Performing Arts
A class act
Top Class is an annual concert series coordinated by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) showcasing outstanding performances by VCE and VCE VET students from schools across the state.
Congratulations to the impressive amount of VCE Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies students invited to present their work for the 2024 Top Class season.
35% of the cohort were invited to present their outstanding dance solos, drama performances or monologue interpretations for the VCAA.
We also had many students selected to perform at the Season of Excellence, including Emma (Year 12), Manal (OH 2023), Genevieve (OH 2023), and Teleetha (Year 12).
This places these students’ dance and drama cohort in the top 5% of the state, an impressive result for Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies.
Top Class Dance takes place at Melbourne Recital Centre – 31 Sturt Street, Southbank – on Wednesday 6 March 2024 at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.
Top Class Drama takes place at Melbourne Recital Centre – 31 Sturt Street, Southbank – Friday 19 March 2024 at 10.00 am and 7.00 pm.
A term of theatre
Over the next few weeks Haileybury Families have the opportunity to view two pieces of theatre from across the campuses.
Senior School City play – Stories in the Dark
Presented at Iconic Melbourne theatre venue, Chapel off Chapel, Stories in the Dark explores the power of storytelling, mingling the magic and earthy wisdom of folk tales with the hard-edged story of violence, conflict and the struggle to survive.
Theatre Studies play – The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
This student led production is designed, directed, conceptualised and coordinated by the 2024, Unit 3 Theatre Studies students. The play, a farcical one-act comedy is designed to delight and amuse as you learn the muddled-up version of 209 Grimm brothers stories.
Tickets are limited and go on sale later in the term.
Nick Waxman
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Encore of Excellence event celebrates the Arts at Haileybury
Being a participant in music making is a truly special experience. It is a form of self-expression that allows individuals to connect with their creativity, and with others in a deeply collaboratively way.
The pathway to creating high quality music is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and flair. The result of prolonged creative and technical growth is always worth it when a performance comes to life and is shared with an appreciative audience.
Last Monday night the Performing Arts and Visual Arts were celebrated at Haileybury’s Encore of Excellence event held in Aikman Hall. Drawing from the concept of the VCAA Season of Excellence Series, which recognises the most outstanding work from Dance, Drama, Music and the Visual Arts, Encore of Excellence showcased some of the very best work presented by our Visual and Performing Arts students in last year’s 2023 VCE examination period.
A large highly appreciative audience, were dazzled by the diversity of skill and talent that was on display for the 90-minute experience.
The Arts has the power to move us, to make us feel, to evoke memories and to connect us with one another. Being an active participant in the Arts is a way to harness that power, to bring those feelings and experiences to life, and to share them with others. Speaking for the teachers, as educators we are indeed fortunate to have front row seats to see these amazing talents emerge right before our eyes and ears.
Haileybury Pipe Organ Scholars Program continues to hit the right notes
Since the Haileybury Pipe Organ Scholars Program was established back in 2010 to celebrate what was then 50 years of organ music at Haileybury (now 64 years of organ music), many of our organ scholars have gained invaluable life experience and cultural awareness travelling overseas as part of the program.
Haileybury organ scholars have visited, stayed and performed at British educational institutions ranging from Eton College to Oundle School and Cambridge University and, recently, we established an exchange program with Haileybury UK.
Last December, Joshua (Year 12) — Boys’ Senior Organ Scholar — travelled to London where he was met by Dr Stephan Muller, Deputy Principal (Education Research & Int'l.). Exploring London, Joshua reached a step count of 45,000 steps over just two days!
Joshua then boarded at Haileybury UK and participated fully in the life of the school, not only academically and socially, but he also gained more performance experience as a young organist at Haileybury UK, Cambridge University and in London itself.
As we are about to establish our third pipe organ at our Keysborough campus, we are delighted to be able to provide these life-changing experiences for our young Haileyburians — all made possible by the support of our staff and parents and by the ‘king of instruments’, a truly global instrument with friends in every city from London to Melbourne!
Special recognition and thanks must go to Mr Thomas Heywood for his passion, expertise and driven commitment to bring the world of pipe organ music to our very fortunate students.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
Visual Arts
Encore of Excellence
Last Monday evening, the spotlight shone on the talents of Haileybury’s visual arts students at the Encore of Excellence event in Aikman Hall. Inspired by the VCAA Season of Excellence Series, which celebrates excellence in various art forms. This event showcased the outstanding work produced by our Visual Arts students during 2023.
We were delighted to welcome back students from Media, Product Design Technology, Art Making and Exhibiting, and Visual Communication and Design. During the event, they passionately discussed their work, shared insights into their creative journey, and undoubtedly inspired future students.
TOPshots Exhibition 2024
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Terence (Year 12) has been selected to showcase his remarkable talent at the prestigious TOPshots Exhibition. This exhibition features the best photography from VCE Art students across Victoria studying Art Making and Exhibiting or Art Creative Practice. It serves as a recognition for outstanding young artists, and Terence has rightfully earned his place among this elite group.
The exhibition runs from 27 March – 18 April at the Museum of Australian Photography in Wheelers Hill.
We would like to congratulate Terence on his selection for the TopShots Photography Exhibition. It is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and we are proud of his incredible achievement.
Ngaire Thomson
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
Pipes & Drums
Contest preparations are underway!
The Haileybury Pipes & Drums program kicked off 2024 with a productive camp at Camp Oasis in January. For the second year in a row, the Haileybury program proudly fields three bands, each poised to make their mark in the upcoming contest season. Our students, unwavering in their commitment, spent the holiday break honing their talents, aiming to perfect their new material scheduled for debut at the first contest of the year on 2 March in Ballarat.
The camp was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, who are determined to defend their state and national titles. The serene environment of Camp Oasis offered the perfect backdrop for focused rehearsals, allowing students to refine their performances and build camaraderie.
As the contest season approaches, the anticipation within the Haileybury community is palpable. The bands are not just preparing to compete; they are setting the stage for a season of exceptional musical showcases. With their sights set on victory, the Haileybury Pipes & Drums are ready to put their hard-earned preparation to the test. The journey to Ballarat marks only the initial step, as it is followed by the prestigious Croydon (Victorian Championships), and Maryborough (Australian Championships) competitions shortly thereafter.
Lincoln Hilton
Director, Pipes & Drums
