VCE Performing Arts Students

This term, VCE Performing Arts students have been working hard to perfect their solos in preparation for the upcoming external performance examinations.

Throughout October, students of VCE Music and Theatre Studies perform their solos based on selective criteria to a panel of assessors.

Congratulations to our VCE Performing Arts students for their continued effort and dedication throughout the year. We wish them all the best for their exams.

Samantha Hargreaves

Congratulations Sam!

Samantha Hargreaves, past pupil and current vocal music tutor at the College, recently performed as one of six finalists in the ‘Herald Sun Aria’.  Founded in 1924, the Aria is proudly the oldest and most prestigious competition for emerging classical singers. Adjudicators were Christine Douglas OAM, John Pickering and Greg Hocking AM.

Sam was an enthusiastic and dedicated student of Performing Arts at Kilbreda, studying Drama, Theatre Studies and Music to VCE level.  She performed at Top Class Drama and was one of two drama students in the state selected for the prestigious Top Acts concert.  Sam was involved in college productions and started her opera journey in the ‘Wot Opera’ program at Kilbreda. She was also College Captain in 2015!

Samantha sang two pieces in the competition, Deh vieni non tardar by Mozart and Comme autrefois by Bizet, accompanied by a full orchestra.

First prize was awarded to counter-tenor Austin Haynes and Samantha was awarded the $10,000 John Fulford Prize. The prize is in memory of Baritone John Fulford, who was described as “a rare performer who could establish instant contact with an audience whether it be three people, or thousands.”  A very fitting prize for Sam!

Sam said she felt very supported at the performance by past mentors and teachers. 

We wish Sam all the best in her future artistic endeavours and look forward to hearing about her accomplishments.

Keryn Holden
Learning Leader: Performing Arts

Year 10 and 11 Music Recital

Throughout Term 3, our Year 10 and 11 class has been practising diligently for our concert that was held on Thursday 14 September. Parents, friends and teachers gathered in the Mary Dalton Hall that evening to cheer on our solos and group performances.

Every Thursday, we as a class take part in a band rehearsal, in which we learn, practise and play popular pieces leading up to a performance. These sessions encourage us to collaborate more as a band, which always leads to some entertaining pieces that we are all proud of.

At our combined 10 and 11 Recital, we were able to showcase our band pieces, as well as perform a solo piece each. The concert had a lovely atmosphere and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to perform to our families.

A big thank you to all the staff who attended and for Mr Matthew Graham for managing the sound and lighting. We look forward to our next opportunity to perform for the College community.

Ashley Pulbrook, Tara Kaye-Le and Ella Milner
Year 10

Harry Potter Excursion

On Tuesday 13 September the VCE Performing Arts classes were fortunate enough to go and see ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ at the Princess Theatre.

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ is about the journey Albus Potter takes while growing up and the roles he and his best friend, Scorpius Malfoy (Draco Malfoy’s son), play when dark forces, perhaps in league with Voldemort, once again threaten the fate of the planet.

The experience was amazing. The show was filled with theatre technologies and it was a magical experience.

At the end, we were able to ask questions to some of the cast members about how they got into performing and the process of auditioning. It was quite insightful for all of us who wish to pursue a career in the Performing Arts. As a Theatre Studies student, I found the use of lighting and stage-craft interesting, and how the stage was transformed. I personally enjoyed the nostalgia of Harry Potter, as it has been an important part of me growing up.

Thanks to the teachers who were able to make this happen as it has helped all the Performing Arts students know more about the process and pathways.

Paige Cater
Year 12