Performing Arts
Big congratulations to the Puffs team at Middle School Newlands
A huge well done to the cast, crew and creative team of Middle School Newlands for their outstanding production of Puffs. The show was a resounding success, showcasing the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. The audience was treated to a delightful performance that offered a fresh, comedic take on the magical world we all know and love. The energy and enthusiasm on stage were palpable, making it a memorable experience for all who attended. Congratulations on a job well done!
Theatre Studies students explore Macbeth (An Undoing) at Malthouse
Our Theatre Studies class recently had the unique opportunity to witness the powerful reinterpretation of Macbeth (An Undoing) at Malthouse Theatre. This bold production, which delves into the complex dynamics between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, offers a fresh perspective on the classic play. To deepen their understanding, students also participated in an exclusive workshop led by Tim Paige, an experienced Shakespearean director, actor and presenter. The workshop provided invaluable insights into the art of Shakespearean performance, allowing students to explore the text in new and exciting ways. The students also attended a Q&A after the show.
Drama students collaborate on Mine — a new Australian play
Our drama and theatre students recently had the unique opportunity to engage with Mine, a new Australian play, through an exciting incursion. The play’s writers brought the production to us, allowing students to experience it in an intimate in-the-round setting. Following the performance, students participated in a workshop with the writers, where they had the chance to help workshop and refine some of the scenes. This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of the play’s themes but also offered them invaluable insights into the creative process behind developing a new work. The collaboration sparked meaningful discussions and allowed students to contribute their own perspectives to the evolving narrative.
Nick Waxman
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Concert delight!
In the last few weeks of Term 2 the Music Department was immersed in a variety of concerts and performances involving a significantly large number of students. As always, our music staff were ever present, moving equipment, guiding and inspiring.
The Junior School String program is the foundation block upon which the Haileybury Music Department is built, and it is always exciting and fulfilling to witness the musical development of so many of these student as they thrive and flourish through Junior and Middle Schools and into the Senior School. Each campus hosted its own Junior String Recital where our Year 2s, Super Strings and Scrolls provided the soundtrack to David Walliams’ picture book Grannysaurus. It was a remarkable feat to play from memory for 40 minutes. This was the first concert for our Year 2 students and they are already preparing for a combined concert in Aikman Hall in Term 4 featuring the entire Year 2 cohort — a spectacle not to be missed!
Large, appreciative audiences were entertained by our Middle School Concert series when a plethora of dynamic large ensembles performed. All campus concerts were delightfully different in structure and repertoire, yet all shared the same joie de vivre. We are so proud of the students for their enthusiasm and dedication and for the musical maturity and expression they bring to their ensembles.
Aria Night was the first major event for Term 3 when nine vocal soloists brought class and poise to their Arias and Art Songs in a celebration of one of the highest art forms. Glitter, grandeur and glamour interspersed with works by grand master composers such as Bernstein, Schubert, Mozart and Vaughan Williams produced items that were equally impressive and professional. Outstanding renditions from a staff vocal quartet and Haileybury Singers brought the evening to a triumphant close. The three prize winners — Lucy, Alexis, and Santrix — now have the opportunity to perform live on 3MBS Radio.
Amongst myriad of assembly performances, Chapel Concerts, Performance Seminars and soirées we have two more large upcoming music events in Term 3:
The Annual Concert on 28 August at 7.00 pm will be presented by our senior ensembles and as always you are guaranteed an evening of eclectic and musically diverse styles including works by Sondheim, Britten, Ray Charles, Villoldo and Rossini. This will also be an opportunity to celebrate our Year 12 students and thank them for their contribution to Haileybury music in what will be one of their final school performances.
Please also join us on 2 or 3 September at Count’s, Monash University for Jazz Night. Enjoy dinner or a drink and be immersed in the energetic vigour and colours of Stage Band and jazz combos from all four campuses.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at a music event very soon.
Wendy Dwyer and Myfanwy Bramble
Heads of Haileybury Music
Visual Arts
Unit 1&2 Visual Communication and Design Excursion
Our Haileybury Units 1 and 2 Visual Communication Design students attended a Top Designs excursion to gather inspiration for their own folios.
They participated in a product design workshop at Monash University (Caulfield) where they explored the design process to solve a problem and create a design solution. Using a range of materials, they built models and presented their ideas to the class for feedback. Students were given the opportunity to visit the Monash Art Design and Architecture (MADA) workshop and saw laser cutters and 3D printers in action as well as a range of models and prototypes.
It was a great day exploring the world of design and embracing creative thinking.
Ngaire Thomson
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
Pipes & Drums
C Grade Victorian Solo Piping Champion
Jessie (Year 11), the Pipe Sergeant of the A Band of Haileybury Pipes & Drums, delivered an outstanding performance at the Victorian Solo Piping Championships on Saturday, 27 July 2024. The event, held at the Presbyterian Ladies College campus, saw Jessie dominate the competition in C Grade with straight firsts across all three light music elements, triumphing against seven other competitors. Her exceptional skill earned her the title of Overall C Grade Victorian Champion, a prestigious honour accompanied by the Clan McLennan Perpetual Shield and a $250 prize donated by Clan McLennan. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Jessie was awarded a set of MacCallum bagpipes — what a way to wrap up the solo piping season!
Dylan (Year 3) also represented Haileybury at the championships in the Novice grade. Although he did not advance to the finals, Dylan played exceptionally well, demonstrating his growing talent and dedication to the craft. As the youngest in the Novice grade, he showed incredible promise in his future piping. The achievements of both Jessie and Dylan at the Victorian Solo Championships highlight the continued excellence of Haileybury’s Pipes & Drums program. The students now look forward to their mid-year camp coming up this August.
Lincoln Hilton
Director, Pipes & Drums
