Music Department 

The Musicals!

This term started with our very successful College Musicals, held for the first time in the College’s history at the Wagga Civic Theatre. For the first week of term, all of our Junior School students, and over 100 of our Secondary School students shared their talent, time, energy and love of the arts with our community. Our Junior School presented Seussical Jnr! at 5.00 each evening, guided by Director Miss MacDiarmid with assistance from our generous and ccommiteed Junior School team. Then our Secondary School took to the stage to present Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at 8.00pm each evening. Our Charlie actors were lucky to have the experience of working with professional actor and TRAC parent, Wayne Pigram, who mentored and guided our students to high levels of performance and professionalism. We thank Mr Pigram for his expertise, and feel so fortunate to be able to engage with a member of our parent community in this forum. Our vocal teacher, Meredith Adams, also provided vocal coaching for our Charlie singers. We thank Meredith for her contribution to our show. 

When we sat down to map our goals for the College Musical this year, we endeavoured to create something of excellent standard, with valuable educational outcomes for our students, in a positive learning space, which was fun and challenging. I think we achieved these goals. 

Looking to the future, we will separate our Musicals and produce them in alternate years. Anticipate the next Junior School Musical in 2023, and the next Secondary School Musical in 2024. But don’t worry, we have plenty of plans for everyone in 2023, with an opportunity for Years 7 - 9 to have their own variety showcase, and Years 10 - 12 to present a drama production.

A list of our Musical participants and some photos of our shows are below.

Moving On

With the musicals behind us, its been wonderful to have more time to focus on the day to day activities of our Performing Arts department. 

Ensembles Program

Our Ensembles Program is in almost full swing again. Middle School Band runs each Tuesday from 8.00am - 8.50am. This is a beginner to intermediate band for students in years 5 - 8. String Sinfonia happens every Thursday from 3.10 - 4.30pm. String Sinfonia runs in two groups: our Junior group features players from Kindergarten to Year 5 and our Senior group features musicians from Year 5 - Year 11. Our Stage Band is back up and running with a whole host of new members and rehearses each Friday afternoon.

Studio Lessons and Concerts

Our private studio lessons are running each week, with studio concerts planned for week 2 and 3 next term. Enrolments are open for next term with the following teachers:

• Tim Chandler - Trumpet/Trombone/Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Percussion/Drums
• Jackie Willcockson - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute
• Jenny Binovic - Saxophone/Clarinet
• Peter Lothian - Trumpet/Trombone
• Andrew Callaghan - Cello
• We have waiting lists for the following teachers:
• Daniel Murray - piano
• Michael Green - guitar
• Meredith Adams - voice

Special Programs

We are currently accepting enrolments for Keyboard Ninjas, our group beginner keyboard classes for Junior School students. Keyboar Ninjas runs each Wednesay from 8.00am - 8.50am.

We are also accepting enrolments for our Rock Band Program. Students can enrol in a group or as individuals to participate in rock band tuition with Mr Michael Green. Tutorials run through lunch or in class time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Encore 2023

Applications will soon open for Encore 2023 for Years 7 and 8. This Gifted and Talented Program provides outstanding opportunities for our Stage 4 musicians to learn and achieve in a class dedicated to musical excellence. Information about Encore 2023 will be sent to families in coming weeks.

IPSHA 2022

Miss MacDiarmid and I were lucky enough to accompany a selection of students in years 5 and 6 who performed at the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival at Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday September 6. Some of our students participated in the Combined Schools Orchestra, playing Barber of Seville by Rossini. Some of our students performed in the Combined Schools Choir, singing two songs: "Oye La Musica" and "Brave the Elements". Three of our students represented the College in our school item, performing "One Voice" to rapturous applause. Participating students are listed below.

Eisteddfod and Exam Success

Many of our students have participated with great success in the City of Wagga Eisteddfod or completed AMEB exams in recent weeks. We are so proud of our students pursuing excellence in their field and sharing their talent with the community. Here are some results from some of our students:

• Ella Menzies - Voice - City of Wagga Eisteddfod 
  • Highly Commended in 16 years and under - Song From Musical Theatre
  • 2nd Place in 16 years and under - Contemporary Popular Song
  • 2nd Place for 18 years and under - Contemporary Popular Song
  • 1st Place for 21 years and under - Contemporary Popular Song
• Karina Zhang - Speech and Drama Exam
  • Certificate of Performance Exam - A+ (Distinction)
• Karina Zhang - Piano - City of Wagga Eisteddfod
  • 1st place in Grade 7 Piano
• Banruo Zhu - Piano - City of Wagga Eisteddfod
  • 1st place in Beethoven open
  • 1st place in 13yrs Alison Music Encouragement Award
  • 1st place in 13yrs only
  • 1st place in 16yrs and under
  • Highly Commended in 16yrs and under Chopin
• Banruo Zhu - Piano - AMEB Exam
  • Grade 8  - A (Honours)
• Hannah Rumbachs - Voice - City of Wagga Eisteddfod
  • 1st place in 18yrs and under Classical Championship
  • 1st place in 18yrs and under Contemporary Vocal Championship
  • 1st place in 21yrs and under Song from Musical Theatre
  • 1st place in 18yrs and under Work of an Australian Composer
  • 1st place in 18yrs and under Sacred or Gospel Solo
• Chenxi Zhu - Piano - City of Wagga Eisteddfod
  • 2nd place in 10 years and under
  • 2nd place in Work of an Australian Composer
  • Highly Commended in 10 years only, Own Choice
• Cecil Wahba - Voice - City of Wagga Eistedddfod
  • 2nd place in 16 years and under - Contemporary Popular Song 
  • 1st place in 16 and under - Song from Musical Theatre (Not Disney)
  • 1st place in 16 years and under - Contemporary Vocal Championship 

Enrolment for lessons, ensembles or any of our music programs:

Enrol in any of our ensembles, programs or in individual music lessons using this online form.

