Music & Performance

Performing Arts the winner in House Performance

The 2019 House Performance Competition was a hugely successful event with high levels of participation and a very high standard of dance, drama and music performances. Our adjudicator, Alicia Gardiner, was blown away with the high quality of the performances, and with the enthusiasm and house spirit that was demonstrated when each house got up on stage to present their chosen song.

Each of the house leaders, who organised the whole event, together with the soloists and small groups that represented their houses, the choral and instrumental directors and the performing arts leaders should be congratulated for all of their efforts.

Congratulations to the winners of each section:

Instrumental Ensemble: Jackson directed by Natalie Hooper (Year 12)
Whole House Choral: Tied between Melba directed by Haidee Sharpe & Paige Friedrich (Year 10) and Kenny directed by Darcie James and Caity Morris (Year 12)
Dance: Mackellar dancer Belle Hopkins (Year 12)
Drama: Mackellar actor Chelsie Lehmstedt (Year 12)
Music: Mackellar singers Meg Walker and Amethyst Parlanti (Year 12)

Overall results

1st place Mackellar 98.5 points

2nd place Jackson 87 points

3rd place Melba 84 points

4th place Kenny 80 points

Tim Veevers

Director of Performing Arts

Montsalvat

Montsalvat was an amazing experience. We sang in big churches and performed ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Duende’, Sabina Eyre-Walker’s song ‘Never Knowing Which Way To Go’, and ‘Friendship’, a song written especially for us by emerging composer Travers Eira, with words by Sabina. He was interviewed about the composition at the Australian Composition concert at the end of the day and we were recorded. The Madrigal ensemble also sang some of their own songs. We all had so much fun and enjoyed singing in front of other people. It was a little cold but we got through the day just fine. Watching the other performers was exciting because they had such great talent. Overall Montsalvat was an amazing opportunity and everyone enjoyed it.

Zara Wilson (Year 7)

Vocal Night

On Wednesday 8 May the first Vocal Night of the year showcased a range of talented performers across all year levels. Performances included solos, duets and small groups featuring performances from the All Star and Madrigal choirs, who performed an original piece by Sabina Eyre-Walker, as well as works by Australian and New Zealand composers in preparation for the Rhapsody Rotorua Festival that a number of students will be attending in July.

Students prepared for Vocal Night for a number of weeks with Blanka West to achieve their best.

Many parents and friends attended the evening to encourage the performers, who should be very proud of the performances for which they have worked so hard. Getting up and singing in front of strangers is one thing, but I find that performing in front of family members or friends is much more daunting! Ruby and Tuyen did an excellent job of being the MC’s for the evening and keeping every act running smoothly. Thanks to Ms Linda Brown for her support!

It’s always lovely to see the development of the standard of performance by students over their years of involvement with the music program, and this year had it’s fair share of fantastic performances.

The next Vocal Night takes place on September 4th and I would recommend any parent, student or teacher to attend and support the event! The supportive atmosphere of the evening brings out the best in each performer.

Amethyst Parlanti (Year 12)

Year 10 theatre production

Year 10 Script and Performance students performed three Noel Coward plays brilliantly and they were warmly received by audiences. The season ran from Wednesday 15 May to Saturday 18 May. The 24 students worked incredibly hard to bring to life these three short plays and were responsible for set construction, painting, lighting, sound, makeup and costuming. Congratulations and well done on the performance.

Geoff Perks

Drama Teacher