Performing Arts

What an amazing few weeks we have had in the Performing Arts area!

The year 5s and 6s entertained us with their whole class performances in 'the 5/6 Factor'.

'The 5/6 Factor' is a biennial event at Great Ryrie PS. In their performing arts classes, the year 5 and 6 students work on developing a performance; a story told through music and movement. The students have complete control over this project. They are responsible for working as class to develop a storyline or theme, they select music to accompany and enhance the performance. They use digital music programs and software to edit the music, record voice overs, add sound effects and produce a 7-minute track that becomes the basis of the story telling. They then add choreography and movement, develop characters, make costumes and props and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

This year's performances were funny, creative, thought provoking and inspiring. We saw Gru and his minions kidnap Mrs Rouda; a group of naughty school children travel back in time; a twisted version of the much-loved children's story, 'The Day the Crayons Quit'; a new interpretation of the Jumanji franchise; a clever adaptation of The Addams Family and we saw some Aussie tourists travel to the USA where they met some very interesting characters and introduced their American friends to Aussie culture.

6A, with their performance titled 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie', were triumphant and took home the prize.

Then on Thursday, last week, we were blown away by the talent on display at our Vocal Showcase. Children from across the school conquered their fears and reigned in their nervous energy to perform to a large audience of family and friends. A very big thank you to our special guests from Sing Australia who came along to support our young singers and share their love of singing. And a massive thank you to Dr Ian Nisbet and Laura Martin for spending countless hours preparing and guiding the children. They are absolutely blossoming under your expert tutelage.

To round out the week, on Friday, we were lucky enough to have the Upper Yarra Secondary College's Senior Band come and play for us. We loved listening to the music and guessing which movie the theme songs were from. Some of our very talented GRPS students were then invited to play with the band. Lucie, Lachlan, Rhys, Raghav may have only been playing their instruments for a year or two, but they held their own in a band made of up students from years 9 - 12. This is a testament to how dedicated and talented our GRPS students truly are.

A huge thanks to Kellie Woollard for facilitating this visit and for the exceptional guidance

 and dedication you have shown in teaching our children.