Performing Arts
Communicating with the Specialist Team
We look forward to partnering with you in 2020, and welcome your input:
Penelope Lang (Performing Arts) lang.penelope.l@edumail.vic.gov.au
In the next edition of our newsletter, we will provide you with an overview of the curriculum focus for each level across our school.
Victorian State Schools Spectacular
We are very excited to share with you that our school has again been selected for 2020! This is a wonderful opportunity for our students, as only one-in-five schools who apply are selected each year.
Please see the below, which is an extract of a communication sent home with all Year Four-Six students on Wednesday 5th February.
Upwey South Primary School has been chosen (again) to participate in the 2020 State School’s Spectacular (SSS). Even more exciting is that this year we have the unique opportunity to perform in BOTH the Mass Dance ensemble AND the Mass Choir! Unfortunately, due to the high demand for places in the SSS the organisers have placed a limit on numbers. We are, therefore, only able to take 16 dancers and 20 choir members from our school. Unfortunately, students cannot apply for both.
If your child is interested in auditioning for a place, in either Mass Choir or Mass Dance, they must be able to meet the rehearsal/performance dates listed below. Please also note that there is a cost of XXX per student to participate. The cost is only chargeable if your child is selected to participate, with payment details being provided to selected students at a later date together with a media release form.
Dancers - You must be available on the following days: Thursday 27th February 2020 (rehearsal at Upwey South PS) Thursday 23rd April 2020 (rehearsal at Upwey South PS) Thursday 28th May 2020 (rehearsal at Upwey South PS) Monday 27th July 2020 (rehearsal at Vermont South PS- travel by bus) Choir - You must be available on the following days: Wednesday 22nd July 2020 (rehearsal at Melbourne Town Hall- travel by train) Wednesday 19th August 2020 (rehearsal at Melbourne Town Hall- travel by train) Rehearsals and Performance (for both dance and choir) Thursday 10th and Friday 11th September (Dress Rehearsal at Melbourne Arena- travel by bus) Saturday 12th September – Performance (at Melbourne Arena 1pm & 6.30pm- self-transport) |
If your child is interested in participating in this amazing spectacular, I strongly encourage them (and you) to speak with someone who has been in a previous SSS, so that you may gain a good understanding of the commitment required. Most of the rehearsals occur during school hours (often full days) but some of the city rehearsals go until 6.00pm, and we usually don’t get back to Upwey until after 7.00pm. Please consider this if you have after school commitments. Similarly, the performance day/night is a very long 12 hour day involving lots of commitment from students and families; as well as lots of fun!
I will be conducting a brief audition process on Tuesday 11th February (choir) and Thursday 13th February 2020 (dance). The selection process is always challenging for both staff and students, and we work very hard to make sure that it is an equitable process.
If you would like your child to have the opportunity to audition, please complete the attached forms. The attached forms (audition form and measurements) must be completed and handed into the office BEFORE 4:00pm Monday 10th February 2020. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications after this date.
Students will be notified on Friday 14th February 2020 of selection outcomes.
Please note that if your child is selected, there are no refunds available should your child be unable to participate.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Penelope Lang
Performing Arts Teacher