With fairy lights, candles, choc tops and shared music, Jazz in the Quad began Term 4 with a resounding bang. What a wonderful event, with staff and students from the jazz program providing entertainment while families enjoyed a meal together. A highlight of the evening was the All Star Band, featuring our Year 12 students joined by staff and special guests. Melbourne jazz singer Nina Ferro joined the band for four songs, providing a real treat, not just for the audience, but for our musicians who were privileged to accompany her. The Performing Arts Department strives to create a sense of community through these shared experiences, and that community was clearly on display at this event.
We had the opportunity at the end of Term 3 to farewell our Year 12 musicians at the Senior Ensembles Concert. The music staff greatly appreciate all the time they give to the department in the various ensembles, their enthusiasm, engagement and leadership. It is our hope that the experiences they have shared over the years become lifelong memories, and that many will continue to make music beyond school.
Mayhem at Middle Manor, the Middle School Performing Arts Tour, has been busily rehearsing and it is all coming together very well. It is quite a busy show for all involved, with plenty of fun sounds to create, great music to sing and some dancing. The tour departs on 28 October, starting with a performance at Junior School Donvale then on to Stratford Primary School, Paynesville, Eagle Point and Bairnsdale. Our home for the three nights will be our very own Camp Toonallook.
Term 4 will continue to provide more performance opportunities for the students, with Victorian School Music Festival for the younger bands, Christmas Service and a Twilight Concert to feature some of our new 2023 groups. There’s always music to be made, and we always love to share it with our community.
Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts
