Many will know our Girls Hockey and Girls Netball teams won their respective APS Winter Premierships. This term so far has seen many impressive triumphs from our remarkable students, and I would like to highlight a few other recent, significant and likely lesser known achievements from the areas of performing arts and the creative arts.
After a COVID-induced two-year hiatus, our music groups have made a very welcome and successful return to public competition. Conducted by Ms Sally Davis, Head of Performing Arts and Mr Martin Arnold, Leader of Learning – Performing Arts (Music and Theatre), our Symphony Orchestra (pictured below) received a Platinum Award at the Victorian School Music Festival. The group of 54 students (and Mr Daniel Neal who stepped in on the day due to a student illness) played three pieces. Notes from adjudicators included: ‘Congratulations on a very sophisticated performance tonight, with mature tone, balance and contrast’ and ‘Wonderful group!’
Our Carey Big Band was awarded a Gold Shield at the same event the following week. This group, under the direction of Mr Roger Schmidli, rehearse once a week for just 45 minutes. The energy and commitment to the performance was noted by the adjudicator who marvelled at their standard based on the limited rehearsal time.
Our final group to perform at the festival, the Wind Symphony, also earned a Platinum Shield. Under the direction of Mr Daniel Neal, the Symphony presented a challenging and engaging program, with the Chief Adjudicator commenting, ‘Thank you for a beautiful performance – so much music with such a magnificent sound’ and Adjudicator 2: ‘Congratulations on a fine performance tonight. You are a wonderful ensemble.’
Last month, Ashley Turnbull, who completed Year 12 in 2021, was among students presented with a Study Award at the Premier’s VCE Awards function (feature image). Ashley achieved a study score of 50 (the highest score possible), and was one of four recipients of an award for Visual Communication and Design. This is the second time a Carey student taught by Ms Nicki Llewellyn has been awarded this award. As Ashley commented, ‘I really enjoyed my time studying VCD and it was definitely my favourite class during Year 11 and 12. The classes always felt less like work and more like a time to be able to just do what I love by creating different designs.’
This year Ashley is studying a double degree of Engineering and Science at Monash University.
Graeme Young
Deputy Head of Senior School – Student Learning
