Performing Arts 

Mamma Mia! (School Production)

🎵 Money, Money, Money... Can’t Buy the Energy of Day One! 🎵

Last night marked the exciting beginning of our Mamma Mia! school production journey! 

With over 50 talented students involved in both the cast and creative team, the energy in the room was electric as we dove into rehearsals.

Our performers started learning Money, Money, Money, bringing the music of ABBA to life with enthusiasm. We also began blocking Act 1, Scene 1, setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular show.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring this beloved musical to life!

Instrumental Music Program!

The instrumental music team have hit the ground running this year, providing lessons to more students than ever before. We look forward to seeing the continued growth from our dedicated students. Keep a look out for our musicians performing throughout the community in 2025!

Generations in Jazz

We're thrilled to announce that we will be touring our Senior Stage Band and Senior Choir to South Australia's, Mount Gambier in May this year. The program is so proud of our senior musicians who have worked incredibly hard over the last two years to build this community.

On this trip, we will compete as part of the Generations in Jazz Festival along with more than 7,000 other Australian and NZ school students. We wish our amazing musicians the best as they work toward these performances. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership team at CESC for their support in getting this interstate camp off the ground!

Year 7 Instrument Trials

Over the last three weeks, students in year 7 participated in a 30-minute workshop wherein they got to try some of the instruments we offer at CESC. From this, we are now working hard to provide free trial lessons to more than 90 students! This is a huge take-up of trials, and we hope to see some excited new musicians take up an instrument this year.

Students who have requested a trial will work in with a specialist teacher and 2-3 other students to learn how to:

• Hold their instrument
• Make a good sound
• Learn a simple melody

Students who wish to take up the instrument can then choose to join the program.

Trial lessons are offered to students of ANY year level. For any information about the music program at CESC or instrument trials, email instrumentalmusic@cesc.vic.edu.au

We always say; year 7 is the year to try something new! Getting involved in the performing arts is an amazing way to make friends and get involved in extracurricular opportunities.

Gupu Nupan (Chasing the Rainbow)

Recently our Koorie students went on an exciting excursion to the city, beginning with a visit to the Wurrdha Marra (First Nations Art Exhibition) at The Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia. The exhibition offered a diverse and vibrant display of art that reflected a deep connection to culture and heritage. 

Following the art exhibition, the students were treated to an incredible performance at the Melbourne Arts Centre, titled Gapu Nupan (Chasing the Rainbow). This was a cross-cultural collaboration between Aboriginal artists and artists from Paiwan, Taiwan. 

During an informal interview, the students shared their thoughts on the experience. Jerry, Bella, and Samarah all mentioned how connected they felt to the performance, noting that they could understand the story despite it not being in English. Emily reflected on how beautiful it was to see different cultures coming together, while Jerry highlighted the portrayal of the kangaroo by an Indigenous dancer, saying it was his favourite part of the performance. 

Many of the students were particularly fascinated by the variety of instruments used, such as clapsticks, the yidaki (didgeridoo), and the nose flute. Bella also pointed out how the concluding moment, where the cultural leaders exchanged symbols to show trust and partnership, resonated deeply with her.  The students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the day, with all ages represented in the audience, contributing to a rich, shared experience. 

Upcoming Events & Performances

• Victorian State School Spectacular rehearsals for dance and choir starts soon!
• Senior Choir Rehearsals run Monday Lunch - We're seeking dedicated students to join us for GIJ this May!
• 22nd March - Senior Concert Band performing for the Aspire Early Educations Centre's Autunm Festival!
• Production Orchestra begins rehearsals on Thursdays, TERM 2. To audition for production Orchestra, email instrumentalmusic@cesc.vic.edu.au
• Junior Concert Band Rehearsals start on Wednesday afternoons in TERM 2.