Due to the pandemic, the Performing Arts at Carey lay fairly dormant last year. That is not to say nothing happened: there was a huge amount of very valuable online learning, we developed virtual choirs, bands and orchestras, online recitals and even managed a few live performances at the very end of the year. However, the core business of the Performing Arts – sharing music- and theatre-making with a group all in one room and presenting it to a live audience – was not possible.
We see the new year as a challenge to rebuild and try to recapture the momentum which has propelled our very lively Performing Arts program in recent years. Our extensive program of ensembles, encompassing bands, orchestras, jazz and guitar is already up and running.
In addition, Orpheus Choir is open to all Middle School students without audition and rehearses every Thursday at 7.30am in the IWA. Singing with others is a wonderful way to start the day. Chamber Choir auditions were held on Thursday and this group will now rehearse on Fridays at lunchtime.
Of course, we are very aware that we need to follow the very best health advice at all times. All of our larger groups are using the largest available spaces with the maximum possible spacing. We are also very aware that these are fragile times and – as was evident in Western Australia this week – our current freedom could quickly be curtailed. We remain optimists however!
One of the issues we constantly need to work on is balance in our ensembles. There are always opportunities for students in the vital but less popular instruments such as double bass, French horn and oboe. Currently we are also looking for a mandocello player, and we are offering the incentive of both free instrument hire and lessons for one lucky player – further details can be found here.
In addition to the musical ensembles, we are planning to offer some wonderful theatrical performance opportunities this year. We are delighted to be staging our first Australian musical – Strictly Ballroom – in June. Auditions are coming up very soon, and any student interested in being in the cast, band or crew needs to collect the information pack ASAP.
We are also planning to present a Middle School play in October (Auditions in the first weeks of Term 3) and a music and drama country tour in early December.
Any family with any questions about any of our Performing Arts offerings is very welcome to contact us – we are always happy to discuss opportunities for involvement in the arts.
Martin Arnold
Head of Music
