Performing Arts
SpongeBob tickets are on sale!
Our 2023 cross-campus Senior production, the SpongeBob Musical, is based on the entertaining world-famous cartoon and it has everything you would expect from the hilarious series.
SpongeBob SquarePants has run for 13 seasons and 277 episodes and has also inspired four feature films.
This musical is the perfect family event with wonderful designs, outstanding performances from Haileybury students, and great music from David Bowie, Aerosmith, Cindy Lauper, John Legend and many more.
Hard Candy
In March, the VCE Theatre Studies students presented their one-act play, Hard Candy, written by Jonathan Rand. The students took responsibility for all areas of the production — from set design and direction to costumes, lighting and props.
Set in 1997, this satirical look at corporate ladder climbing was full of belly-laughs and ridiculous characters. The students did very well in executing their dramatic vision for the play and they went above and beyond to ensure each part of the design, set in an office, enhanced the story for an enthusiastic live audience.
Nick Waxman
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Anzac Day services
Anzac Day and the formal ceremony that acknowledges the sacrifice made by those who served their country in conflict, is considered one of the most important days in the Australian calendar.
Those who have read my contributions to this newsletter over the years will recall I often reference the vital role music can play in community — not only for entertainment but for ceremony, celebration and loss.
The marking of Anzac Day is no exception and I would like to acknowledge the contribution our musicians make to Anzac services across our Melbourne campuses and as part of the official Melbourne Anzac Day Parade in the city.
While the Haileybury Pipes & Drums have participated in the parade for many years, this year will be the first time that the Haileybury Bugle Corps will perform as a marching brass band. I know our amazing musicians will march with pride and reverence. Look out for them on the TV broadcast!
The Haileybury Bugle Corps is led by our brass tutor, David Robinson who is a Corporal in the Army Reserve. David has performed the Last Post and Reveille at the Melbourne Shrine Dawn Service and regularly performs at AFL and A-League Anzac services. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our Music Department.
Middle School Music Camps
During the final weeks of term, Middle School instrumental students took part in Music Camps in picturesque Mt Evelyn.
The camps took place after Saturday sport and students from all Melbourne campuses met at Oasis Camp in the early afternoon. Despite being just an overnight stay, students attended many rehearsals and had plenty of fun with their peers.
The camps were divided into string camp (orchestra) and band camp (concert band), and more than 200 students participated under the guidance and leadership of 30 music staff.
Special thanks must go to Jo Heaton (Head of Bands), Myfanwy Bramble (Head of Strings) and Roslyn Rodgers (Performing Arts Coordinator) for the hours they spend planning these events.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
Visual Arts
An exciting journey begins
The Art Making and Exhibiting students at Haileybury are embarking on an exciting journey as they create their final artworks for Unit 3. This is a crucial point in the year for these talented students as they put their skills and knowledge to the test to produce two final works that showcase their creativity, technical ability and unique style.
The process of creating a piece of art starts with drawing on artist influences and personal inspiration to develop a concept or idea. Students explore a range of artistic techniques and processes, learn about materials and experiment with different mediums. They then refine their ideas and specialise, honing their skills and techniques until they are confident in their ability to produce high-quality artwork. This is documented in their visual journal.
Creating a final artwork is a time-consuming and challenging process that involves perseverance, dedication and patience. It can take months of hard work and trial and error to bring a concept to life, with students spending countless hours refining and perfecting their work. However, the result is always worth it — a unique, thought-provoking artwork representing months of work and creativity.
In Art Making and Exhibiting, students create two final works in Semester 1, with each illustrating their style and vision. These artworks will be displayed at the Victorian Artists Society gallery at the start of Term 3, providing a platform for talented students to showcase their work to a wider audience.
The creation of these artworks is not just about producing a final product but developing essential skills and knowledge for the future. Students learn to problem-solve, think critically and work independently — essential skills in a range of industries and careers.
It is a privilege to see these works in progress and to glimpse each creative process. We can’t wait to see the finished works on display at the Victorian Artists Society gallery and to see what these students will achieve throughout the year.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
Pipes & Drums
P&D Success at Melbourne Highland Gathering
Haileybury Pipes & Drums made a remarkable showing at the Melbourne Highland Gathering and Celtic Festival in Eastfield Park, Croydon on Sunday, 26 March. Despite overcast skies, the weather remained dry for the event.
The A Band shone in the competition, triumphing in the Grade 4A category and outperforming their rivals, Scotch College #1 and Old Scotch Pipe Band. The A Band also achieved the commendable runner-up position in the Novice Juvenile A category. They were just one placing behind their inter-school rivals, Scotch College #1.
Meanwhile, the B Band showcased their talent by securing the runner-up position in the Novice Juvenile B Medley event.
Notably, the event marked the official debut of the C Band who outshone their competition by placing above Scotch College #3 and falling just behind the B Band in the placings.
This promising start highlights the depth of talent within the Haileybury Pipes & Drums community and bodes well for their future success.
Lincoln Hilton
Director, Pipes & Drums
