Performing Arts
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Important Dates:
Wed 18 Sept: Gala Concert, Bunjil Pl Theatre
State School Spectacular
I have just represented Wantirna College, performing at the massive event that is the Victorian State School Spectacular. Being a part of SPEC again this year as a principal vocalist was such an amazing experience and I have loved every minute of it. From our 7-month long rehearsal period and then our week long intensive rehearsals, where we rehearsed every day at John Cain Arena, it was so incredible to watch the show come alive on one of the biggest stages in Melbourne. It is so spectacular coming together with the dancers, the orchestra, the backstage crew and everyone in between from Victorian state schools to celebrate our shared love for the performing arts.
We get to work with the most amazing educators, learning with students from all over the state. Auditions open in October, and I would highly recommend joining the cast to anyone who is interested! You should also check out the opportunities to work backstage or be in the orchestra. If you haven’t seen this event before, keep your eyes open as a selection of it will be shown on commercial TV later in the year.
Sandra Vibal
Year 10
Concert Band Wins Silver
On Wed 3 September, the Wantirna College Concert Band participated in the Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF)at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. VSMF is a program that invites school bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles and choirs to perform in some of Victoria’s leading performance venues, offering immediate feedback, tips and tricks to enhance the students' performance quality.
The Concert Band are a group of highly talented musicians, mainly comprised of Year 8 and 9 students. We practice every Tuesday after school with our amazing conductors, Miss Smith and Mrs Newstead.
We performed the following three pieces: And the Lions Roared by Carol Brittin Chambers, No One is Alone by Stephen Sondheim and Extremis by Randle D Standridge. It was nice having a contrast between our two quick-paced numbers and the slower, calmer one. We sounded terrific on stage; we played with great energy, were confident, powerful and enthusiastic. Our performance was live streamed for our families to watch.
Performing on stage was amazing, it was by far one of the best performances we had ever done. Personally, after every song my hands were shaking (Max).
Once we’d finished our set, one of the adjudicators, Ken Waterworth (the Music and Creative Arts Director at The Salvation Army) came to offer constructive criticism and teach us a few things on how we can improve for next time. The main lesson we learnt about was listening to each other and blending our separate parts to create an overall better sound as a band.
We also got to watch the next two schools perform their pieces and it was interesting to see other bands perform and get advice from Ken. On the way back to school, we stopped at Macca’s!
Overall, Concert Band had a fantastic experience, it was great to have a chance to represent Wantirna College, learn from a chief adjudicator, and hear other bands perform. Attending VSMF was a great opportunity, and we hope to be invited again next time!
Max Graham (Saxophone) &
Sophie Woods (Flute)
Gala Concert 2025
Last night, over 250 students, along with 27 staff, performed in our annual Gala Concert at the prestigious Bunjil Place Theatre. This event is a highlight of the College calendar and showcases the remarkable talent, energy and commitment of our Performing Arts students and staff. The program features performances by all the College ensembles (from Choir to Symphonic Band, Junior Jazz to String Orchestra), as well as performances by our VCE Solo students, Dance students and the cast and band from this year's College production.
Our graduating Year 12 students who have participated in the program for four, or more, years received Long Service Awards from the POPA Committee. We were also delighted to announce that the recipient of the Andrew Jacobs Memorial Scholarship for 2026 is Samantha Koedyk.
The VCE Solo performances were a highlight, as were the very entertaining video intros.
In Principal Wallis' speech at the end of the evening, she outlined the numbers involved in the Performing Arts program and some of the incredible outcomes achieved. She also acknowledged the great culture and comradery of our community, and took the opportunity to thank parents and families for their ongoing support of their children and our program, and we would like to second that sentiment.
"Our Performing Arts program showcased a depth of talent that continues to impress and contributes significantly to the culture of excellence we aspire to across the College." Ms Wallis said afterwards.
I hope that families and our College community enjoyed the concert as much as I did.
Gala Photos
Red Book Photography have taken outstanding photos of this event and parents/carers will be able to purchase photos from Red Book Photography from Monday 22 September using the following link and code:
Link: redbookphoto.fotomerchanthv.com
Code: RBP2025WG
Term 4 Ensemble Changes
For our new families (and perhaps a reminder for some of our more experienced families), at the start of Term 4 we begin rehearsing our 2026 ensembles, so many of our students will be changing to new ensembles. This is a really crucial and exciting part of students' learning as it continues to challenge them, offers them new experiences, and gives them a head start on next year.
Over the holidays these changes will be made and will be updated on students' Compass timetables so please ensure you check Compass just prior to the start of Term 4.
If you believe there is a mistake, i.e., you are in the wrong ensembles, or are not in any ensembles at all please contact me ASAP.
If the changes to ensembles cause any issues with families (transportation, time commitments etc.) please contact me to discuss options and solutions.
Daniel van Bergen
Leader of Performing Arts