Performing Arts

Whilst for some this may be the season for winding down, students in the BPAC are winding up! There have been numerous rehearsals for Presentation Evening and Junior Final Assembly, as well as rehearsing carols and undertaking the auditions.

After one year of instruction, our Year 2 students were excited to show their parents all that they had learnt throughout the year. The Year 2 Concert is always a special time together and the students performed to their very best. Our college strings instructors are to be also congratulated on the students’ achievements.

The Junior School String Ensembles Malaguena, Ostinato and Cabaletta also entertained their parents in a celebration concert to conclude their year.

Prep Nativity

The Prep Nativity is always a highlight of our school calendar. Performing in front of parents, students and special guests, our youngest students presented the Christmas story with confidence and enthusiasm. Donkey Donkey and There Were Shepherds always receive rousing applause and this was no exception. The Prep students were accompanied by the Year 6 tuned percussion ensemble Vivace and they really contributed to the performance. Our Performing Arts Captains led the preceding Chapel service, which also featured Vivace and the Seraphim Choir.

Our College Junior music ensembles have been rehearsing this term in preparation for the Junior Final Assembly. These performances demonstrated the high standard of our music program and how much fun there is in making music together. The Year 6 String Quartet played some beautiful chamber music as parents and students entered the LMC, before the Junior Orchestra commenced proceedings with a Processional, the National Anthem, an arrangement of Christmas Carols (featuring Year 6 vocalists Noah S, Charisma G, Noah G and Logan S) and their item Dauntless Heroes. The Combined Choirs of Cherub and Seraphim sang some strong messages in Candle on the Water and Make It Shine, delighting the large audience. The Junior Vocal Ensemble sparkled as they engaged everyone in their singing of Harmony (complete with choreography) and With One Voice, a challenging song that was brilliantly communicated.

Songs from next year’s Secondary School Production of Disney's Newsies have been ringing throughout the BPAC as students have been practising for their auditions. The cast list has now been published and rehearsals will commence in the new year. Keep your eye out for tickets as they usually sell out very quickly.

Presentation Evening

The final performances for the year came in the form of Presentation Evening. Camerata, Middle Years Vocal Ensemble, Cantabile and Sforzando entertained parents as they were entering the Robert Blackwood Hall. The evening commenced with the Senior Vocal Ensemble and Camerata combining for a beautiful worship song O Come to the Altar with rich vocal harmonies and lush string chords. The cast of the Middle Years Production Frozen JR. applied special pizazz to their performance as they returned to Arendelle and took the audience on a journey with Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff. The cast enjoyed coming back together again to present these songs one final time. The Senior Choir, accompanied by staff musicians, were joined by all students and parents in the worship song Holy Forever, and the Senior Vocal Ensemble demonstrated some razzle dazzle and vocal skills in their performance of Another Day of Sun.

This has been an exceptional year in all aspects of the College Performing Arts program, whether VCE Drama and Music, Junior and Middle Years Productions, the vast array of music ensembles, the Instrumental Programs at Years 2, 5, 6 and 7, instrumental examinations or the ever-expanding choral groups. This is the result of a great partnership between our committed staff and wonderful students, who are both talented and enthusiastic. Thank you to everyone who has made this year so special and may you all have a blessed Christmas and a restful break.

Jeffrey Clarke

Director of Performing Arts