Muse News

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

This year’s production is progressing well with regular rehearsals in both the east hall and the music centre. The plot, while well known (no ‘spoiler warning’ needed I dare say), is well written and compelling with good dramatic moments, some comedy and tension.

The troop are currently learning their lines and working out things like mannerisms and accents. The work is set in 1888 so much of the dialogue is appropriately dated and, as a result, many of the words have both meanings and pronunciation that present their own challenges.

This will be a fantastic show and everyone should consider coming along and experiencing the best of live theatre and students extending themselves through a wonderful dramatic performance.

The Dungeon Series

The monthly recitals are quickly becoming a regular event and seem to be enjoyed by both the performers and the ‘growing’ audience.

The value of having a friendly, small audience to both gain performance experience and demonstrate what’s being developed for future presentations cannot be overstated. But more than this, the evenings serve as a wonderful goal for many students who often consider themselves ‘not ready’. Often the performances have rough edges, small tuning problems and some timing issues but we haven’t had any boo’s or heckling and none of the performers have stormed off in either rage or tears.

I’m very proud of the performers, their enthusiasm and willingness to make travel arrangements after school. I’m also very thankful for people like Roger, Mr. Cheng and Mrs. Bell for the continued support and involvement.

The next ‘Dungeon Concert’ is set for Thursday the 29th of August at 7.00pm… entry is free and all are welcome. Arrive early if you hope for a good seat. Byo cushion.

New Saxophone Ensemble

We have a new saxophone ensemble, no name for them as yet but for their age they are performing challenging and fun pieces. Jack Freeman, Indianna Freeman, Tyson Witcomb, Tori Cheeseman (perhaps) and myself on Baritone Sax are playing songs like ‘Unsquare dance’, ‘Baker Street’ and more. Look for them in a dungeon concert soon.

Baimbridge Brass

The Brass quintet is no longer just a quintet, so we’ve found a new name… ‘Baimbridge Brass’. We have three trumpeters, two trombonists a French hornist and a new tuba player we have a bigger sound more variety, and it seems I’m out of a job, at least as a performer… While I miss playing tuba for them, Isobel McCrae is doing a wonderful job as a new addition to the ensemble. I’ll have to be content to arrange for them and conduct them when they need. Their performance at the last whole school assembly was very impressive, thanks for the beats Roger!

Concert Band

The concert band has had a bit of a break with Mr. Cheng’s long service leave. I hope to bring it back soon with a slightly different philosophy. I hope to introduce new pieces for them through their small ensemble and then combine them once the music is known. I’m arranging a piece at the moment that will fit this plan perfectly. The bands will include ‘Baimbridge Brass’, ‘The flute ensemble’, ‘The wind Quintet’, ‘the new saxophone group’ and, although they don’t know it yet… ‘the Rock Band’.

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