Performing Arts News
Instrumental Music Gala Concert
The GEC Instrumental Music Department is having our 2019 Annual Gala Concert to showcase the work of all our Instrumental Music students. The evening will be a showcase of large ensembles, small groups and solos from across our Woodwind, Brass, Strings, Guitar, Percussion, Vocal and Piano programs. This is 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.
DATE: Thursday 29th August
TIME: 6:30pm
VENUE: GEC Performing Arts Centre Theatre
COST: Free entry - Optional gold coin donation to the Music Department to purchase new instruments gratefully accepted.
Book your free tickets online via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/540525
Victorian State School Spectacular - Mass Choir Rehearsal 2
On Wednesday 22nd August, the students and staff involved in the Mass Choir for this year’s Victorian State School Spectacular spent our whole day in rehearsal for the big performance day. When we arrived at Melbourne Town Hall, it was clear that the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Today was the day we were not only going to keep on perfecting our songs, but also learn our dance moves for the Mass Choir! We even had cameras and reporters from the Herald Sun and Channel 7 News to photograph and film the rehearsal. To add to the excitement, all of the principal and backing vocalists were there which helped all of our prior rehearsals and practice fall into place.
We started off with our first song (which is actually part of the finale!) “September”, originally by Earth Wind and Fire. After rehearsing the vocal parts, we started learning all of our dancing. All of our students particularly liked the ending dance move of this song, which was a very signature disco move. Tune in to Channel 7 when the performance airs to see what it is! After learning many more dance moves and taking a few massive group photos, we finally finished our rehearsal at 3pm and left very tired but excited for our next big rehearsals later this term at Melbourne Arena!
There are only two whole cast rehearsals left until our two performances on the 14th September. With our school rehearsals happening every week on a Wednesday lunch time; we are all doing our part to help make the performances memorable.
Zamarah Morley and Laura Baker-Goldsmith
Music Teachers
SEVR Regional Junior Bandfest
The SEVR (South-East Victorian Region) have selected GEC to host one of this year’s Junior Bandfests next term on Wednesday 30th October. The purpose of these events is to give students from government schools in our region the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a large concert band setting and to work with different conductors and instrumentalists. Rehearsals are planned for the morning session and a performance (which may be a live performance and an audio recording) for the afternoon session. The recording will be made available to students as a memento of the day.
Junior Bandfests are aimed at brass, woodwind and percussion students who have been learning their instrument for approximately one to two years.
Upcoming Dates
29/8 - Instrumental Music Gala Concert 6.30pm
12-13/9 - VSSS whole cast rehearsals at Melbourne Arena
14/9 - VSSS performances x2
30/10 - SEVR Junior Bandfest (hosted by GEC)
Laura Baker-Goldsmith
Head of Performing Arts