Performing Arts

Junior School Ensemble Evening

Semester 1 concluded with some wonderful performances from the Junior School Ensembles at the annual Ensemble Evening, held at the Life Ministry Centre on Wednesday 2 July. The capacity audience responded enthusiastically to all the groups and appreciated the standard to which these young musicians have achieved.

Our string ensembles, Andante (Year 3), Cabaletta (Years 4 & 5), Ostinato (Years 5 & 6) and Malaguena (Years 5 & 6) showed development in the program which culminated in an item that featured Sarah W (6D) on cello. The Junior Concert Band had toes tapping, especially when they presented a little ABBA. They combined with Malaguena to form the Junior School Orchestra, an opportunity that not many Primary School students would receive.

The Cherub Choir engaged the audience in enthusiastic singing and movement, the Seraphim Choir featured strong harmonies, and both combined for the final item highlighting the school theme of Connection. The Junior Vocal Ensemble are always well received and performed some challenging repertoire. Giocoso also performed for the first time as the Year 5 tuned percussionists had to separate from Vivace (Year 6) due to the numbers that signed up for the ensemble. Our Performing Arts Captains, Zachary Y (6B) and Grace W (6D) led through this highly entertaining evening.

The next day, most of the Junior School Ensembles performed at Junior Chapel and shared their love of music with the rest of their peers and the younger students. The Performing Arts Captains again led this through, with Mr Clarke giving the message, assisted by an improvised drama presentation from some selected Year 6 students.

Semester 2

Semester 2 commenced with Mega Chapel and the Junior Vocal Ensemble joined with the senior Chapel musicians to lead the song Hero of the Faith. This gave the opportunity for the Junior School students to teach their senior buddy the actions. The senior musicians then continued to lead the whole school in worship.

During the school holidays, eight of our Junior School students had the privilege of performing in a 200-strong choir at both the Melbourne Recital Centre and the Sydney Opera House in celebration of Chinese culture and history. This momentous performance was the result of many hours of rehearsal and home practice. The students were Sarah G (5M), Cindy T (5M), Gillian L (5T), Terry M (4D), Hanson L (4D), Olivia G (3K), Felix M (1CB) and Lyndon L (1JB). They are to be congratulated on this fine achievement.

In other performance news, Joanne H (5M) was selected as a finalist in the Boroondara Eisteddfod piano competition.

Upcoming Events

This week the cast and crew of the Middle Years Production of Frozen JR. will be wowing their audiences. There is still a performance tonight and two tomorrow. A full report will appear in the next issue of The Vine.

The Junior School Production rehearsals are in full swing and our school bands are rehearsing hard for next Term’s Festival of the Arts on the evening of Friday 10 October. Here are the upcoming events:

Frozen JR. Production Tickets are Sold Out

Jeffrey Clarke

Director of Performing Arts