Performing Arts and Languages News
Mr Michael Power, Learning Leader of Performing Arts and Languages
Music
Reconciliation Week
When Palawa man Dewayne Everettsmith held his firstborn child, he wanted to soothe him by singing in the language of Tasmanian Aboriginal people. That desire has sparked an extraordinary musical journey with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
From practice to performance
Last week, St Mary’s College welcomed Mark Bain, trumpeter from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, for an inspiring day with our senior Music students in Years 9 to 12. Mark offered an engaging look into the life of a practising musician, sharing the highs, the hurdles and what it takes to prepare for performance. Drawing on insights from his research-based practice, Performance Up, he guided students through a series of dynamic activities focused on performance mindset, preparation strategies and staying present in the moment on stage.
Congratulations to the Year 3 and 4 Choir!
A big congratulations to our Year 3 and 4 Choir, who performed today at the Hobart Town Hall as part of the annual Hobart Eisteddfod. The students sang beautifully, proudly representing our school and showcasing our commitment to musical excellence and quality music education.
Special thanks to Mrs Mary Heferen-Faulkner for her inspiring leadership of the choir, and for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to all our musical endeavours.
Live at St Peter's
Congratulations to our talented Year 11 and 12 Music students who performed at Live at St Peter’s last Friday night. Twelve senior students, including two from St Aloysius College, delivered an impressive and diverse program, featuring popular music, musical theatre, ’90s rock, classical-romantic pieces and art music, all set within the beautiful setting of St Peter’s Hall. Highlights included a moving six-part harmony Acknowledgement of Country and an improvised soundscape led by Mrs Jillian Norton.
A heartfelt thank you to our Year 9 and 10 students who provided expert support with lighting and tech throughout the evening. We also extend our thanks to associate artist Mr Scott Weston and Systema, the St Aloysius Year 10–12 student rock band, for their support and energetic performance.
Stay tuned for the next Live at St Peter’s in Term 3!
Drama
Devil in the Detail | Ms Sally Lewry
The devil is always in the detail – and when it comes to the construction of the Hobart stadium at Mac Point, there are plenty of details to consider!
Drama 3 students have interviewed key stakeholders and a range of local community members to devise a Verbatim Documentary Theatre piece. The work uses the real words of real people to bring the divisive issue of the stadium build to the stage. Students have taken on the roles of both creators and performers, and engaging with community members on such a hot local topic has been a rich experience.
We can’t wait to share this work with you. Come and watch the real-life drama unfold – and make up your own mind.
Dates: Tuesday 10 June – Wednesday 11 June
Time: 7.00pm–8.00pm
Location: St Peter's Hall, St Mary's College
Entry is free.
Book your tickets at the link here: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1407242
Cast: Phoebe Cook-Wiss, Amber King, Alice Lennon, Remi Luttrell and Sam Subramanian Sreenivasan.
Sustainability Drama | Mrs Irene Knauseder
Yr 10 Drama has been learning about Political Theatre this term and were fortunate to have the opportunity to put their study into practice. They collaborated with the Sustainability Learning Centre (SLC) on a grant-funded initiative, culminating in a sustainability-focused performance to their peers at our recent Senior School Assembly.
Tullia Chung-Tilley from the SLC generously shared her expertise to help devise and direct the Sustainability Project. Focused on Fast Fashion, it was titled Not. For. Sale. The creative process was multi-faceted and informed the class’ assessment. The Drama class researched and uncovered key facts to gain insights into this impactful topic. They created their own video, contributed to the script and learnt choreography. The clothing used for the long fabric ropes in the performance came directly from the tip shop. Costumes were from home or borrowed.
Moving forward, a clothes swap is being considered to build upon the important sustainability message highlighted by the performance.
"We want clothes made to last—
We want fair, not fake.
We want slow.
We want care.
We want fashion that’s actually fair.”
So, stay tuned! Congratulations, Year 10 Drama!
