Arts

Performing Arts

Mamma Mia and more!

The curtain is raised, and the spotlight is well and truly illuminating the Drama Department in Term 1 (or what we like to call, Act 1).

Mamma Mia rehearsals started the first week back on a steamy summer Sunday. Despite the scorcher, the cast began unpacking the challenging harmonies of ABBA. Music Director, Mr Robert Latham had the ensemble singing in four parts, grooving along in their seats as they discovered the world of disco. As Mamma Mia is set on a Greek Island, the heat of the day seemed appropriate as we danced up a storm with head choreographer, Miss Mia Ingram. Hips were swaying, hands were clapping, and feet were tapping to the infectious vibes of ‘Voulez Vouz.’

It is a delight to watch cast members across four campuses and four year-levels collaborating with such joy and generosity of spirit. Be sure to put the performance dates in your diary because tickets will sell fast. 30 April, 1, 2, and 3 May (matinee and evening performances).

While you have your calendars at hand, alumni of Haileybury VCE Drama and productions have their original musical, Fresno coming to Chapel Off Chapel this month.

Fresno is an exciting, fresh Australian work written by Josh Connell, Jeremy Harland (OHA 2019) and James Greaves (OHA 2018) Best described as a “Cheers musical written in the style of Come From Away.” For tickets and more information visit Fresno | Chapel Off Chapel.

We have more shows featuring OHA members and many more events celebrating current Haileyburians coming to a stage near you. We can’t wait for the year ahead.

Nicole Smith
Head of Drama, Theatre Studies and Productions

Music

Happy New Year to all. It certainly has been an enthusiastic start to the year within the music department. I know our music community is looking forward to a full year of concerts, workshops, rehearsals and instrumental lessons. It is going to be a fabulous year.

Haileybury can now boast that over 1,200 students are set to receive a weekly music lesson in 2025. Outstanding!

Concert Calendar Begins on March 20

While each Haileybury campus has its own calendar of concerts that I would encourage parents to investigate, I would like to draw attention to the Senior School Twilight Concert that is set to take place on Thursday, 20 March. A relaxed outdoor event, Twilight Concert takes place in the Senior School quadrangle in front of Wings Café at Senior School Keysborough. The concert will begin at approximately 6.00 pm and will end around 7.30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided (wine, cheese, sandwiches). The concert will feature Senior School ensembles performing a pop-inspired repertoire. All parents and students are welcome.

Top Class award

I am extremely proud to announce that four Haileybury VET Music students have been invited to perform as part of the prestigious VCAA (Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority) Top Class concert series to be held later this year.

The VCAA Top Class concert series, which is held at the Melbourne Recital Centre, showcases the statewide ‘best of the best’ from 2024 as selected by the VCAA examination panel.

Congratulations to Tyler Goodbody, Kai Louis, Abigail King, Cooper Newman. Special mention must go to Mr Anthony Spicer for his work with the ensemble across the 2024 year.

Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music

Visual Arts

Encore of Excellence evening

The recent celebration evening of the visual and performing arts was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students. It was a joy and privilege to see our accomplished students, Aylin (Art Making and Exhibiting), Clio Filis (Visual Communication Design) and Jackson Thorn (Media), presenting their work to a captivated audience.

The night was a testament to the hard work and creativity of our students, who have flourished under the guidance of their dedicated teachers, and a wonderful opportunity to discuss the strength of the arts program at Haileybury, which includes VCE Art Making and Exhibiting, Media, and Visual Communication Design. The opening of the new Visual Arts building, including classrooms at the heart of the Keysborough Senior School with inspiring views over the quad, and a purpose-built student gallery, was also celebrated, marking a new era for arts education at Haileybury.

Reflecting on the recent speech by esteemed guest and academy award winning animator, writer and director Adam Elliot when he was awarded the 2024 OHA medal, the evening underscored the essential role of the arts in education, wellbeing and life. Elliot’s call to students to embrace their creative sides resonated throughout the event, setting the tone for the presentations that followed.

The students’ work, which was displayed in the Aikman Hall foyer and presented throughout the evening, demonstrated not only their artistic abilities but also their dedication, discipline and resilience. In an age where technology often demands immediate results, these young artists have shown an enviable inner drive, working tirelessly to master their crafts. Their ability to collaborate maturely with teachers and respond constructively to feedback further highlighted their growth and development.

A particularly impressive aspect of the students’ journey is their ability to undertake a folio project, akin to a thesis, allowing them to delve deep into a topic over the best part of a year. This process not only enhances their understanding and artistry but also enables them to communicate complex ideas and emotions, making the unseen visible and the overlooked appreciated.

The event was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the arts, not just for those who create but for those who witness and engage with these disciplines. Haileybury’s commitment to nurturing creativity and artistic excellence was evident, making the evening a memorable celebration of the potential and promise of our students.

We extend our congratulations to all participating students and heartfelt thanks to the teachers and families who support them. This evening of inspiration and creativity truly celebrated the vibrant arts community at Haileybury Senior School.

Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School

Pipes & Drums

The Pipes & Drums have wasted no time with preparations already underway for the 2025 competition season. Our annual Band Camp at the end of January was a huge success, utilising the amazing new music department facilities at the Keysborough Campus.

All three of our competition bands made incredible progress throughout the camp, which was topped off with a performance for our youngest Haileyburians (ELC students) on our final day of rehearsals.

The 2025 Pipes & Drums leaders did a wonderful job in their newly appointed roles, showing great leadership and preparing their teams for what will be an exciting and challenging competition season ahead.

The Pipes & Drums will also be performing at the Patterson River Coast Guard Fun Run on 16February. This event is open to all, so we would love to see you there.