Performing Arts
Dancing through life
The Haileybury community, particularly Haileybury’s Dance Program, would like to congratulate Michaela (Year 12), who has been accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) to study Dance.
The WAAPA Dance program offers world-class training and education and produces graduates who are technically outstanding, artistically creative, adaptable and ready for a fulfilling dance career. Earning a place in the program is highly competitive and Michaela endured a tough series of auditions with hundreds of dancers from around Australia. We are so proud of your incredible achievement, Michaela, and cannot wait to hear about your adventures next year!
In the same week that Michaela received her fantastic news the VCE Dance students presented their self-devised solos for the VCAA assessors. This is a major assessment for VCE Dance, making up 50% of the overall mark. It involves conceiving, devising, refining and presenting a skills-based solo and creative exploration solo. Congratulations to our dancers for presenting skilful, poignant and impressive works.
Years 9–12 Musical auditions for 2024
On Tuesday, 21 November auditions will begin for the 2024 Senior School Musical. Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 students from City, Brighton, Berwick and Keysborough, who will be in Years 9–12 in 2024, are invited to audition.
All cast hopefuls are required to be at the ensemble audition from 12.00 noon – 1.30 pm on 21 November. Please sign up for auditions via email.
An optional lead audition will take place in three-minute slots from 2.05 pm – 5.30 pm on the same day. These auditions are by appointment only and are optional. Once again, please email Nick Waxman to secure your spot. Get in quick to avoid missing out!
Nick Waxman
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Our spring showcase hits the right note
Last weekend, Middle School musicians produced an exciting concert day of music in Aikman Hall. The Spring Concert, a grand showcase of talent and collaboration, left audiences spellbound with over 600 students delivering a symphonic feast. With its scale and artistic excellence, the musical spectacle painted a vibrant picture of the Performing Arts program at Haileybury.
Students from all Melbourne campuses pooled their skills and talents and the collaboration produced performances that filled our sizable auditorium with amazing sounds. It was not only a concert; it was a journey through musical landscapes, and the breadth of repertoire on display was impressive.
The event was so well-attended that we had two separate concerts on the same day. The 12.00 pm concert featured concert bands, brass ensemble, guitar orchestra and the percussion department. The 3.30 pm concert was a showcase of orchestras and the choral program.
The Spring Concert resonated with the performers on stage and connected with the audience. Over 700 guests filled the hall for each concert. Their presence added to the electric atmosphere and underlined the community’s unwavering support for the school’s Music program.
A celebration of unity, dedication and the vibrant spirit of Haileybury, the concerts confirmed the Performing Arts is alive and thriving at Haileybury.
Well done to everyone and thank you.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
Visual Arts
Fostering creativity
Art is a universal language that young minds embrace with enthusiasm. ELC, Junior and Middle School Art Exhibitions play a crucial role in nurturing this passion and instilling pride within students while connecting them to their community.
As Brazilian artist, Romero Britto, said, “Art is too important not to share.”
Exhibitions inspire creativity and motivate students to continue to explore their artistic talents. By sharing their work, students learn from one another and expand their horizons. Exhibiting their art boosts self-confidence by recognising their talents and encouraging them to articulate their ideas.
Art exhibitions encourage engagement and dialogue, strengthening community ties. These experiences lay the foundation for lifelong art appreciation and teach valuable life skills.
Congratulations to the staff and students at Castlefield campus who recently kicked off our exhibitions with a beautiful event that also included music, demonstrating the benefits of collaborating with the wider Arts community.
Be sure to mark your calendars and join us in fostering a love for Visual Arts and empowering the artists of tomorrow at our future ELC to Middle School exhibitions. We hope you enjoy the showcase of our young artists’ creativity as the community celebrates their talents on the following dates:
Newlands: Wednesday, 8 November
Edrington: Friday, 17 November
City: Wednesday, 29 November
Rebecca Frith
Head of Visual Arts (Junior and Middle School)
Pipes & Drums
Haileybury P&D Celebrates Successes
October’s annual Pipes & Drums Dinner was spectacular. Celebrating Haileybury’s world-renowned Pipes & Drums program, the evening was marked with achievements and jubilation.
This year was the most successful season in the history of the program. From only 61 members in 2018, the program has experienced remarkable growth and now boasts over 130 students. 2023 was a record-setting year, welcoming 36 new competition members.
This expansion culminated in Haileybury winning a World Championship title, solidifying its place as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage, and introduced Haileybury’s third competing band comprising of our junior pipers and drummers.
This journey was not without its challenges. From defending state titles to navigating grade upgrades, the bands displayed incredible resilience and rose to each challenge, gaining placings in Novice B, Novice A, Grade 4B, Grade 4A, Grade 3B, Grade 3A and Grade 2 categories both locally and abroad. Most notably, the A band achieved a record 31 state juvenile championships and is aiming for its 32nd.
Underlying these wins is the unwavering support of Haileybury’s dedicated staff and the School leadership. A big thank you to the P&D staff who collectively conduct over 3,000 lessons, 150 gigs and manage three competitive bands across five grades over 12 months.
The evening concluded with the performance of the 3B World Pipe Champions playing their winning medley in front of the 300+ attendees. The band is looking forward to continuing their success in the upcoming 2024 competition season.
Lincoln Hilton
Director, Pipes & Drums
