As we head towards the end of Term 1, I can only wonder where the time went and how we managed to fit so much into it within Performing Arts.
There have been performances provided by various groups for the IB Awards at Deakin Edge, Commencement at St Paul’s Cathedral, five formal assemblies, three Open Mornings, Harmony Week, the Senior Ensembles Concert and the opening of the Senior School Musical. The ability for our Performing Arts students to always step up and be ready for these events is impressive and their commitment to always performing at their best is appreciated.
There is no question that the DYPAC, Eric Stevens House and Donvale campus music rooms are a constant hive of activity. With over 700 instrumental lessons taught weekly, an instrumental staff of 45 and 37 weekly ensemble rehearsals, there is always something happening. Factor in also the weekly Senior School Musical rehearsals running concurrently, it is rare that silence ever descends over the space. But for that I am so grateful. In my home, my love for Billy Joel on shuffle is only barely tolerated by my family, but the great piano man himself summed it up pretty well when he said, ‘I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.’ We are often witness to that healing when, after a long day at school where there might have been tests, friendship challenges or other stressors, the students walk into rehearsals and are immediately energised and ready to give fully of themselves through the sharing of music.
Our senior musicians excel
The Senior Ensembles Concert was an opportunity to demonstrate the work that has been achieved in just six short weeks of rehearsals. The feedback from the audience was positive, expressing how impressed they were by the standard already being reached by the groups.
It was exciting to be able to present one of the orchestra pieces with harp! This would usually be covered on a keyboard, but Year 12 student Angela revealed that she plays the harp, so once we knew that, there was no going back.
Our Year 12 soloist, Kira, presented beautifully on French Horn. Very much a devotee of music at Carey, having started learning piano, cello and horn in Junior School, Kira’s performance spoke to her musicality and impressive technique; a true role model for our younger performers.
‘This is Urinetown!’
There was much excitement in the air for the opening of the Senior School Musical, Urinetown, on Friday. It has been a pleasure to work on this show with the Senior School Musical team, Tim Schwerdt, Alicia Bendall and Lisa Cunningham. The collaborative approach makes the process quite smooth and how blessed we are to be able to work with such committed students. The cast have given so much of their time in Term 1, and manage to balance this alongside their other commitments with grace. The musicians in the band have been mountains of fun to work with. A big thank you to Acting Percussion Co-ordinator, Hamish Upton, for his work on drum kit – and the timpani, mark tree, ratchet, triangle and all the other bits and pieces!
Tim’s vision for this musical has been fully realised with engaging costumes, sets and lighting design. If you have not seen it, you should! Get your tickets here.
Looking ahead
Term 2 will be upon us soon enough and with that comes Generations in Jazz, Autumn Music Camp and the Middle School Musical, just to name a few things! Again, I feel confident that it will all be managed with energy and enthusiasm. The outcomes will no doubt positively reflect the great work our students achieve in Performing Arts at Carey.
Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts
