Performing
Arts Program
Contents
Calendar of Major Events ...1
Performing Arts Overview ...3
Productions ...4
Booking information ...7
Music Program ...8
Ensemble Music Program – Junior Years ... 12
Choral Program – Junior Years ... 13
Ensemble Music Program – Senior Years ... 14
Choral Program – Senior Years ... 16
Calendar of
Major Events
In addition to the major events above, students from Years 9 to 12 also participate in a range of curriculum-based performance evenings in Music, Drama, Theatre Studies and Dance, whilst younger students stage their own Music Celebration concerts (Years 1 to 3).
Students of all ages who learn instruments will prepare solo performances for Music Soirees at regular intervals throughout the year. Smaller ensembles also participate in a variety of additional small concerts in different settings.
For the latest updates, please contact [email protected].
Term 1
5–7 February Student Production (10–12) – The Real Inspector Hound31 March Twilight Jazz (7–12)
Term 2
21–24 April Dance Project – Iconic (7–12)5–8 May Play (10–12) – The Winter’s Tale
27 May Chamber on the Banks (7–12)
16 June Virtuoso Solo Performance Concert (11–12)
Term 3
28–31 July Musical (10–12) – Shrek The Musical14 August Rock the Studio
2 September Music at the Centre (4–12)
Term 4
20–23 October Musical (7–9) – Guys and Dolls Jr.11 November Spring Concert (P–6)
1 December Family Christmas Service Free
3 December Nine Lessons and Carols Free
Performing
Arts Overview
There is an undeniable sense of optimism as we look ahead into 2021 and the return to what we hope will be a more regular year of Performing Arts activities and events. Following the challenges of last year, our focus this year is very much on reconnecting our students with joys of collaborating with peers and the simple fun of “doing” once again. Whilst still ambitious in its scope, our events program has undergone some modifications to enable us the best chance of success in managing a new community landscape. The happy by-product of this is the creation of more dedicated time within the rehearsal program for deeper learning to take place, without the recurring imperative of gig after gig after gig. For so many of us, it has been some time since we have been able to enjoy the weekly experience of coming together with the unique energy that a performance rehearsal brings.
Thematically, there is a suitable levity to much of what our students will be presenting to you this year. Our student production, The Real Inspector Hound, is a witty spoof of the whodunit genre that has been diligently directed and brought to life by our Senior students. Term 2 sees us dance through the decades with Iconic, the long-awaited return of our annual Dance Project to Gasworks. Shortly afterwards, it’s time for some Shakespeare comedy with our contemporary staging of The Winter’s Tale. The back end of the year is all about Musical Theatre, with a couple of fun,
large-scale extravaganzas in Shrek The Musical (10-12) and Guys and Dolls Jr. (7-9), before the Year 6 cohort take the stage for their Performing Arts Spectacular.
Along the way, our usual suite of music concerts provides something for everyone. The Twilight Music Festival will be scaled back to the more COVID-safe Twilight Jazz and we look forward to a special new concert at Deakin Edge, Chamber on the Banks, which will celebrate our necessary focus on smaller ensembles and choirs. Virtuoso returns for our talented Senior students, along with our regular second Semester concerts such as Rock the Studio, Music at the Centre and the Junior School highlight, the Spring Concert. Of course, not all performance work must lead to large-scale events and we are committed to creating as many smaller, internal opportunities as we can for our students to share their work. From soirées to assemblies, lunch time performances and recitals, we stand as ready as always to give a voice to the talented students of St Michael’s as they return, triumphantly, to the pursuit of their passions. I wish them all the very best for the year and welcome you most warmly to join us where you can.
Ben Moody
Productions
Student Production – The Real Inspector Hound
Directors Lara Anderson, Darcy Bryce and Ned Stanford Dates Wednesday 3 February – Friday 5 February
Time 7:30pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Rating: Suitable for Secondary School and above
The Real Inspector Hound is a clever and absurd play by Tom Stoppard. In The Real Inspector Hound, feuding theatre critics Moon and Birdboot are watching a ridiculous “whodunit” murder mystery when they are swept into the action. A hilarious parody of Agatha Christie-like melodramas follows, where Moon and Birdboot become dangerously implicated in the murder. The Real Inspector Hound is a tantalising, self-critical exploration of the boundaries of theatre and performance.
