Performing Arts News
#VSSS18
Congratulations once again to all of our GEC students who were involved in this year’s Spectacular - whether in the Mass or PAU Choir, the orchestra or out on the arena stage, our students represented the College (and the amazing talent that we have here in the performing arts) brilliantly! It was a huge undertaking with rehearsals going on for most of the year, but all who came along and watched either or both of the performances enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a great opportunity for our students and we can’t wait for next year!
Tori Wood (Voice Teacher) and Laura Baker-Goldsmith (Head of Performing Arts)
I have been involved in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular for 4 years now - first 2 years in the mass choir and the last 2 years in the Victorian State schools choir with my sister Yvette. It's been an amazing opportunity to meet and make new friends, as well as work with some of the professionals in the music industry on a production of this magnitude. We also found it very inspirational as we got to meet all the incredibly talented kids who are principal and backing vocalists. That is something my sister and I both aspire to in the future.
It's a challenging rehearsal schedule that starts in March with 3 hours a week, becoming 9 hours a day during production week and culminates in two massive shows at the Melbourne Arena in September.
The massive cast includes around 1300 kids in the mass choir and about 1200 kids in the mass dance group, 40 kids in the Victorian State Schools choir, 9 backing vocalists, a 75 piece live orchestra, about 30 principal vocalists and ensemble and principal dancers too.
The show will be televised on the 8th December on Channel 7 so make sure to tune in to see this incredible show! Auditions for next year opened on October 15, so check it out if you would like to be a part of it. We really enjoyed this experience and my sister and I will definitely be auditioning again.
Estelle Lipovetsky (10) and Yvette Lipovetsky (7C)
Something Spectacular in 2019 (#VSSS19)
The 2019 Victorian State Schools Spectacular will be staged at Hisense Arena on Saturday 14 September 2019.
Participating students have the opportunity to work with industry professionals including Creative Director Neill Gladwin, Musical Director Chong Lim AM and Dance Director Deon Nuku, (Scooby Doo, Happy Feet, Moulin Rouge).
The Spectacular also provides a training opportunity for students behind the scenes in audio, lighting and video production, stage management, costume and film, make up, photography, and publicity.
Do you want to be part of one of Australia’s biggest arena shows? Audition registrations and expressions of interest are now open for Victorian government school students. Next year’s Spec is looking for singers, dancers, musicians and other specialty skills such as skaters, BMX and scooter tricksters, acrobats, skippers, cheerleaders or circus performers as well as back stage crew.
To find out more and REGISTER visit www.education.vic.gov.au/spectacular or come and speak to Ms Baker-Goldsmith in the PAC.
Relay For Life
GEC Instrumental Music staff and students were once again excited to be asked to play at this year’s Murrumbeena Relay for Life at Duncan Mackinnon Reserve. There were performances from the GEC String Ensemble and Acapella as well as a number of solos and small groups from our talented students. Thank you to our Voice teacher Ms Wood and our Strings teacher Ms Morley for their work in rehearsing and accompanying their students.
Upcoming Performances
Thursday 15th November - Strings/Voice/Piano Night
Monday 19th November - Queen tribute Monday lunchtime concert (Guitar, Woodwind and Percussion students)
Laura Baker-Goldsmith
Head of Performing Arts