Performing Arts Update
I'd like to welcome everyone back for Term 3, I hope you’ve all had a relaxing break filled with lots of practice!
Over the holidays we had some students hard at work and I would like to congratulate the following students on their accomplishments:
Stephanie Gu (Y6) was awarded 2nd place in the under 12s Woodwind solo at the Boorandara Eisteddfod
Oriana Kurniawan (Y5) performed at the Geelong Eisteddfod and came away with the following results: 10 years old and under: honourable mention, 12 years old and under: 1st place, 14 years old and under: 3rd place, 16 years old and under: honourable mention, junior pianoforte award: 2nd place.
On top of this Oriana also won both major prizes of the Eisteddfod; 21 years old and under championship and Open championship.
Mamma Mia!
The musical cast were also hard at work over the holidays preparing for the upcoming production of Mamma Mia! The students have done a remarkable job and the musical is looking and sounding amazing. For those still looking to book tickets please click on the link: https://events.humanitix.com/mamma-mia-umh9goxt
Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF)
There are several ensembles performing at the Victorian School Music Festival this term.
Congratulations to our colleague Ruth Dixon-Lawrence, all of our amazing strings teachers and our hard working students, who were awarded a Gold Award for the Corelli String orchestra. The Senior Strings Orchestra also received a Gold Award for their performance. This is an especially exciting achievement for Shelford as we had entered our Senior String Orchestra in the top category for Strings in this Festival.
As Ruth said ‘Their wonderful performance reflected a disciplined work ethic, strong focus and clear enthusiasm. They worked together beautifully as a team, and were sensitive in their playing. I am very proud of their achievement. I am also very proud of the way the girls presented themselves both on and off the stage. They were beautifully mannered, positive and responsive throughout the various aspects of the Festival, representing Shelford with excellence. This was commented upon by others attending today, and not just the official adjudicators.'
I would like to congratulate the students for their hard work, as well as Ruth Dixon-Lawrence, Charlotte Dennis and Shelley Hogan for their work preparing the ensembles.
Best of luck to our Jazz Ensemble who are performing on Wednesday 16 August (please note students will be meeting at Hawthorn Arts Centre at 7:15pm) and our Concert Band who are performing on Wednesday 30 August (we will be travelling by bus departing at 12:40pm and returning at 4pm).
Staff Update
Lachlan McLaren will be leaving Shelford at the end of Week 2 this term. I would also like to thank Lachlan for his hard work with his students, as well as the Year 3/4 String Program. There will be information coming out shortly for Mr McLaren’s replacement. We wish Lachlan all the best for his future endeavours - you may well see him on stage with the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra.
Chinese Instrument Program
Thank you for those that have returned forms to take up a Chinese instrument. Please note lessons will be commencing shortly, an email will be coming out to families with lesson times and information regarding instruments.
Important dates for Term 3
August Spring Concert
Tuesday 29 June 7pm
String Soloists Concert
Thursday 7 September 3.30pm
Instrumental Soloists Concert
Friday 8 September 3.30pm
Frank Blakiston
Head of Performing Arts