Performing Arts Update

I’d like to welcome everyone back to Term 2. I hope you all managed to have a relaxing break hopefully with a couple of Easter eggs and hot cross buns along the way and, of course, some practice as well.  

Over the Easter weekend, four of Shelford’s Music staff travelled to Newcastle for the National Brass Band Championships. Cindy Taylor, Brian Kavoulios Matherne and myself performed with the Box Hill City Brass Band. Laura Hertaeg performed with Boorandara Brass Band, who actually won B Grade (beating Box Hill City Brass Band). For anyone reading this if you know the name of the instrument myself and Mr Kavoulios Matherne are holding come and let me know. There might be a small prize for the first student who is correct.

This term is particularly busy, with several concerts, soirees, as well as preparation for the musical in full swing. Also, House Performing Arts and Junior School Performing Arts preparations have started in earnest.

We well and truly hit the ground running with a rehearsal day on Monday 24th April for Corelli Strings, Senior String Orchestra, as well as an all day rehearsal for the cast of our Senior School production Mamma Mia! I would like to thank Ms Dixon-Lawrence, Ms Dennis, Dr Hogan and Ms Swart for this work with the String groups, as well as Ms Juers, Ms Holden, Ms Pisani and Ms McLeod for their hard work with the musical cast.

I would like to congratulate Year 6 student Stephanie G for being accepted into the Cloud Concert Youth Orchestra on clarinet. If you’d like to find out more about the Cloud Concert Youth Orchestra here’s a link to their website.

While Shelford has a vibrant Performing Arts program, there are many excellent youth ensembles and choirs in Melbourne. We are very lucky to have the outstanding youth choir Young Voices of Melbourne rehearsing at Shelford on Monday afternoons. There are also a number of students involved in the Melbourne Youth Music programs, whether on a Saturday morning or in the intensive sessions run during the holidays. If you have any further questions about any of these, please feel free to email me, or ask in person.

Important dates

Jazz Evening 

Tuesday 9 May, 7.00pm. This is for students in Jazz Ensemble, as well as some student soloists. I am very excited to announce that the David Dower trio will be accompanying our students on the night. More info can be found here. 

Instrumental Soloist Soiree

Monday 15 May, 3.30pm. 

String Soloist Soiree

Wednesday 17 May, 3.30pm.

Autumn Concert

Tuesday 23 May, 7.00pm. More information will be coming out soon as all Senior ensembles will be involved in this concert.

Frank Blakiston 

Head of Performing Arts