PERFORMING ARTS

ST ANDREWS MUSIC RETURNS

We have LOVED making the most of our learning in person! Ensembles are back, we are playing instruments, and enjoying singing as whole groups! What a blessing to be able to make music together. If you would still like to sign up for an ensemble, it’s not too late!

Enjoy these happy snaps of our music making! 

Junior String Orchestra – Playing a fun piece called ‘Cupcakes’!

Practising Percussion, Featuring 3E.

2021 ENSEMBLES TIMETABLE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The Performing Arts department would like to showcase some past students who have been involved in drama/music at the College, and what they’re up to now. The first to be interviewed is Amber Swank, St Andrews 2020 Music Captain.

Name: Amber Swank 

Graduating Year: 2020

Which subjects did you undertake in VCE?

English, Theatre Studies, Music Performance, Further Maths, Legal Studies and Health and Human Development. Music and Theatre Studies contributed a lot to my VCE. Over the two years of the Music Performance subject, which I undertook as a vocalist, I developed massively as a performer and reflecting on it has enabled me to realise that growth. Theatre Studies similarly stretched me to become a better theatre practitioner and at the end of VCE was actually my best subject. It was also through this that I discovered my passion for the design aspects of live performance, which led directly into my choice of uni course. 

What are you up to this year?

This year I am super excited to be starting a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) at the Victorian College of the Arts, a part of the University of Melbourne.

What part did Performing Arts play in your school life?

I was heavily involved with the Performing Arts department, from participating in school musicals and plays throughout Prep to Year 12, to five years spent in the vocal ensemble program and various events in between. Through so many performance opportunities over the years I was really challenged by the Performing Arts staff and those around me to step outside of my comfort zone and take risks. 

How did you see God at work in the performing arts at SACC?

One of the biggest ways I saw God at work at SACC was through the Performing Arts. The intensity of the Performing Arts really draws people together and creates such a unique bond while you’re all hard at work. A particular experience that comes to mind is my involvement with the 2018 production of Hot Mikado. Through our months of working together, the whole cast and crew became a tight knit family that to me in many ways expressed the beauty of Christian fellowship. Praying backstage with my fellow cast members before our entrance that God would use the gifts and talents he gave us to glorify Him is such a vivid memory for me.

What advice do you have to students or parents who are considering making performing arts a part of your school life?

To any students or parents considering performing arts at school: give it a go! No matter your experience or confidence levels, it is such a rewarding experience and will give you some of the best memories of your school life. Whether you’re thinking to do a curricular performing arts subject or just participate in extra-curricular activities, I would encourage you to ask lots of questions and get involved.  If the performing arts really isn’t your thing, no worries! Everyone who is involved, staff and students alike, can always do with your enthusiastic support from the sidelines, whatever form it takes.