Performing Arts
Senior School delivers Australian first
Fifty-five students from across our Melbourne campuses came together to perform the Australian premiere of the groundbreaking play Was and Will Be. This unique anthology of First Nations writings invites performances by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous actors, offering an open, non-prescriptive approach. As the first play of its kind in Australia, it explores the stories of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a way that encourages all Australians to engage with and reflect on these narratives.
The play features the work of three award-winning playwrights — Tracey Rigney, Brodie Murray and Tom Molyneux — whose creative writings were brought to life by directors Nicole Smith, Candice Anderson, Nick Waxman, and pre-service teacher Emma Maggio. A stunning sound design by Erica D’Angelo, immersive projections by BAAC Light, and live music performed by students and alumni elevated the experience, making it a truly special event.
Winners are grinners!
Haileybury competed in the 2024 Impro Melbourne Theatresports Schools Challenge, in Brunswick against seven Melbourne schools including Melbourne Grammar, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, Brunswick Secondary College, Preshil and others.
Over two hours our teams participated in a range of competitive improvisational challenges and creative tasks. We competed in the Senior division and won Most Supportive Player (Tom) and we took out First Place (Ben , Tyler , Riley). Both teams were in Year 10 and scored higher than teams with Year 11s and 12s. Our second team received joint third place (Harrison , Evan and Tom). Each team has a fun name, a theme and a catchcry. The winners below were ‘The Good Guys’, Bad boy looks, Good Guy attitude. “We’ll help your grandma cross the STREET!”
It was our first year competing and we are thrilled to have won the trophy!
The winning team was invited to perform an Impro Melbourne’s live show the following week alongside 10 professional improvisors. A wonderful learning opportunity and a chance to show their skills, the ‘Good Guys’ held their own in a room full of excellent performers.
Nick Waxman
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Select advanced pianists at Haileybury are privileged to have the opportunity to apply to be an Organ Scholar. Year 11 student, Andi , shares his experiences of being part of the Organ Scholar Program:
“My experience as an Organ Scholar has been a very positive one. There is much to love about the Organ, or the ‘King of Instruments’, not least the fact that it has the largest repertoire of any instrument. Under the expertise of organ teacher Mr Heywood, I have learnt many new concepts of how the instrument functions as well as its vast history. As an Organ Scholar I have been lucky enough to obtain plenty of opportunities to perform pieces, including at the Wednesday Lunchtime Concerts. Not only has Mr Heywood taught me how to manage the organ but learning this instrument has also deepened my understanding of playing the piano. The organ itself has been a central instrument in the development of Western Art Music and I am very grateful that I have the pleasure to continue learning it.”Andi (Year 11)
We wish to congratulate Andi on receiving first prize in the Pipe Organ section at the recent Ringwood Eisteddfod.
Thank you and congratulations to the multitude of Senior Schools musicians who performed splendidly at the Annual Concert on 28 August. The large, appreciative audience was treated to a musical smorgasbord spanning centuries of music which gave the students a chance to explore and refine the stylistic nuances of the works presented.
Our numerous jazz combos and Stage Band delighted family and friends at the two Jazz Nights with equally polished performances in the relaxed, informal setting of Count’s at Monash University. Thank you to all the students and staff involved for their commitment and passion.
There is no shortage of concert experiences in Term 4, beginning with Chamber in the Chapel on Thursday 10 October and followed closely by the practical exams for our VCE Music students. These accomplished performers who have worked hard all year will continue rehearsing during the September holidays to polish their programs, receive feedback and gain essential performance experience. Other highlights in the early part of the term will be three whole school Junior String Recitals, Strings in Spring and the hotly contested Chamber Music Festival.
Stay tuned for many more music events as Term 4 unveils.
Wendy Dwyer and Myfanwy Bramble
Heads of Haileybury Music
Visual Arts
Belle Property Exhibition
Our talented Art Making and Exhibiting students from Keysborough and the City campus showcased their creative works at the Belle Property Art Exhibition. The Exhibition is a community partnership between Belle Property and local schools to celebrate the success of student work.
Among the four prizes awarded, Haileybury students clinched two. Aylin (Unit 3) earned the prestigious Artist’s Choice Award for her evocative painting, Reflections of Childhood. This accolade includes a valuable session with renowned artist Kerry Armstrong. In addition, Sophie (Unit 1) impressed the judges with her ink-on-paper piece, Escape into the Unknown, and was awarded the $500 Belle Property Berwick prize.
Congratulations to Aylin and Sophie for their outstanding contributions and to all our student artists for their impressive work.
Ngaire Thomson
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
Pipes & Drums
Haileybury Pipes & Drums drummers drum up success at 2024 Victorian Solo Drumming Championships
On Sunday 15 September, Haileybury Pipes & Drums hosted the 2024 Victorian Solo Drumming Championships at the Newlands Campus in Keysborough. It was a fantastic day with 97 individual entrants and over 170 performances within just five hours. The event ran smoothly, thanks to the expert coordination of Pipe Bands Victoria and the dedicated judges, including A Womersley, S Matthews, D Hall, I Bell, N McLeod, and special guest C MacSween, who was particularly impressed by the tenor drumming skills on display.
Haileybury’s drummers achieved great success, with standout performances across various grades:
- Tristan (Year 4) – Qualified for the final and placed 4th in Beginner Snare
- Alexander (Year 6) – 4th place in Novice Snare
- Ilakkiyan (Year 10) – 2nd place in Novice Bass
- Myeisha (Year 4) – 3rd place in Novice Tenor
- Harrison (Year 6) – 6th place in C Grade Tenor
- Zoey (Year 6) – 5th place in C Grade Tenor
- Alijah (Year 6) – 2nd place in C Grade Tenor
- Jeanette (Year 8) – 1st place in C Grade Tenor (Victorian Champion)
- Sofia (Year 11) – 3rd place in B Grade (Hornpipe and Jig)
The day was not only a showcase of drumming talent but also a celebration of the community spirit, with the Friends of Haileybury Pipes and Drums providing a BBQ and refreshments throughout the event. A huge congratulations to all the competitors, and thanks to everyone who came out to support the event.
Lincoln Hilton
Director, Pipes & Drums
