Performing Arts

Symphonic Band Wins GOLD at South Street

Our Symphonic Band had an incredible day at the South Street competition in Ballarat last Wednesday, and we’re proud to share that we came away with the win! There were some outstanding performances from schools across Victoria, and we were thrilled to come out on top. All the hard work and rehearsals paid off as we gave it our best on stage. It was a very exciting experience for everyone and we're keen to have some more performances. 

~ Jeremy Coath, Year 12

What a trip to the South Street Festival! Symphonic Band made our way by bus, in the early hours of the morning to Ballarat to partake in the South Street Competition against 11 other schools in Victoria, including Blackburn high and Ballarat Grammar.  After a 3-hour trip, that required a detour to avoid some dangerous activities in the city, we arrived at Ballarat.

The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod hosted us for our 3-piece performance which began with ‘Industria’, followed by ‘Give me your hand’ and lastly ‘Music from WICKED’. Mr Van Bergen professionally conducted the Symphonic band, which consists of 42 students and a wide range of musical instruments from the large Tuba to the tiny Piccolo. Our performance began a bit rocky, but we swiftly found our rhythm and together we produced a beautiful sound to fulfil our music pieces. Our performance was closely watched by judges who decided the final results. 

The annual South Street Eisteddfod saw many schools perform greatly, however Wantirna College were the ones to take the crown of 1st place along with a $300 prize that will go towards improving our music equipment. 

~ Jess Huljak 

On Wednesday the 11th of September I had the pleasure of playing at the Royal South Street alongside my fellow Symphonic Band members. It was a surreal experience, winning, and I am glad to be able to share it with you all. If I recall correctly we won by a single point standing at 93 points total. Aside from the peak- hour traffic back from Ballarat, It was a great experience. One more thing, congratulations to Dimitre for winning this year's Andrew Jacobs Memorial Scholarship, you deserve it!

~ William Spiroch

The Symphonic Band also won Bronze at VSMF this term. Photos of the performance can be purchased through Red Book Photography Here. Please use password: WCVSMF

Gala Concert 2024

Oh what a night! Another triumph!

Over 250 students and staff presented another amazing Gala Concert showcasing the depth, breadth and versatility of our wonderful performing arts program.

All the performances showed such a high level of professionalism, skill and pure enjoyment that made it an absolute pleasure to watch.

A huge congratulations to all our graduating Year 12 students who were presented awards proudly supported by the Parents of Performing Arts.

As always, I'd like to thank Principal Carrie Wallis for her continued support of our program, Andrew Lewis and the Tech Crew for their efforts - they delivered exceptionally smooth transitions, our Parents of Performing Arts for their constant support and, lastly, a big thank you to the Performing Arts staff and students.

I'm incredibly proud to lead this outstanding program and it is nights like this where our community get the opportunity to witness the full power of Performing Arts.

Andrew Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Award

Congratulations to Dimitre Gosios of Year 10 who is this year's recipient of the Andrew Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Award for 2025 in honour of our esteemed teacher Mr Andrew Jacobs. 

The Andrew Jacobs Memorial Award includes a full Instrumental Music scholarship for 2025 which covers the following program expenses:

- Instrumental Music fees

- Instrument Hire fees

- Music Camp

Recipients for this Award are selected on criteria which illustrates their commitment to the Instrumental Music program, such as commitment, attendance and improvement, as well as character and resilience.

Roaming Carrie - Gala Concert

Take a sneaky behind-the-scenes look at our Gala Concert, during interval with our amazing Principal, Carrie Wallis!

State School Spectacular

On Saturday 14 September, Wantirna College students Mackenzie Ross, Sandra Vibal and Nathan Vibal attended the annual Victorian State School Spectacular. They were amongst the small number of selected Lead Vocalists, which is a prestigious achievement.

Both Nathan and Mackenzie performed solos and Nathan and Sandra performed a duet together, with the two Year 12's celebrated for it being their final year.  All performances were accompanied by the State School Spec Orchestra.

State School Spectaular takes place in one of the leading performance venues of Melbourne, John Cain Arena. Following a year of rehearsals with students from many other Victorian State schools, students put on two 3.5hr performances on the day to an audience of 10,000 people.

Mackenzie, Nathan & Sandra, we are very proud of what you have achieved. The performance will aired on TV in December.

Music Collection Board

A reminder to all Instrumental Music students to remember to collect their music from the music board outside the Music Office.  

Danny van Bergen

Leader of Performing Arts