List of IPSHA Perfomers:

Combined Choir

Alexa Alchin, Aleah Almator, Nancy Awad, Harriet Brabin, Macie Butt, Primrose Durning, Ella Freund, Ryan Gao, Hala Ghazy, Annabel Lotz, Mila Martin, Olivia McLennan, Katelyn Miller, Karma Mira, Armani Niki, Nilara Nirupan, Talitha Nixon, Urbi Otumbo, Eva Petts, Amelia Shafig, Emily Taylor, Skye Thomas.

Combined Orchestra

Annabel Lotz, Katelyn Miller, Karma Mira, Nilara Nirupan, Emily Taylor, Hamish Harding

School Item

Alexa Alchin, Amelia Shafig, Emily Taylor.

Junior School Musical Leads:

The Cats: Annabel Lotz, Skye Thomas

Jojo: Karma Mira

Gertrude: Emily Taylor

Mayzie La Bird: Isla Jay

Mr Mayor: Lilliana Evans

Mrs Mayor: Olive Billington

Sour Kangaroo: Hala Ghazy

Young Kangaroo: Nancy Awad

Thing 1/Thing 2: Lucy Arentz, Primrose Durning

Horton the Elephant: Zachary Chiang

Bird Girls: Vanessa Leah, Ella Freund, Amelia Shafig, Ruby Cooper, Alexa Alchin, Zara Reynolds

Wickersham Brothers: Jedd Rose, Lachie Johnson, Jessie Johnson, Spencer Hopper, Edward Lotz

The Grinch: Eva Petts

Judge Yertle the Turtle: Amelie Mota

Senior School Musical Team:

Charlie Matilda Perkins

Wonka Hannah Rumbachs

Mrs Bucket/Backing Singer Ella Menzies

Grandpa Joe Rhys Manley

Grandpa George Eli Howarth

Grandma Georgina Holly Roach

Grandma Josephine Molly Pillow

Augustus Finbar Kennedy

Mrs Gloop Rose Wickson

Veruca Diya Bhengra

Mr Salt Nicholas Smith

Violet Aisha Farah

Mr Beauregarde Dimetrie Liakatos

Mrs Teevee Caitlin Cumberlege

Mike Connor Granger

Jerry Lucy Russell

Cherry Ava Golden

CandyMan Cleo Campbell

Mrs Green Sophie Morgan

Backing singers Simran Banga, Cecil Wahba

Lead Oompa Loompa/Street person/ Actor Ensemble

Harry Pratt, Amaya Doherty, Joe Driscoll, Nikita Bhengra, Clover Jones, Parla Jafari, Amelia Domeny, Hannah Rachel Tom

Dancers

Amelia Stanton, Amity McLennan, Anneliese Klimpsch, Dimetrie Liakatos, Harlem Rose, Heidi Gaynor, Henrietta Hand, Holly Roach, Kate Miller, Maisie Rumbachs, Nikita Bhengra, Poppy Corbett, Quinneeszza Sankar , Ruby Bolton, Sarita Roy, Sofia Chacon, Holly Roach, Rose Wickson, Zoe Scott

Band

• Heidi Sarantakos Flute
• Nate Sarantakos Clarinet
• Josh Sarantakos Clarinet
• Michael Bacon Alto Saxophone
• Angus Smith Baritone Saxophone
• Tyler Forrell Tenor Saxophone
• Kat Scott Trumpet
• Jack Julian Trumpet
• Zach Stallsmith Trombone
• Sid Vandermark Trombone
• Banruo Zhu Keyboard 1
• Bethany Bacon Keyboard 2
• Patrick Dunn Keyboard 3
• Frank Zhou Keyboard 4
• Trang Nguyen Guitar
• Isaac Collingridge Bass guitar
• Juliette Kozlik Percussion

Production Team:

Nel Addison, Ella Bailes, Harriet  Barton, Georgia Bertoldi, Naomi Casilen, Zachary Charlton, Jordanna Coleman, Sarah Collins, Hugh Ditchfield, AnnaSimone Ghabrial, Shreeka Goudicharli, Katherine Hoey, Lindsay Hutcheon, Millicent Jaeger, Emilia Kelly, Kitale Kuron, Kipruto Langat, Josephine Leah, Hannah Liakatos, Ostara Loesch, Chloe Lotz, Richard Lotz, Bryce Marshall, Hazel McDonald, Zoë Muller, Sue Nguyen, Aurelia Paton, Caitlyn Payne, Rachel Ranby , Vinudi Rathnayaka, Hansa Rathnayake, Laura Ray, Quinntesaa Sankar , Kristy Sauw, Oliver Smith, Casey Smith, Jack Stanton, Kasia Szyndler, Pepper Wilks, Sydney Wilks, Olivia Wright, Karina Zhang, Banruo Zhu.