PERFORMING ARTS
The Performing Arts Department just seems to go from strength to strength each year. The boys have participated in a number of events throughout the year, both externally and within the college. The year began with the Music Camp at Ferngully Lodge in Healesville. Three days of intense rehearsals meant that the boys were ready to go for the year’s calendar of events. Mt Gambier May 2 – 4 was sensational, inspiring and well worth the 8 hour bus ride over and back. Each year the staff and students return excited about what they learnt, the friends they made and the amazing talented artists they got to work with and watch perform. “Hairspray” was next on the Calendar. What a brilliant event! So many colours, so much hair and such amazing talent both on stage and in the music pit. The entire show had the audience on the edge of their seats and leaving wanting more. The boys (and girls) should be very proud of what they achieved, as we had nothing but outstanding comments. Each year, our concert bands travel into the city to participate in the Victorian School Music Festival at Federation Square, and time and time again we see our bands do such an amazing job. The boys learn so much from the experience, but also from the dedication of
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rehearsals and seeing the end product/performance. This year, we had the pleasure of being part of the ACCent on Music – an ACC event with all the school combining together for one night at Hamer Hall. What an event this was! This was truly breathtaking, and the buzz from the students was so good to see. It gave them inspiration and dedication to become better performers, but the experience of playing in such an amazing hall with some extremely talented musicians was even more worthwhile. Cabaret this year had the theme of The Beatles as it was their 50th Anniversary. What a great night it was! The atmosphere of this night every year is so relaxing and it is such a fun social evening, thanks to the talented staff, students and family members who come out of the woodwork each year. Finally, there are the Autumn and Spring Concerts. Each semester, our Year 7 students spend a semester learning an instrument and playing as a band. The students have one lesson a week to learn how to play the instrument, and one lesson a week to rehearse as a band. It is such a learning curve for so many of the boys, and they should be very proud of what they achieve within that timeframe. For the first time ever at the Spring Concert, all Year 7 classes of D, E & F came together
and performed as one ensemble. The sound that they produced was brilliant, and the looks on their faces as they were performing were priceless. The parents were up off their seats with the phones out, taking videos of their sons playing. It made my heart melt. Each year I write an article for the year book, and it makes me think back to all that we have achieved in the past 12 months. I’m so proud of each student who is part of our Music Program and the Performing Arts Department. The dedication in turning up each week for lessons and rehearsals is fantastic. The friendships that are created through the love of music and drama are forever binding, and it’s great to see them. All of this could not be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the Performing Arts Department and the Instrumental Music Teachers. Such a remarkable job has been done by all… thank you! I’m looking forward to some pretty incredible adventures in 2015 and beyond, with our tours to Brisbane in August 2015 and LONDON and PARIS in 2016. Look out world, here comes the Salesian College Performing Arts Department. Mez Xuereb Head of Performing Arts & Instrumental Music Coordinator
“The friendships that are created through the love of music and drama is forever binding and it’s great to see it within our boys.” 2014 Salesian College Annual