Performing Arts News

Gala Concert

Thursday 29th August was GEC’s Instrumental Music Gala Concert for 2019. The evening was a showcase of instrumental music student ensembles, small groups, duets and solos across the Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Guitar, Percussion, Vocal and Piano programs. This was a celebration of a big year of music at the College, with a diverse range of instruments and styles of music played by students from Years 7-11.

Ensembles that performed during the evening included the Year 7 Choir, the Percussion Ensemble, the Sax Quartet, the String Ensemble, Acapella, the Vocal Ensemble, the Guitar Ensemble and finishing with the Production Orchestra.

Putting on a successful concert such as this one involves a lot of time, effort and expertise from many staff and students across the College. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the following contributions:

• Our wonderful MCs for the evening; our College Junior School Captains Haddi El Shorbagy, Yashasvi Agrawal, Darcy Messenger and Sebastian Buley-Delanty who did a brilliant job writing out their own speeches and including many music puns and jokes
• Lauren Raftopoulos of Year 9, as well as Ezra Bloch of Year 8 for providing technical support and running the sound and lights for the evening’s concert
• College staff and students who came along on the evening
• Ms Ryannan Mathieson our Junior School Leader for her work in rehearsing and supporting the student MCs
• Ms Penny Marks in Admin for her Trybooking prowess as well as promotion of our performing arts events within the college community
• Our awesome team of instrumental music staff, for without them and their contribution the evening would not have been the success it was 
  • Ms Tori Wood (Voice)
  • Mr Mark Dipnall (Woodwind)
  • Mr George Hronakis (Brass)
  • Ms Zamarah Morley (Strings)
  • Mr Robert Westlake (Guitar and Bass)
  • Ms Charlene Wijaya (Piano)
  • Mr Mark Voogd (Drum-kit and Percussion)

Most of all, thank you to all of the GEC instrumental music students for their hard work throughout the year, and to their families for supporting them on their journey as musicians. We have a number of exciting performances and concerts coming up in Term 4 so please take note of important dates in the calendar.

Upcoming Performing Arts Dates

Term 4

Week 3: 26th October - Relay for Life performance

Week 4: 30th October - SEVR Junior Bandfest (hosted by GEC)

Week 6: 14th November - Strings/Voice/Piano Night 6.30pm

Laura Baker-Goldsmith

Head of Performing Arts