A busy Term One in Creative Arts
As you would appreciate, 2020 was an extremely ‘dry’ year for live performing arts. In Term 1 last year, our ensembles at BCC were gearing up for their first performances when restrictions were rapidly imposed as the Coronavirus took hold around the world.
One of my deep hopes in Term 1 2021, was to see all of our music ensembles, from Primary to Secondary, do their first performance before the term ended. I’m happy to report that we could make this a reality in Week 9.
Our new Secondary Music Teacher, Mr Neale, hosted a lunchtime concert despite the wet weather, with the Year 9 Elective Music class. The students underwent assessment by performing in ensembles; the criteria was to perform a pop song, of which they had studied throughout the term. The talented group held a captive audience of over 100 students.
Stage 2 Choir performed on Wednesday to a wide-eyed Beginners, Kindergarten and Year 1 audience. They sang a few fun rounds followed by a fun performance called “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord” which had a ripping kazoo interlude!
Mrs Stewart and I hosted all Creative Arts Elective, Musical Cast and Secondary Ensemble members to hot chip lunch gathering on Wednesday. The Senior Jazz Ensemble was established this year, under the direction of our Woodwind and Guitar Tutor, professional musician DJ Cotton. The band played incredibly well, with solos, smooth groove and a balanced sound – not bad for only five weeks practice! Our String Ensemble also provided the entertainment under the direction of David Banney. The Ensemble has grown to seven members this year and continues to improve.
Lastly, the Primary Assembly had a smorgasbord of music when our remaining ensembles had a chance to play. The event began with the Secondary Concert Band who played several pieces including the accompaniment of the National Anthem. This ensemble has received a significant influx of new players and is well on its way to being an excellent ensemble. Our String Ensemble performed once again, followed by the Stage 3 Choir and then a praiseworthy duet from Primary Leader, Alex Campbell, who performed alongside his tutor, DJ Cotton. DJ then conducted our Primary Concert Band to finish the assembly.
Regular performance is critical for developing musicians and provides the opportunity to share the fruit of hard work and steady development. Lets hope that we will see many more performance opportunities for all our music students this year.
Mr Chris Stewart
Creative Arts Coordinator
Peter Pan Musical Rehearsal – Save The Date
The Peter Pan production will be held on the following dates:
Thursday, 17th June
Friday, 18th June
Saturday, 19th June
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, 27th April from our College website.
[COVID Disclaimer: In the unfortunate event that Covid restrictions are put in place, only the first 225 or 150 ticket holders (depending on the level of restriction) will be allowed to attend each show. The remainder of ticket holders will have the cost of their tickets reimbursed with our apologies.]
Junior Theatre Festival
Four of our Drama students in Year 10 and 12 recently had the privilege of attending the Junior Theatre Festival here in Newcastle. Here, Zoey Thomas, one of the attendees, writes about this unique experience…
The JTF Pilot Program was such an amazing experience that gave us some insight into what it’s like to work professionally in Musical Theatre. The program is super unique as we learn and perform an entire musical in only five days. It was five intense days of auditioning, singing, acting, learning choreography and blocking before performing the show on the fifth day. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to have Erin James (known for her performances in CATS and working alongside Julie Andrews in My Fair Lady) as our amazing director and be able to learn from her what it is like to be a professional performer. I absolutely loved the entire experience and it truly helped me to realise that I would love to pursue Musical Theatre as a career in the future.
Congratulations Heber Masseque, Mia Brown, Jack O’Toole and Zoey Thomas on pursuing your God-given gifts in the Performing Arts. We as a College wish you all the best for the creative endeavours ahead of you.
Music Tuition
Our wonderful Music tutor team have begun lessons again this year. Make this year the one that your child begins the enriching journey of learning to play music!
Of particular note is that we have enlisted a new drum and percussion tutor to our team. David Tracey is an exceptional musician, playing both drums in all styles and mallet percussion (marimba, xylophones etc). Can I encourage all those budding drummers to look at in-school lessons with this fantastic teacher.
FOR MUSIC TUTOR CONTACT DETAILS, head to our website here.
Supplies Needed
Our Musical props department is in need of a lot artificial plants and vines, these can be damaged, new or used. As well as plastic or melamine camp cups or mugs. Please drop donations into the College office.
Music Ensembles
Music ensembles have resumed. If your child is interested in joining an ensemble please find further information and enrolment information below.
Primary Music Ensembles Enrolment
Secondary Music Ensembles Enrolment
Our timetable for Music ensembles are as follows, however, more information and enrolment can be found in the links below.
| PRIMARY | Time | Venue | Teacher |
| Stage 2 Choir | Tuesday Lunchtime | Primary Music (K Block) | Mr Stewart |
| Stage 3 Choir | Thursday Morning (8am) | Primary Music (K Block) | Mr Stewart |
| Primary Concert Band | Wednesday Morning (7:40am) | Band Room (J Block) | DJ Cotton |
| String Ensemble | Wednesday Lunchtime | SS Drama Room | Dr David Banney |
| SECONDARY | |||
| Secondary Concert Band | Thursday Morning (7:40am) | Band Room (J Block) | Mr Neale |
| Musical Cast | Monday Afternoon (3pm – 6pm) | Hall | Mrs Stewart/Mr Neale |
| Musical Band | Monday Afternoon (3pm – 6pm) | SS Music (A1) | Mr Neale |
| String Ensemble | Wednesday Lunchtime | SS Drama Room | Dr David Banney |
For information and enrolment for all our Creative Arts and Music ensembles, please follow the relevant links below.
Primary Ensembles: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CR8GlQuTLUoa0e4tMANf4_74aZGxE432/view?usp=sharing
Secondary Ensembles: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CIbVLND1KolMQNti4jK_viIPJpgEXTQH/view?usp=sharing
Also find our Music Tutor contacts and our Instrument Hire Form along with some Hot tips.