Arts

Music

Happy New Year to all. I know the Haileybury music community will be looking forward to a full schedule of concerts, workshops, rehearsals and instrumental lessons beginning next week. Haileybury can now boast that over 1,000 students will receive a weekly music lesson in 2023!

Outstanding VCE results

In exciting news from the end of last year, I am proud to recognise Year 12 Music student Harry Marshall who achieved the maximum score of 50 for his work in Music Investigation.

Harry, who plays electric bass and acoustic bass, was supported during his studies by bass tutor, Kim May, and classroom teacher, Greg Ryan. He was accompanied by Sean McLeod (drums), Daragh Rodrigues (saxophone), Marcus Beyer (keyboards), Ethan Myers (vibraphone), Joshua Reed (guitar), Emily Marshall (saxophone), Ruby Nuttall (saxophone), Felix King (saxophone), Nirujan Vijayarajan (drums) and David Dower (keyboard).

Well done, Harry.

Many other students also achieved outstanding results including Samuel Koh (47), Daragh Rodrigues (46), Joshua Reed (45), Ethan Myers (42), India Buntman-Bryant (41), Nathan Su (41), Tom Caspers (41) and James Dong (40).

Scores 40 and above place these students in the top eight per cent of the state.

It was an absolute privilege to observe and to be part of the development of these outstanding Haileyburians throughout 2022. I must also acknowledge the outstanding contribution of instrumental staff who played a key role in the planning, preparation and delivery of these students’ programs — and indeed, the programs of all VCE music students.

Special thanks must also go to Greg Ryan, Head of Co-curricular Music: Senior School, for his outstanding work with all VCE Music students across the year.

Well done to all students who participated in VCE music in 2022 — it was a fantastic year. All involved did extremely well and held themselves with poise, grace and determination.

To the VCE Music students of 2023, good luck and let’s get started!

Concert calendar begins

While each individual campus will have a local calendar of music events that I recommend all parents investigate, I would like to draw your attention to the Twilight Concert on Thursday, 16 March.

A relaxed outdoor event, the Twilight Concert takes place in the Senior School Quadrangle in front of Wings Café at Senior School Keysborough. It is suitable for all ages and I particularly encourage families of Middle School students to attend. The concert will feature Senior School ensembles performing a pop-inspired repertoire.

The evening will begin at approximately 6.00 pm and will end around 7.30 pm and light refreshments will be provided.

Visual Arts

Congratulations Class of 2022

We couldn’t be prouder of the Class of 2022 for their outstanding VCE results. The talent, effort, perseverance and dedication of last year’s cohort was rewarded with some of the strongest Visual Arts results in the School’s history.

There were incredible, unprecedented average study scores in Studio Arts of 40 and Media of 44, with two students achieving a study score of 49.

As only eight per cent of all students studying these VCE courses receive a study score of 40 or above, and only two per cent receive a score of 45 or above, these outstanding results celebrate the wonderful partnerships of staff and students in the department.

We wish the 2022 Visual Arts alumni all the best with their tertiary offers and endeavours in 2023 and know their efforts will inspire this year’s classes.

Welcome back

We are looking forward to welcoming back students fresh from the summer break with new memories of family celebrations, fun with friends, and time away from school routine. This rich experiential fodder assists students to expand their thinking and encourages new concepts to percolate and develop.

As we prepare to return to classes, we encourage students to reflect on how their holiday break has shaped their perspectives, and what they can bring to their classes as potential creative solutions to inspire a new year of studies.

Visual Arts Captains

In the early weeks of Term 1, students studying Units 3 and 4 classes will have the opportunity to apply for the Visual Arts Captain leadership and committee roles. Keep an eye out on class announcements for further details.

We look forward to reviewing applications and working with the new team who will lead the development of competitions, exhibitions and opportunities for all students to get creative!

Pipes & Drums

Let the preparations begin

The Pipes & Drums students from competition bands have officially begun their preparations for the 2023 Pipes & Drums season and the excitement is palpable. We are particularly excited to introduce a third junior competition band to the program this year.

Students have been working hard to perfect their craft, honing their skills on the practice chanter and drums in preparation for upcoming competitions and performances. They are determined to build on their past successes and push themselves to new heights.

They have regularly taken part in individual practice and group rehearsals and have focused on technical proficiency and the dynamics and phrasing of the music to bring out the emotion and expression of the pieces they will play. Students have also been working on their marching and drill techniques to improve their presentation on the field.

This has also been a time for students to bond as a group and to recognise the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in making a successful performance.

The Pipes & Drums students are determined to put on an outstanding performance for 2023. With hard work, dedication and team spirit, they are sure to make a lasting impression in the Pipes & Drums community.

The students, staff and parent association look forward to seeing them showcase their talents throughout the year. The 2023 season promises to be one to remember!