Performing Arts
College Middle School Play
Congratulations to the students who have successfully auditioned for this year’s Middle School production, 'The Witches' based on the book by Roald Dahl. A cast of 28 students has been assembled by Ms Jacqueline Flood (Director), led by Sam W (as The Boy), Sofia C (Grandmother), Simona M (Grand High Witch) and Robert W (Bruno Jenkins). The play opens on Thursday 9 May.
VCE Theatre Studies Play
The Year 12 class have selected Nick Dear’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' as the production for their major assessment task. In this production, the story is told from the point of view of The Creature that Victor Frankenstein has created. Like the original story, it will be a gruesome tale that will not be suited to all but will present some valuable theatrical challenges to the class. The play, Directed by Ms Jacquelyne Armstrong, opens on Thursday 23 May.
College Musical
Yesterday, we held the first reading of this year’s College Musical, 'Monty Python’s Spamalot'. It was followed by a BBQ for cast, band and their parents provided by the Parents and Friends Association. Although a lot of the musical is based on the 1975 movie, Monty Python and The Holy Grail, it also contains other well-known Python sayings, songs and skits and the cast is already getting into the swing of it.
More than 40 students will be involved in bringing this irreverent and hilarious tale to the stage. Leading them will be Performing Arts Captain, Jack L as King Arthur. His trusty side-kick, Patsy will be played by Lewis M. The remaining Knights of the Round Table will be played by Max H (Sir Robin), Graham V (Sir Lancelot), Nicholas C (Sir Galahad) and Performing Arts Captain Cameron M (Sir Bedevere). College Captain and Performing Arts stalwart, Holly B will play the coveted role of The Lady of The Lake.
I will be Directing our production this year, supported by Musical Director, Ms Robyn Cole, Mr Nicholas Frampton as Assistant Musical Director and Mr Jevon Scandrett as Assistant Director. Five performances commence on Friday 26 July.
Hume Orchestra
I have recently been contacted by Helen Hatzikalis. Together with a few intrepid musicians, Helen is leading the charge to start the Hume Orchestra to provide opportunities for local musicians. The conductor, David Osborne, is a wonderful violinist and composer who has recently returned from Berlin. Any senior students, past students or parents with musical ability who are interested are welcome to get in touch through email humeorchestra@gmail.com or come and see me for an Expression of Interest form. Enthusiasm is the key in getting this great new initiative off the ground.
Myth Busted: Leaving Class for Music Lessons is not Detrimental to Students Learning
Have you ever wanted to enrol your child in music lessons, but worried about them missing out on class time? A recent study out of the United States of almost 7,000 students in the three grades tested by the state (5, 8, 11) returned significantly higher scores for students involved in music compared with students not involved in music. It would seem music students did not have a disadvantage on the state test, despite the time they spent on musical activities. So, what are you waiting for? Enrol your child in music lessons today! Details and enrolment forms are available at: https://myaitken.fireflycloud.net.au/music-lessons/enrolment-information. Please get in touch with Mrs Stephanie Abela via email if you have further questions.
Mr Michael Cooper
Director of Performing Arts