The Arts

MUSIC

To finish term 1, the Aberfoyle Park High School extra-curricular ensembles presented their first performance for the year this was a filmed performance for SACE assessment. 

Ensembles included the big band, concert band and percussion ensemble, which included students across year 8 to 12. 

Students have worked together through the year to learn their music ready for this performance. Additionally, this was the first formal assessment for the year 12 ensemble music students. 

It is always wonderful to see the hard work students put into their music learning, as a final product, and to see how student’s progress and gain confidence in their music skills every lesson. 

In term 2, we have two major performances. The year 7 specialist music students will present their first music performance for the year on Tuesday 27 May at 6:30pm, in the Performing Arts Centre. 

This performance is for students to demonstrate their new skills and for their families to see the year 7's hard work learning an instrument for the past 10 weeks. For most students this is their first ever time learning an instrument. 

Also in week 10, Wednesday 2 July. The extra-curricular ensemble will present their first performance for family and friends in the Performing Arts Centre.

Year 10 and 11 music students experience the magic of the Fringe Festival

On Friday, 14 March, the year 10 and 11 music classes embarked on an excursion to the renowned Adelaide Fringe Festival. For many students, this was their first opportunity to witness the vibrant and eclectic performances that the festival is famous for.

The highlight of the day was a captivating performance by Adelaide musician Adam Page. Known for his innovative and interactive shows, Adam did not disappoint. His performance was a unique blend of creativity and audience participation, making it an unforgettable experience for the students.

During the show, audience members were invited to join in the fun by playing instruments, making sounds and even using their names or reading words to contribute to the creation of improvised music. This interactive element not only engaged the students but also provided them with a firsthand look at the spontaneity and creativity involved in live music performance.

The excursion to the Fringe Festival was not just an entertaining outing but also an educational experience, offering students insight into the world of live music and performance art. It was a day filled with inspiration, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. The students returned with a newfound enthusiasm for music and performance, eager to apply what they learned to their own musical journeys. 

This visit to the Fringe Festival will surely be remembered as a highlight of their school year.

Amber's DreamBIG performance: A rising star in year 9

Amber, also known as Rebma, a talented year 9 student, recently captivated the audience at DreamBIG with her performance. She delivered a fantastic mix of original songs and covers, receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd. 

Amber was thrilled to be invited for this paid gig, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey. Excitingly, Amber has more performances lined up, including gigs at The Gov and Brighton Metro Hotel, where she will showcase her original music. 

In addition to her live performances, Amber has been busy in the recording studio, working on her debut EP. With two new songs recorded and a third in progress, her musical future looks incredibly promising.

We are proud of Amber's achievements and look forward to supporting her as she continues to shine.

Percussion performance

On Wednesday 9 April, we had The Adelaide Youth Orchestras' percussion performance at the school. It was a remarkable experience for both the percussion and senior music students. The event showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of these young musicians, leaving the audience in awe. 

The performers demonstrated their skills through a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical pieces to contemporary compositions, highlighting their versatility and passion for music. 

This performance gave the students the opportunity to see percussion that they are familiar with be used in a way that was new to them.

 A highlight of the performance was a piece for five players on the same five and a half octave marimba, a beautiful new instrument that the group brought with them and put together in 5 minutes flat! 

A huge thank you to the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, David Hopgood and senior percussion students for their help in setting up the space. 

VISUAL ART

Year 9 art students delve into the world of relief printmaking

In late term 1, year 9 art students at Aberfoyle Park High School immersed themselves in the fascinating world of relief printmaking. 

This artistic technique involves creating blocks with raised surfaces for ink application, encompassing methods such as stamps, woodblock printing, and linocut printmaking.

As part of their exploration, students delved into the rich history of stamps and seals as identity markers. They examined examples from ancient Rome and Egypt, medieval wax seals, and iconic pieces like the Pope's Fisherman's Seal. The journey also included a look at contemporary Japanese identity stamps, known as Hanko.

Armed with this historical and cultural knowledge, students embarked on designing their own personal seals. These creations reflect their identities and individual imagery, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the art form.

The culmination of their efforts was on display in the school's atrium during term 1. This exhibition offered an opportunity to appreciate the talent and creativity of our year 9 students as they brought history and personal expression to life through relief printmaking.

Year 11 and 12 art and photography students visit Adelaide Zoo for exhibition inspiration

On Monday 7 April, our year 11 and 12 Art and Photography students visited Adelaide Zoo to gather reference materials for their upcoming class exhibition. The excursion provided a unique opportunity for students to capture images and sketches that will inspire their creative projects.

Students were assisted by Ms. Sweet and Mr. Walker, who provided technical support throughout the day. With these resources, students will now transform their images and sketches into resolved art and design works, responding to their own individual briefs.

The exhibition of this learning will be on display in the front office atrium from Monday 19 May for the rest of the week. The students are looking forward to showcasing their talents and creativity.

The Memory Project

This year, 28 students from years 7-11 participated in creating portrait gifts for young people living in children's homes in Malawi. These children, who live in poverty and have few personal possessions, received portraits crafted with kindness and empathy by our students.

Students dedicated between one and three lunchtimes each week to work on their portraits, demonstrating great commitment to the project. 

A special thank you goes to all the students involved this year, as well as to the staff who assisted with supervision.

The artworks were sent to Malawi on Friday 16 May. We eagerly await correspondence later in the term to learn how the children received the work. 

DRAMA

The Dream

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent drama production The Dream, which captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and performances. The students' dedication and hard work were evident in every scene, as they brought the script to life with passion and creativity.

The production featured a talented cast from senior drama and tech crew who worked for their first time as a team this year with students from 7-10 to ensure a seamless performance. 

The first performance was to 100 excited primary school students from Aberfoyle Hub Primary School and Thiele Primary School. 

A huge congratulations to all who were involved and made this production possible