Senior School Performing Arts

OnStage Nomination for Benjamin Hoskins-Murphy

Congratulations to Benjamin Hoskins-Murphy who has been nominated for the HSC drama showcase, OnStage, for his HSC Drama Individual Scriptwriting Project entitled “The Door”. OnStage is a presentation and exhibition of outstanding group and individual performances and projects by HSC Drama students. A nomination means that students often received top marks for their HSC major work (individual and/or group) and may get the opportunity to display or perform at the Seymour Centre in Sydney, in the following year. Ben’s original short play portrays the existential struggle of a young man, Alfred, a poet who nobody has ever read, stuck in a small town, stuck in his bedroom, stuck inside his head. The internal drama expresses his internal purgatory, as he falls into existential despair. “The Door” represents Alfred’s choice-point – can he choose to live in the knowledge that there is no meaning? His only interactions are with an imaginary old lady, Old Jen.

Well done and congratulations Ben!

Nine Lessons and Carols

It was standing room only as a congregation from across Orange filled the pews at Holy Trinity Church last Sunday.  Our three choirs (Koristers, Vox, Chamber Choir) and orchestra delighted the audience with a rousing traditional service of carols and lessons.  Joining our orchestra for this event were some very talented school parents, staff and ex-students – it was wonderful to play alongside members of our school community.

Thanks to Rev Andy Martin and staff from Holy Trinity Church for allowing us to use their beautiful church for the service. A big thank you also to our Grounds Staff (pictured below) and 2023 Music Leaders for their help in preparing the church for the service.

Congratulations to our students and staff for creating such a moving and beautiful service, demonstrating excellent musicianship and teamwork.  We are very proud of your effort and you have represented yourselves and our school in the most impressive way. 

2023 Musical Announced

After much anticipation and a seemingly long wait for many students, it has finally been announced – the musical for 2023 is… LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS! 

During a total eclipse, the meek flower shop assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names ‘Audrey II’ – after his coworker crush who he pines for. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding human flesh and blood! The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store. After Seymour feeds Audrey’s boyfriend, Orin, to the plant after Orin’s accidental death, he must come up with more bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant. Over time though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

Auditions will take place early next year with information about what to prepare to be posted at the start of the school year. For those really keen and looking to prepare over the holidays, I would recommend listening to the soundtrack on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/0NkSViglYRvhxd6dCm7kw3?si=zhKDBqh_RCWS_7Vris-pZg, or alternatively checking out some videos on YouTube.

Thank you for coming along on the ride as we revealed the musical!

11 Music 1 at Dotted Eight Recording Studio

Year 12 Music 1 students were recently given the opportunity to go to Dotted Eight Studio (Recording Studio) for 2 days as part of their in-class unit, Technology and its influence on Music. 

Students experienced the process of recording a short song, recording drums, and overdubbing bass guitar and guitars, keyboards, vocals and backing vocals. Students were also able to be a part of the postproduction/mixing process, seeing a number of production and mixing techniques to manipulate and enhance recordings.

We look forward to hearing the final product early next year! 

Thanks to Mr Key and Mrs Gavin for organising this opportunity for our students.

Congratulations Toby!

Congratulations to Toby Gough, who was recently awarded Honours for his IMEB Licentiate Diploma (TD) in Speech and Drama.  Many hours have gone into preparing for this final Speech and Drama exam and Toby is now a fully qualified Speech and Drama teacher. Well done!

Staffing in 2023

We are excited to announce that Mrs Jo Lenton will be joining our Music staff in a classroom teaching capacity next year. Many of you will know Mrs Lenton as one of our piano tutors; she has been working as a classroom teacher in a temporary capacity this year.  Mrs Lenton brings enthusiasm for teaching and learning, along with a kind heart. Welcome Mrs Lenton!

INSTRUMENTAL STAFF CHANGES

Christopher Perrin - trumpet

This term, we welcomed trumpet teacher Mr Christopher Perrin.  Chris comes to us with extensive experience as an orchestral trumpeter, having played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. As a teacher he has held positions at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Australian Institute of Music.  Chris has limited positions available for students wishing to learn trumpet.

Ms Lujia Zhang - piano

After 13 years of teaching piano in Orange, Lujia and her family are relocating to Brisbane.  We wish Lujia all the very best for the future!  We are currently looking to engage a quality piano teacher to take over Lujia’s studio.