Performing Arts 

Important Dates

March

Tue 12: POPA AGM

Wed 13: Voice Soiree

Thu 14: Staff Concert, $10

Tue 19: College Open Night

Wed 20: Piano Soiree

Thu 21: Brass Soiree, Woodwind Soiree

Mon 25: String Soiree

Wed 27: Guitar Soiree, Percussion Soiree

A big welcome back to all of our families! I hope everyone had a restful break.  We are looking forward to getting back into our lessons and rehearsals and I am particularly excited about some of the new ensembles we are offering this year.

On that note, I'd like to introduce our new Music teachers:

Alex Howroyd - Instrumental Music (Brass/Woodwind)

Hannah Phillips - Instrumental Music (Woodwind)

Jon Skovron -  Instrumental Music (Accompaniment)

Luke Champion -  Instrumental Music (Piano)

Natalie Carolan - Instrumental Music (Voice)

Penny Karahalios - Instrumental Music (Woodwind)

Chayla Ueckert-Smith -  Instrumental Music (Double Reed)

Elle Osbourne - Instrumental Music (Strings)

Sally Newstead - Music (Woodwind & Classroom) 

Jess Jacobs - Music (Brass & Classroom)

They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our program and we already hearing positive feedback from our students. Parents are welcome to contact any of our staff if you have any queries about our program. Please note that Instrumental Music staff work various days and will get back to you as soon as they can. For urgent matters, please contact our Performing Arts Administrator, Nicholetta Rigano: nri@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

Production Auditions Commence

In case you hadn't heard, this year's Wantirna College Production will be Mamma Mia! Auditions are currently underway and will continue tonight and this weekend. We wish all auditioning students good luck!

Instrumental Music Trial Day for all Year 7 Students

On Friday 2 February, over 240 students participated in our Instrumental Music Trial day. They had the opportunity to sample instruments that many had never even heard of before, such as Trombone, Euphonium, Oboe, Clarinet and Viola, as well as Flute, Trumpet, Tuba, Cello an Violin.  

New enrolments are now being finalised and lessons will appear on Compass in coming weeks. New students commence lessons after Year 7 Camp. The payment Event will also appear on Compass following enrolment, with full payment, or commencement of payment plan due by Sunday 17 March.

Want to Learn an Instrument? Join our Program! Join the Fun!

There are still spots available for students of any year level who would like to begin learning an instrument or return to learning an instrument. Please follow this link to submit an Expression of Interest form HERE. 

Guitar, Bass Guitar/Double Bass and Cello are currently full for 2024 but students can be placed on a Waiting List. 

Once enrolled, payment will appear on your Compass portal at the end of February and payment must be received (or a payment plan commenced) by Sunday 17 March.

Attached is the Instrumental Music Handbook 2024 including the list of fees/contributions.

Staff Concert

Did you know all our Instrumental Music teachers are not only leaders in education but also actively performing musicians? 

Did you know that we also have many other talented Wantirna College staff who sing or play an instrument?

Our annual Staff Concert returns on Thu 14 March 7:30pm in the College Theatre.  This popular event raises money for our Performing Arts program and tickets are only $10 per person.

Tickets are available HERE from Trybooking. Refreshments provided by POPA will be available from 6:45pm in the Theatre Foyer.

Here are some photos from last year's event: 

Parents of Performing Arts 

The parents of Parents of Performing Arts (POPA) Committee advocates, supports and encourages our program. Members are welcome to participate in any, or all, of the following ways:

Monthly meetings with the Leader of Performing Arts - A great way to keep up with what's happening in the program and be able to ask questions or contribute ideas. Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 7:30pm.

Front of House - You may not wish to join committee meetings but be willing to assist with greeting guests and selling refreshments Front of House at Theatre events.

Fundraising Activities - Raffles, Bunnings BBQ, Trivia Night (every 2 years).  

All parents (including dads!) with students in the Performing Arts program are invited to attend the POPA AGM on Tuesday 12 March, 7pm in the main staff room (beside the General Office) and to consider joining our committee or signing up to be on our helpers list. Participate as much or as little as you like.

This is a great way to stay involved in your child's schooling, meet other parents and keep up to date - and it's fun!

Daniel van Bergen

Leader of Performing Arts