This will be the last newsletter article for the term and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Performing Arts team (teachers, tutors, students, parents and volunteers) for their hard work this term rebuilding the program after 18 months of restrictions. 

It has been lovely seeing our woodwind and brass students back learning face to face and our ensemble program rebuilding with students from across year levels coming together to play music, concerts, Dance Academies and guest artists visiting the campus to work with our students. I am positive about the year ahead and the opportunities available for our Dance, Drama and Music students.

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter Break and I look forward to seeing everyone back on Campus starting with the Anzac service day one next term.

Harmony Day

What a beautiful celebration of the diversity we have here at Bishop Druitt College. Special thank you to Mahi Khobragade, Sureyya Brennan (10) and Julius Taylor (7) for their performance of What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.

Secondary Assembly Performance

Thank you to Imogen Daymond who performed “Hero” by Mariah Carey at last week's secondary assembly. This is a very special piece for Imogen and her family and she performed it beautifully. You can watch the video of her performance below.

At week 10 assembly we have Digby Greenaway (9), Blake Owner (9) and Max Egan (11) performing “Three on E” on bass guitars. It will be amazing!

The last week of term will be the Easter Service and this will take place of our normal Secondary Assembly. Term 2 spots are starting to fill up so if you are interested in performing, please see one of the staff in the Performing Arts department.

Thank you to all of our assembly performers this term.

Jade Naidu - Guest Choreographer

This week Jade Naidu worked with the Secondary Dance Academy as a guest choreographer. Jade is the owner of Naidu Performing Arts Company and Woolgoolga Performing Arts and has just been named 2022 Woman of the Year. Jade graduated from NIDA (National Institute for Dramatic Arts) and has a lot of experience to share with our BDC Dancers. The Secondary Dance Academy will collaborate with Jade over the next two weeks, working on jazz technique and performance skills.

Instrumental Showcase Concert - Term One

Thank you to all of the students who performed at the Term One Instrumental Music Showcase. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to perform in a concert to their family and friends - the first time in 2 years. Thank you to Ms Smith for coordinating the concert.

Performance Opportunity in Coffs Central - The Block Festival

On Friday 8th April, some of our BDC music students will be performing at Coffs Central as part of The Coffs Live and Local Festival - The Block. The students will be performing on the top level of the centre in the food court (outside Depot cafe).

Highly Strung will be performing from 4pm, followed by some of our senior students from 5 - 6pm.

I’m sure they would love to see some familiar BDC faces in the audience so if you can make it to support those students, that would be great.

Eisteddfod

There have been a number of groups from Dance, Drama and Music entered in the Coffs Eisteddfod this year which is great. Students in class will be spending time preparing items for this event. We also have a number of soloists who have entered across the various sections as well. 

BDC Alumni - Music Students

Jacob Egan - Class of 2017

Jacob Egan graduated from BDC in 2017. For his HSC he studied Music 1, majoring in performance on guitar. Jacob was always involved in the music program at BDC - playing violin in the Orchestra as well as guitar in the various guitar ensembles and jazz band, and performing at various school assemblies, Foundation Days, Year 12 Valedictory services and evening concerts. Whilst at school, he had guitar lessons from Mr Santo Cimino here at the College.

Jacob is a talented musician who has pursued his passion for music beyond school, studying at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney and then majoring in Jazz Guitar at The Queensland Conservatorium of Music. 

2 years ago, he joined the Australian Army Band as a guitarist - performing on guitar and bass. He was an already accomplished bass guitarist and taught himself to play upright bass. Since graduating, Jacob has been offered a full time position in the Army Band.

Jacob has been successful in gaining full time employment with the Band of the Royal Military College in Canberra. A huge achievement for Jacob. We are all so proud of his journey.

Julia Magri - Class of 2018

Julia Magri, who studied Music 2 and Extension on double bass is now Principal Bassist for the Sydney Conservatorium Orchestra, Principal Bassist in the Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp Chamber Orchestra and is also participating in the Australian Youth Orchestra Spring and Autumn performance seasons.

Julia is in her final year of BMus Performance at Sydney Con and if all goes well, should be graduating with Honours.

Upcoming Secondary Assessments Due

Week 10 (4th - 8th April)

Year 11 Drama Presentation Individual: Project / Performance

Music Performance Shirts

Just a reminder that the music performance shirts are available for purchase from the Uniform Shop. These shirts will become a uniform requirement for any music student who participates in performances both at College events on campus and also in the Community. This includes students in ensembles as well as soloists. Price of the shirts are $30.

String Teaching Position

We are currently seeking a violin teacher to join our amazing team. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please ask them to contact the college. This position is currently 2 full days of teaching with the ability to expand this. The job is also advertised externally.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY

• 8th April - Easter Service and Grandparents Day
•  Coffs Live and Local Music Festival - City Centre from 5pm
• 26th April - ANZAC service 9am in the Branson Centre
• 29th April - Friends of Performing Arts meeting 8am in Music

Rebecca Day
Head of Performing Arts