10-12 Play –
The Winter’s Tale
Directors Mr Luke Matthews & Ms Annie Fiume Dates Wednesday 5 May – Saturday 8 May
Time 7:30pm (6:30pm Saturday)
Tickets $25 Adult, $15 Concession
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
In William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, the jealous King Leontes falsely accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity with his best friend. When Hermione dies, Leontes exiles his newborn daughter Perdita, who is raised by shepherds for sixteen years and falls in love with the son of Leontes' friend. When Perdita returns home, a statue of Hermione "comes to life", and everyone is reconciled. In The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare expertly blends tragedy, comedy, and romance.
Rating: Suitable for Secondary School and above
10-12 Musical –
Shrek The Musical
Director Miss Chloe Hancock Musical
Director Mr Ben Moody
Dates Wednesday 28 July – Saturday 31 July
Time 7.30pm (6:30pm Saturday)
Tickets $40 Adult, $20 Concession
Venue The National Theatre Melbourne 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Shrek The Musical, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favourite ogre to life on stage. Join our unlikely hero Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Add Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairy-tale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
7-9 Musical –
Guys and Dolls Jr.
Directors Mrs Sarah Merry & Ms Annie Fiume Musical
Director
Mr Ben Moody
Dates Wednesday 20 October – Saturday 23 October
Time 7:30pm (6:30pm Saturday)
Tickets $25 Adult, $15 Concession
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Guys and Dolls Jr. is an adaptation of the legendary, multi-award-winning, musical comedy classic about rolling the dice and falling in love under the lights of Broadway. The musical follows gambler Nathan Detroit as he tries to find the cash to set up the biggest crap game in town, while the authorities are breathing down his neck. Meanwhile, Nathan’s girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for fourteen years without ever getting married. Nathan turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the dough, but Sky ends up chasing the strait-laced missionary, Sarah Brown.
Rating: Family Friendly
Dance Project –
Iconic (7-12)
Artistic
Director Miss Amelia Jones
Dates Wednesday 21 April – Saturday 24 April
Time 7:30pm (6:30pm Saturday)
Tickets $25 Adult, $15 Concession Venue Gasworks Arts Park
21 Graham Street, Albert Park
St Michael’s has a well-deserved reputation in the field of innovation in dance, with many highly regarded choreographers actively seeking to work with our talented students. Dance Coordinator Miss Amelia Jones will lead a team of choreographers who will challenge, extend and engage both students and audiences.
Rating: Suitable for Secondary School and above
Booking
information
Visit the website for full and current listings as well as ticket bookings:
Music
Program
Twilight Jazz
Date Wednesday 31 March
Time 6:30pm
Cost Free
Venue St Michael’s Campus, 25 Chapel Street, St Kilda
The traditional St Michael’s Twilight Music Festival makes way for a reduced, COVID-safe staging of the annual Jazz Night. Still hoping to take advantage of the balmy Autumn night, our jazz bands, smaller jazz combos and featured soloists will perform in the mellow, indoor-outdoor environment of Dolly’s Café and its pleasant surrounds.
Free Rating: Family Friendly
Chamber on the Banks
Date Thursday 27 May
Time 7pm
Cost $25 Adult, $18 Concession
Venue Deakin Edge, Federation Square
Cnr Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne
Capitalising on the recent need for smaller ensembles, this concert is all about showcasing the fine work of the St Michael’s Chamber Ensembles and Choirs. Set before the iconic backdrop of the Yarra River, framed by the spectacular windows of Deakin Edge, our students from Years 7-12 will present a full and varied program of precision and detail at its very best.
Virtuoso Solo
Performance Concert
Date Wednesday 16 June
Time 7pm
Tickets $22 Adult, $18 Concession
Venue Deakin Edge, Federation Square Cnr Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne
Virtuoso celebrates excellence among our students of Year 11 and 12, with a range of solo performers bringing to the stage outstanding skills and virtues in music performance, technical mastery and artistic creativity. Auditions will take place early in Term 1, with successful students then being supported to perform at their absolute best, once again in the impressive surrounds of Deakin Edge.
