Performing Arts

Important Dates

Mon 2 Dec: Awards Night

Fri 6 Dec: Final Day Instrumental Lessons

Tue 10 Dec: POPA break-up

Term 4 Piano Recital

On Wednesday 20 November, piano students gathered at the College Theatre to share and celebrate their work as part of the school's Instrumental Music program. Family and friends were treated to a fabulous evening of piano music, with selections from video game, jazz, popular, and classical music.

There was a wealth of talent on display and Mr Luke Champion and I are very proud of the hard work of the 2024 cohort..

Concert highlights included VCE Performance student, Kaylee Freeman, playing a jazz tune, Hannah Sun playing Chopin, Melody Chen playing Debussy, and a duet performance from Riley Limbo and Zab Castillo in year 7. Bravo and well done to all!

Stuart Andrew

Performing Arts

Spring Vocal Concert

Last night, Voice students performed at our annual Spring Vocal Concert in a gorgeous candlelit cabaret stage setting. Students worked hard and practiced their repertoire to present a spectacular array of solos, duos, trios and ensembles. From heart-felt ballads to upbeat rhythm and blues, students sung their hearts out with expression and accomplishment. 

Our new VCE vocal trio debuted their blended harmonies with a medley of the classic Mr. Sandman and Lollipop. Our auditioned choir, Harmony Group, wowed the audience with their sweet rendition of the famous, Here Comes the Sun, whilst our Combined Choir featured as our finale with their rousing rendition of From Now On. 

Special thanks to Andrew Lewis and the tech crew, Jonathan Skovron for brilliant accompaniment on the piano and guitar, our vocal teachers Nat Carolan and Susy Hull, and POPA for their ongoing support of our school’s wonderful performing arts community.  

Susy Hull

Performing Arts

Year 9/10 Drama

Over the course of Semester 2, our Yr 9/10 Drama class have been working hard in rehearsals to develop our skills and understanding of non-naturalism. Throughout the production process we used brainstorming to unpack the stimulus issues the young people face. From here, we were able to combine our ideas and create a shared vision for each of our themes. We each had the opportunity to work on issues that were important to us.

After months of practice, the day finally arrived. The thrill of performing and bringing our hard work to life, was indescribable. It was a truly rewarding experience, collaborating with my talented peers to create something so special. As the scenes unfolded, everything went even better than we had anticipated. It was an unforgettable moment, and we loved being a part of something so special.

Whilst we were performing, we felt exhilarated and eager to perform. We made sure to focus on the other performers to get our queues right, in order to preform to the best of our abilities.

At the start of the night, we were nervous but excited and after the performance we all were filled with adrenaline and joy.  We reflected on the performances at the next few lessons and we were all proud of each other and what we had created.

Chloe Lindsay 

on behalf of 9/10 Drama

Year 9/10 Theatre Production & Technology

In Semester 2, the combined Year 9/10 Theatre Production and Technology class worked on creating theatre through the Theatrical Production Process. Students worked through exploring each of the three stages: planning, development and presentation, and exploring the stages through the different production roles.

Theatre Production students selected a monologue to perform to a live audience whereas the Theatre Technology students selected a production role to focus their efforts on the help present the monologues. Through lunchtime rehearsals, test shows and workshops, students developed their individual ideas to create a cohesive and creatively unique interpretation of their monologues.

Students presented their monologues over two performances, taking on feedback and showcasing growth over the rehearsal process. 

To finish off the Semester, students were taken to a live performance of Tina Turner: The Musical for a chance to see the skills they’ve learnt applied at a professional level. We look forward to continuing to take students to experience professional theatre and expanding their skills through the drama program at Wantirna.

Surya Ganesan

Performing Arts

Beryl Birrell Retirement

After 40 years at Wantirna College, Beryl Birrell is retiring at the end of this year. As a result, an email account has been set up for anyone who would like to write a message to her in honour of the occasion. 

If you are a current student or staff member please take a few moments to write a personal message. Please email to:

BerylBirrellRetirement@gmail.com

Also, if you know of any ex-students or ex-staff members who were are the school from 1985 onwards, please pass on this message and email address to them and encourage them to also write something. We are sure she would love to hear from as many people as possible from her extensive time at this school. 

College & Community Band Concert

Thu 5 December, 7pm

We are proud to announce that Wantirna College will be hosting a College & Community Band Concert next week, featuring the following ensembles:

• Wantirna College Concert Band: 40 students from Years 7&8
• Knox Wind Symphony - a local community ensemble of advanced players
• Knox Concert Band - a newly formed local community band
• Boroondara Brass - one of Australia's premier brass bands

Join us for a memorable night of music and support our students and local ensembles. 

Tickets are only $5pp, available HERE through Trybooking.  Refreshments will be available from before the show.

Danny van Bergen

Leader of Performing Arts