Performing Arts
Haileybury City Senior School Play
Autumn in Melbourne is a fabulous time for the Performing Arts and Haileybury thrives with plays, performances, concerts and showings.
The City’s thought-provoking production The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime entertained audiences at Chapel Off Chapel last week. As director, Jane Marshall observed, “The very core of this play is about being different and finding your own place in the world.”
VCE Drama student Frankie led an outstanding ensemble of 24 actors as they explored the story of Christopher: an extraordinary thinker and young mathematician who sees the world a little differently.
The collective maturity and focus were clear from the outset as the cast was on stage the whole show. They imaginatively employed black boxes to create a range of different locations and concepts. Under Ms Marshall’s innovative direction, the group employed physical theatre to portray the bustling world of the London Tube or the surreal serenity of space. In one standout moment, Frankie was effortlessly flown through the air by the careful support of the ensemble, guiding her throughout the space. Kai’s live drawing framed the performance, echoing the key words and images that compete in Christopher’s mind.
Watching the care each member took during rehearsals and performances, The Curious Incident cast did not just perform the message of acceptance and connection — they epitomised it. On and off stage.
Nicole Smith
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Top Class awards continue
Following on from last fortnight’s announcement of Abigail King (OHA 2024), Tyler Goodbody (OHA 2024), Kai Louis (OHA 2024) and Cooper Newman (OHA 2024) being recognized in the upcoming VCAA Top Class concert series, I am thrilled to announce three more students/groups have been selected for this most prestigious acknowledgement.
Congratulations to Jason (2024, Yr 11) for his outstanding work in VCE Music: Composition. Working alongside his teacher Michael England, with guidance from music tutor Anthony Spicer, Jason’s work was identified as being amongst the very best produced in the state.
Congratulations also to Santrix Redston (OHA 2024) for their outstanding work in the highly competitive classical voice, Music: Repertoire space. To be selected to perform at Top Class for classical voice is a most impressive acknowledgment for Santrix, their piano accompanist Hoang Pham, and the various voice tutors who have contributed to Santrix’s development.
Finally, congratulations to Harley (Year 11 2024), Jack Harrop (OHA 2024) and Louis (Year 11 2024) for their invitation to perform in recognition of their outstanding ensemble presentation in VCE Music: Contemporary. With recognition of this ensemble, Haileybury can boost a student or ensemble being selected for Top Class from each of the four key practical studies offered by the VCAA. A truly remarkable achievement, congratulations to all involved.
The VCAA Top Class concert series will be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre towards the end of this month.
Twilight Concert set to entertain families on March 20
The Music Department’s first major concert of the year, Twilight Concert, is set to take place on the afternoon of 20 March in the Senior School Quadrangle at Keysborough.
Twilight Concert purposefully showcases an accessible program of pop/film inspired repertoire. With everything from The Man from Snowy River through ‘The Mandalorian’ theme from Star Wars, and a medley of the Bond theme, ‘Miserlou’ and Game Of Thrones, there is something for everyone.
I hope families, including those with no direct connection to the Music Department, will take the opportunity to attend a relaxed outdoor concert of outstanding Senior School music.
The concert is free — no bookings are required. Wine, beer and snacks will be provided from 4.40 pm. The concert will run from 5.00pm to 6.30 pm.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
Visual Arts
Official Opening of the Visual Arts Building at Keysborough
The Founders Day Cocktail Party evening marked a significant milestone with the official opening of the new Visual Arts building at Keysborough. It was an inspiring night when Vice Principal Mr Scott Doran and Chairman Gregory Whitwell and I discussed the importance of creative education in fostering holistic development, lifelong wellbeing and cultural awareness. The event showcased the power of art in shaping empathetic global citizens. Highlights included an exquisite edible garden dessert table and a captivating interactive workshop led by First Nations artist in residence, Bronwyn David. Attendees engaged in crafting custom leather pieces, adorned with symbolic designs echoing Haileybury’s Reconciliation Action Plan, that were collectively woven together to create a tapestry of Haileybury’s past, present and future.
International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women in the Arts
International Women’s Day ignited meaningful discussions throughout the school, providing a platform to honour pioneering women in the Arts. The Thursday quad party was a vibrant celebration, featuring a unique science-art collaborative workshop in the gallery. Senior students were mesmerized as they witnessed peers using air-dry clay to create intricate models of the brain, symbolizing the fusion of art and science. This initiative coincided with Brain Awareness Week with the Arts inspiring students to explore the limitless possibilities of creativity and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Events on the Horizon
We are thrilled to announce the creative components of the upcoming Term 1 events, House Arts and Languages Week. For those studying French, Year 9 students will immerse themselves in an Impressionism workshop. This exciting opportunity will allow them to explore the innovative techniques and paradigm-shifting artistry of the Impressionist era. Additionally, keep an eye out for the forthcoming LEAP and STEM weeks, both promising a plethora of creative opportunities for students to engage in. These events are set to inspire and nurture creativity across the school community, ever reminding us that art echoes its context.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
Pipes & Drums
This month the Pipes & Drums C Band were invited to perform at the annual Patterson River Coast Guard Fun Run, an event that was the first public performance for several of our junior musicians. Our performances kept the runners and spectators entertained throughout the race. We can’t wait to be involved again next year.
The Pipes & Drums kicked off the Founders Day Cocktail Party in style wearing our full Scottish traditional uniform. Thank you to the friends of P&D for their assistance in getting the students dressed for the performance.
Ballarat Twilight Competition. The Ballarat competition saw our three competition bands back in action and welcomed several students competing for the very first time. This is a huge milestone for these students in their Pipes & Drums journey and we could not be prouder of their performances. It was also lovely to have our Patron, Mrs Jane Gibbs in attendance supporting the bands as well as previous Patrons, Dr Ross Sundberg and Mrs Pam Chamberlain.
Congratulations to our A Band on four very consistent and enjoyable performances, achieving 2nd place in Novice A, including a 1st in the Medley ensemble.
Congratulations to our B Band for their 3rd place in the Novice B medley competition.
On Sunday, 30 March, Haileybury is hosting its very own Pipe Band Competition at the Keysborough Campus. It is a free event and we would love to see you there supporting the Haileybury Pipes & Drums.
Daniel Staley
Director of Pipes & Drums