Rating: Family Friendly
Rock the Studio
Date Saturday 14 August
Time 7:30pm
Tickets Free
Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Rock the Studio returns in 2021 and will feature all our School of Rock bands performing a mix of original and cover music. The Drama Studio will be turned into our own bespoke rock gig venue for one night only.
Music at the Centre
Date Thursday 2 September
Time 7pm
Cost $25 Adult, $18 Concession
Venue Melbourne Recital Centre Cnr Southbank Bvd & Sturt Street, Southbank
Music at the Centre is designed to highlight exactly that: the centrality of music to the heart of St Michael’s and its dedicated students and staff. Taking place in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, this concert is the annual celebration of student work across most of the larger bands and choirs, as well as specially convened, combined ensembles. The concert concludes with a tribute to departing Year 12 musicians, for whom this will be their last major
St Michael’s concert as a performer.
Rating: Family Friendly
Spring Concert
Date Thursday 11 November
Time 6pm
Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession
Venue St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle Street, St Kilda
The Spring Concert remains the annual performance pinnacle for all ensembles and choirs across the P-6 year levels of St Michael’s, and happily returns to the very local St Kilda Town Hall in 2021. Bursting with enthusiasm, commitment and talent, these young students always finish the year on a high, singing, dancing and playing in a range of groups to a very large, supportive and appreciative audience.
The Family Christmas Service
Date Wednesday 1 December
Time 5pm
Cost Free
Venue All Saints Anglican Church 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Free Rating: Family Friendly
The annual Family Christmas Service provides an opportunity for the St Michael’s community to come together and reflect upon the Christmas message, celebrate all that is good about our School, and think of those less fortunate. The centrepiece is the Year 1 Nativity Play, supported by the choirs of St Michael’s leading our community in uplifting and celebratory carols.
Marlton Strings
A core learning ensemble for all string players in Prep to Year 6. Specific guidance about an individual student’s readiness to join the ensemble should be sought by the relevant Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.
Ensemble Director: Ms Hannah Church-Edwards Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday before school, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Wilma Hannah Hall
Junior Band
A core learning ensemble for all band instrument players (brass, woodwind and percussion) from the Junior Years. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.
Ensemble Director: Mr David Haywood
Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Emily Hall
Junior Guitar Ensemble
A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the Junior Years. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director. Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King
Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 12:55pm to 1:25pm in Emily Hall
Mini Music Works
(Terms 3 and 4 only)
An extension instrumental music ensemble for selected musicians in Years 1 to 2. Students will perform on a range of instruments based on their prior learning and skill level. Prerequisite: Invitation from the Ensemble Director Ensemble Director: Mrs Ros McPherson
Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday before school, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Emily Hall
Ensemble
Music Program
– Junior Years
Years 5-6 Harrison Choir
An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 5 and 6. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire and elements of student choice, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group.
Ensemble Director: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Wilma Hannah Hall
Years 3-4 Chamber Choir
An auditioned choir for students in Years 3 and 4. Students in Chamber Choirs will work on a variety of repertoire and develop their skills as music readers and choral singers, whilst still having lots of fun singing together.
Ensemble Director: Mrs Ros McPherson Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Emily Hall
Years 5-6 Chamber Choir
An auditioned, extension choir for students in Years 5 and 6. Whilst still promoting enjoyment through singing, the Chamber Choir is also focused on developing good choral singing technique through exposure to more complicated and diverse repertoire.
Prerequisite: Audition. Students must also be members of the Years 5-6 Harrison Choir.
Ensemble Director: Ms Stefanie Dingnis Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Emily Hall
Choral Program
– Junior Years
Grigoryan Strings
A core learning ensemble for all string players in Years 7 to 12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning a stringed instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.
