MUSIC

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory rehearsals continue, and the show is taking shape. We have a wonderful group of parents who are helping us out on the camp weekend at the end of the holidays. If you can assist us, please contact me. We ask parents to have a look at the rehearsal schedule to help our cast members to be organised. As we are now at the pointy end of the season we need all students at rehearsals all the time. Please make sure your son contacts a staff member involved if they are confused or unable to attend rehearsals.

A reminder that the musical camp is compulsory on 13 and 14 April and a vital part of the lead-up to production week. The parent slip has gone out with information on the two-day rehearsals. Please make sure you have sent in the necessary details.

Production week information will be sent out shortly. Included in this will be the schedule of rehearsals and information about what to bring. Please be on the lookout for that as we are trying to give people as much notice as possible.

The show is going to be fantastic and a lot of fun. The Friday evening performance is already 50% sold and the Saturday matinee is not far behind at 40%. Don’t miss out!

Guitar workshops

Libor Smoldas, the renowned jazz guitarist from Europe, visited Cairns and gave workshops at various schools on 1 March. Our guitarists joined St Monica’s students for this wonderful opportunity. Students played together in a large group improvising and accompanying each other. They learnt much and witnessed Libor’s amazing virtuosity.

SHEP

The State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) run by Griffith Conservatorium of Music was held at St Mary’s on the weekend of 2-3 March. Students rehearsed with their conductor and ensemble to produce a concert on the final day. The conservatorium brought with them some amazing staff and clinicians from which our students benefited greatly. Along with the ensemble program, there were also talks about programs the university offers in all manner of areas – arts, languages, sciences, etc.

Participants came from local schools such as St Mary’s and St Monica’s colleges as well as students from as far as Townsville. Congratulations to Daniel O’Donnell (Year 12) and Oliver Alden (Year 9) for being selected to participate.

If your son is absent

If your son is going to be absent from a music lesson or ensemble rehearsal, please email the teacher concerned. 

Friends of the Arts

Friends of the Arts is a small group of parents who assist staff at various events such as Saints Unplugged or the College musical. The group also help with fundraising and grant writing for the Music/Arts Departments. If you are interested in helping out, please email me: cspannenbu@cns.catholic.edu.au . Our first meeting of the year will occur soon.

2024

Our program is a busy and vibrant one with many opportunities for performances. We entertain assemblies, perform in productions and music nights as well as provide liturgical music for the College. There are plenty of activities to participate in.

Information for events and performances is on the Arts Department's Facebook page, in newsletters and parent slips are sent out. Below is a calendar of events planned so far. This will be added to throughout the year, so please reread each edition to check that you are abreast of all that is happening.

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4