Sienna's Insights

This week, the school’s Performing Arts and Instrumental Music students performed our annual Wantirna College Gala Concert! 

This performance involves a range of different talents, such as dance, bands, orchestras, and choirs, each of which practice for months on end working hard for this performance. The amount of work that the staff puts in to make this a reality is phenomenal; and it is so exciting to get the opportunity to speak with a few of the students, and Mr van Bergen as well!

What’s your favourite thing about holding the gala each year?

Danny: I have quite a few things, but my absolute favourite is seeing the whole community come together for one big night celebrating Performing Arts at Wantirna College. It is also always special to see the elation and triumph from students after they have performed. It doesn't matter if it is their first performance or if they have been performing for years, there is always a shared common joy in being in a concert like this.

What is the hardest part about keeping it organised?

Danny: There are so many moving parts to an event like this. It is a real balancing act between big picture, creative ideas and the minutiae of logistics and organisation. We are lucky to have a great team of people that collaborate really well that allows us to present an event of this scope.

How do you manage conducting such a large group during the finale?

Danny: For me, this is actually one of the easiest things I do on the night! My background is in conducting and working with large ensembles so it is always huge fun planning this item! Things like choosing the right repertoire and arranging it in a way that is both effective and achievable really makes rehearsing and performing this item go smoothly. The biggest challenge is always getting everyone on the stage!

Here is what some of our students in production and performing arts had to say!

What band are you in, and what instrument do you play?

Maddie: I am in Advanced Guitar, and I play the electric guitar!

Logan: I am in the Advanced Guitar Ensemble and Contemporary Band C. I play the Electric Guitar.

Chloe: I'm in Contemporary Band C and I sing!

What do you enjoy the most about this performance?

Maddie: I enjoyed getting to be on stage with all my friends playing songs we put lots of effort into.

Logan: The Gala is an incredible performance that showcases the best of performing arts at Wantirna College. My favourite moments for me are when you get lost in the music, getting deep into the zone and ending up playing the best you ever have, it's simply a wonderful feeling.

Chloe: I really enjoy being able to come together with my band and be able to show the music we have put a lot of work and effort into.

If you could choose one song for your band to play, what would it be?

Maddie: I don't really have a specific song I would choose, just anything that's funky and fun really that has lots of energy.

Logan: If I had the choice of what my band's play next, I would choose 'This Fire by Franz Ferdinand' to be played by the Advanced Guitar Ensemble because it's a guitar heavy song and would sound amazing with all the musicians we have. I'd choose 'Rock Lobster by the B-52's' for Contemporary band, as we've already played a song by them and Rock Lobster is another great piece that would be fun to play.

Chloe:  Something Jazz would be fun and cool!

This performance turned out amazing, and I cannot wait to be a part of it again next year, great work everyone!

Sienna Reese

Arts & Technology Captain

(& Viola Player)

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