Third term is drawing to a close and it has been wonderfully busy and rewarding. Last time I wrote, we were finishing Senior Ensembles Camp, and the work achieved at that camp came to full realisation at the recent Victorian School Music Festival for the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony. Likewise, weekly commitment to rehearsals saw great results for our younger bands and jazz groups.
The Festival is an annual goal for our groups, allowing them to prepare engaging and challenging programs, and the opportunity to work with expert on-stage clinicians. All of the groups performed very well, and we were so proud of how they represented Carey through their behaviour, respectful approaches and deportment. The following shields were awarded to the groups:
Stage Band: Gold
Big Band: Platinum
Symphony Orchestra: Gold
Year 7 Wind Band: Gold
Concert Band: Platinum
Symphonic Band: Gold
Wind Symphony: Platinum
Thank you to our Directors, James Bradley, Roger Schmidli, Daniel Neal and Jason Digby, for their wonderful work with the groups, and to all the instrumental music staff whose work with the students in lessons builds the skills required for effective ensemble participation. We now move on to the auditions for our 2025 ensembles and the Senior School Musical and are excited to hear the students as they prepare the material.
Congratulations to our 2025 Performing Arts Captains, Kira Cepula and Dominic Peres de la Sala (music), Bridie Conway and Stephanie Alcorn (theatre). These four students have made a significant contribution to the program over their years at Carey and I look forward to working with them next year.
The Senior School Play, Puffs, was an outstanding success. What a wonderful performance from our Senior actors. A chaotic two hours of humour with the audience taken on such a fun ride. Thank you to Tim Schwerdt and Mark Dickinson for their work with these students. The opportunity they provide for the student to shine on stage cannot be underestimated; I have no doubt that these students will hold such great memories from their time working on this hilarious show.
We are looking forward to Jazz in the Quad and our Twilight Concert in Term 4. I am always so impressed by the willingness of the Performing Arts Students to give their all in every performance they are involved with. And I once again thank our wonderful performing arts community who support us with such enthusiasm.
Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts
