Wow what a term. In the past 3 weeks, we have had more events and concerts than ever!!!! A great celebration of the Performing Arts, with performances, concerts, soirees, showcases, excursions, visiting artists and more.

Thank you to piano tutors Liz Jameson and Bonnie Nilson who held soirees for their students in Week 6. These concerts are a great opportunity for students to showcase what they have been learning to their parents and friends and gain valuable performance experience. We look forward to more soirees from our instrumental tutors in 2025.

Earlier this term, Mr Scott Rodhman informed the college of his retirement. As part of his farewell at the Secondary Assembly on Friday 22nd November, the combined Primary and Secondary Choirs sang the College Hymn. The College Hymn was written by Scott and was revisited by a committee approximately 10 years ago to specifically modernise some of the lyrics. Since then, this song has been part of college life, being sung at many Whole School Services. Scott has been a strong supporter of the Vocal program at the college so this was a fitting moment in time for Scott.

Thank you to Ms Hannah Johnson and the World Options Dance students who presented a showcase performance to selected students in the Theatre on Friday 22nd November. The students explored improvisation as a performance medium and presented a unique piece titled A Forgotten Life. The improvised dance work delved into the themes of dementia and memory loss, offering a one-of-a-kind performance that could never be recreated. The students - Katie Hodgson, Lauren Blair, Stan Watson, Jess Peters, Anais Carswell, Sofia Variquey, Isla Taylor, Amelie Carpenter and Ruby Kohn are to be congratulated on a moving performance.

On Friday 29th November, Year 7 and 8 Drama Academy students, guided by their teacher Ms. Hawkes brought the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland to life in a fun and vibrant class play.

A big thank you to our HSC Entertainment students, led by Mrs Baldwin, who designed the lighting, set, rear projection and sound. Your collaboration made this production truly magical! A special mention to Mr Blythe and his Tech students for crafting the set. Thank you also to Ms Hannah Johnson for taking the photos of the production.

To our Drama students, your dedication and creativity were inspiring—what an amazing co-creation!

Thank you to Ms Sandra Smith who organised the Classical Concert again this year. This is becoming an annual event on our calendar with more students performing across a range of instruments which is wonderful to see. Thank you to Kiyomi Takayama who stepped in to accompany the students. We greatly appreciate Kiyomi’s willingness to do this and she did a great job. Thank you to all of the students who performed.

On Friday 29th November, the Music World Options class performed a range of pieces in an evening concert in M1. Thank you to Ms Smith for her work in preparing these students for this concert. These students have been studying the course called Performance and have been developing their skills with performance technique.

On Monday 2nd December, the students in the High Performance Program for Music presented a concert to family of performance pieces they have been working on. It was lovely to see students extend themselves with learning new repertoire and even new instruments. Thank you to all who attended and supported these amazing students.

On Tuesday 3rd December, the Semester 2 Year 3 string students performed a concert to their families in M1 showcasing what they have learned on their violin or cello in a semester. Thank you to Ms Smith who runs this program. The students have learned a lot in such a short period of time and it was great to see them playing together. If there are any students in year 3 who wish to continue learning violin or cello in 2025, please ensure you complete the continuing form and return to Ms Smith before the end of the term.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company for their latest production of We Will Rock. Ms Day and Mr Jeremy had the pleasure of accompanying senior music students to see the show on Friday 22nd November as part of a sold out audience. Well done to all involved including staff, students, parents and alumni who were part of the show.

Congratulations to the Secondary Rock Band (SRB) who performed in Heat 2 of Battle of the Bands on Saturday 23rd November at Woopi Brewery. The students played 3 songs, 1 of which was their original to a panel of 3 judges. There were 6 bands in the heat and SRB performed incredibly well but unfortunately did not make it to the Grand Final. Well done to Bhadra Avarind, Frank Lane, Axel Nichsolson, Bram Nicholson and Tenzin Aichroy.

Violin for Sale

Zoya Dryburgh is selling her violin. Please see the flyer below and contact her if you are interested in purchasing.

Thank you to all of the Performing Arts staff and students for all of your work not only this term but throughout the year. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and I look forward to seeing you all in 2025.

Rebecca Day
Head of Performing Arts