. What a fabulous experience it was for all!
