The Arts
Music
Music Ensemble Night Showcases outstanding student talent
On Wednesday 2 July, our talented music students took to the stage for the first Music Ensemble Night concert, delivering a vibrant and polished evening of performances. Held as part of the SACE performance assessment, the night also served as a showcase of student learning and achievement across the term.
The concert featured a diverse range of ensembles, including the Big Band, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, Choir, and Concert Band. A particular highlight was the debut performance of the Brass Ensemble, which impressed the audience with its musical precision and energy.
Each ensemble displayed a high level of musicianship and commitment, reflecting the hard work and dedication of students and staff alike. Special thanks go to Noah Miller for stepping in to lead Percussion Ensemble during David Hopgood’s leave, and to Peter Doherty for his outstanding work in launching the Brass Ensemble.
We also acknowledge the ongoing support and expertise of our dedicated Music staff: Sarah Horne, Ros Sarre, Nisan Tuazon, Catherine Davey and Suriya Down.
Article by
Suriya Down | Senior Leader- Director of Music and The Arts
Amber Reschke's musical journey: new single "Desperate"
One of our year 9 IGNITE students, Amber R, known by her stage name Rebma Rose, is making waves in the Australian music scene with her latest single, "Desperate."
Released on 11 July, the track has captured the hearts of listeners and is being aired on Community Radio stations across the country. Impressively, "Desperate" debuted at #4 on the AMRAP Regional Charts and is holding strong at #5 this week. The AMRAP Charts are a respected platform showcasing the best in Australian community radio music.
"Desperate" is a captivating blend of emotionally raw lyrics, soft-grunge guitars and alt-pop intensity. Drawing comparisons to Paramore and early Avril Lavigne, the single feels more like a personal journal entry than a traditional punk anthem.
July has been a busy month for Rebma Rose. She attended the Adelaide Guitar Festival Winter School and has been performing gigs and busking most weekends. With a full schedule of performances lined up for August, her dedication to her craft is evident.
Fans can listen to "Desperate" on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. To follow Amber's musical journey, connect with her on Instagram and Spotify. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to shine in the music industry.
Instagram account - rebam.rose.music
South Australian Schools Percussion Ensemble (SASPE+)
In term 2, during weeks 3 and 6, a few very lucky and talented students had the privilege of attending and representing our school at SASPE+ at Brighton Secondary School. SASPE+ is an invite-only percussion ensemble run by Amanda Grigg, who is Head of Brass & Percussion at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide.
Here, percussion students from various schools around south-west Adelaide and nearby suburbs had the fantastic opportunity to study with Amanda, learn new music, and develop new skills under her guidance.
Article by
Ethan L. | Year 8 music student
Young Adelaide Voices Choir (YAV)
Ethan L, a year 8 student, was recently part of the A Winter Mosaic, a concert held by the choir, Young Adelaide Voices, at Elder Hall. Young Adelaide Voices is a choir organisation that provides an exceptional choral education within a friendly, positive and non-competitive environment.
Ethan is a part of the First Concert Choir, which consists of experienced choristers who have many years of learning and practice. His group sang several songs in a variety of languages and genres, and, at the end, all the choir groups joined together on stage and performed one song for the grand finale. This was a great opportunity for Ethan to present what he had learnt in the last semester to a live audience, as well as to practice for future performances.
Article by
Ethan L. | Year 8 music student
Visual art
Celebrating the creativity of our year 9 students
At the end of last term, the school showcased the incredible creativity of our year 9 students. Throughout their recent project, students engaged deeply with the Design Process to achieve their personal art goals.
The resulting artworks were wonderfully diverse, spanning a variety of media and subjects—including textile designs, charcoal illustrations, digital art, ceramics and paintings.
Inspired by artists who motivated them, students identified key skills they aimed to develop along the way. The final pieces beautifully captured their artistic journeys so far.
Drama
Drama students reflect on Dear Son at State Theatre SA
On Tuesday 29 July our year 8 to 12 drama students attended Dear Son at the State Theatre Company of South Australia. Written and performed by Thomas Weatherall, the solo show delivered a moving and poetic exploration of family, identity, and masculinity.
Students were captivated by Weatherall’s raw and honest performance, which combined spoken word, physical theatre, and storytelling to powerful effect. The minimalist set and intimate lighting drew the audience into the emotional world of a young man grappling with grief and reconnection.
For many, it was a powerful example of how personal stories can be transformed into compelling theatre. It also provided valuable insights into solo performance, characterisation, and contemporary Australian writing.
Dear Son sparked rich discussion afterward and inspired students to reflect on their own creative expression. It was an unforgettable theatrical experience that highlighted the emotional depth and power of live performance.
Article by
Suriya Down | Senior Leader | Director of Music and The Arts