Performing Arts Update
Jazz Night
It has been another full fortnight in the Performing Arts department. Last week saw Shelford’s inaugural Jazz Night. It was a truly fantastic evening for all the parents, staff, students and Jazz enthusiasts who attended. Our music students, very ably accompanied by the David Dower trio, all sounded fantastic and should be congratulated on their performances.
Mother's Day String Quartet
I would also like to thank Ruth Dixon-Lawrence and the Senior String Quartet for supporting our Mother’s Day luncheon. This was a great experience for the students who played for 45 minutes which is no easy feat.
Last week also saw Commedia dell’arte perform to our Year 8 students. Thank you to Kelsey Holden for organising the incursion - another fantastic opportunity for our students to get involved in. Please read Kelsey's article to find out more about it.
Thank you to Kathryn Pisani and Anya McLeod for running our Senior Concert practice on Friday 12 May. There is a Senior Concert practice every term. These are a great way for our students to perform to their peers, giving them invaluable performance experience leading up to AMEB exams.
Autumn Concert
Autumn Concert is coming up on Tuesday 23rd May, all of Shelford’s Senior ensembles will be performing, as well as Corelli Strings and Junior Chamber Strings from the Junior School. For those looking to book tickets, please click on the link https://events.humanitix.com/autumn-concert-2023-dtwcpm7e
It is a fantastic night as well as a great opportunity to see our hard working staff and students in action.
Year 5/7 Band Program Parent Concerts
On Tuesday 30 May parents are invited to attend an informal concert for students in the Year 5 and Year 7 Band Program. This is a great opportunity for you to see what they have learned. For parents who can’t make it each concert will be recorded. The concerts will be run in the Hall.
Year 7 Band Program – 10:20am arrival time for a 10:30am concert
Year 5 Band Program – 1:20pm arrival time for a 1:30pm concert
House Performing Arts
Monday 15 May saw the formal start to the HPA process. HPA Captains have been writing scripts, working out dance routines, learning their House songs all in preparation for the night. As in previous years this week will see many auditions being held, by the time you’ll have read this they’ll be well underway, but I would highly encourage all students to be involved in some capacity.
The HPA performance is at 7pm on Thursday 22nd June in the Shelford Hall, information regarding tickets will be coming out shortly.
Chinese Instrument Program
Thank you for those students who attended our information session on the Chinese Instrument Program earlier this term. We are very lucky to have Mr Dong Ma running this program. He is a highly experienced teacher and performer, running similar programs at Penleigh Essendon Grammar and Ruyton Girls School, as well as at the University of Melbourne. The enrolment form for lessons will be coming out this week. The Chinese Instrument Orchestra will be starting in the coming few weeks. If you have any questions regarding this please email me at fblakiston@shelford.vic.edu.au
Important dates
Autumn Concert
Tuesday 23rd May 7pm Shelford Hall
All of Shelford’s Senior School ensembles, as well as Corelli Strings and Junior Chamber Strings, will be performing.
VCE Drama Performance
Friday 26th May 7pm Shelford Hall
Year 9 Drama/Music Performance
Tuesday 6th June 7pm Shelford Hall
Junior School Performing Arts Showcase
Tuesday 13th June 7pm Shelford Hall
This is a showcase of music, drama and dance across the Junior School. All students will be required for the evening.
House Performing Arts
Thursday 22nd June 7pm Shelford Hall
Possibly the biggest night in the Shelford calendar. Blundell, Lloyd, Thomas and Langley battle it out in the Shelford Hall for the title of HPA 2023 winners. More information will be coming out regarding tickets soon. All Senior School students will be required.
Frank Blakiston
Head of Performing Arts