Ensemble Director: Ms Hannah Church-Edwards Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in MC1/MC3
Scholastica Band
A core learning ensemble for all band instrument students (brass, woodwind, percussion) in Years 7 to 12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning such an instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in St George’s
Big Band
An auditioned, extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 9 to 12. This ensemble will be formed in August of the year before and will conclude after the Mt Gambier Generations in Jazz Festival in early May. For players of trumpet, trombone, saxophones, piano, guitar, bass and percussion.
Prerequisite: Audition. Brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band.
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday after school, from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in MC2 (August to May only)
Musical Orchestra
An auditioned, extension ensemble for students in Years 9 to 12, with the purpose of forming the pit orchestra for the 10-12 Musical at the National Theatre in late July. As such, the requirements of this ensemble will change from year to year, depending on the production selected. This ensemble will be auditioned in Term 1 and commence rehearsal in Term 2, running from May to August only.
Prerequisite: Audition. Brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band.
Ensemble Director: Mr Ben Moody / Mr Corey Hall Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday after school, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in MC2 (May to August only)
Stage Band
An extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 7 to 12. This ensemble will have a flexible line-up to enable participation by a broader range of interested students. For players of trumpet, trombone, saxophones, piano, guitar, bass and percussion.
Prerequisite: Audition is not required, but any brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band.
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school, from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in St George’s
School of Rock
A rock band program with joint emphasis on performance, song writing and recording. Suitable for guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players and vocalists.
Program Director: Mr Jeremy Alsop
Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday, Thursday or Friday after school, from 3:50pm to 5:20pm. Bands will be formed and allocated to a specific day and venue during Term 1.
Ensemble
Music Program
– Senior Years
Senior Guitar Ensemble
A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the Senior Years.
Restrictions: Unfortunately, students in Year 9 will be unable to attend due to Sport, but may rehearse remotely or during individual lessons, still joining the ensemble for performances.
Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King
Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 1:40pm to 2:25pm
Chamber Brass
Extension ensembles for brass students, split across Years 7 to 8 and Years 9 to 12.
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday lunchtime,
from 1:40pm to 2:25pm (Years 9 to 12) / Friday before school, from 7:30am to 8:40am (Years 7 to 8) in St George’s
Percussion Ensembles
Extension ensembles for percussion students, split across Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12.
Ensemble Director: Mr Adam Donaldson Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday lunchtime,
from 1:40pm to 2:25pm (Years 7-9) / Thursday lunchtime, from 1:40pm to 2:25pm (Years 10-12) in St George’s
Chamber Flutes
Extension ensemble for flute students in Years 7 to 9. Ensemble Director: Mrs Gabby Kurowski
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school, from 3:45pm to 4:30pm in Wilma Hannah Hall
Cello Choir
Extension ensemble for cello students in Years 7 to 12. Ensemble Director: Miss Olivia Thorne
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.30am to 8.40am in MC3
Choral Program
– Senior Years
Harrison Choir
An open-entry choir for any interested students from Years 7 to 12. This choir will function as two separate groups – Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12 – with the opportunity to combine for performances as required. Whilst engagement is an important element, the Harrison Choirs also focus on the development of good choral singing technique through exposure to a wide range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire. Periodically, these choirs will sing at school Eucharist.
Choir Director: Ms Jenny Gillan (Years 10-12) and Mr Daniel Brinsmead (Years 7-9)
Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7:30am to 8:40am in St George’s and MC3
Chamber Choirs
(Years 7-8 and Years 9-12)
An auditioned, extension choral program for senior students, split into two separate groups based on year level. The focus is on high quality performance, excellent choral technique and exposure to a diverse range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire. Periodically, these choirs will sing at school Eucharist.
Prerequisite: Audition. Students must also be members of the Harrison Choir.
Choir Director: Dr Gary Ekkel
Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday lunchtime, from 1.40pm to 2.25pm in MC2 and MC3 (Years 9-12) and Thursday lunchtime, from 1.40pm to 2.25pm in MC3 (Years 7-8)
The Big Singing Experience
(name to be popularly
determined in Term 1)
This yet-to-be-named singing ensemble will have an unashamed focus on commitment-free fun. Any student (Years 7-12) or staff member is welcome to attend for a “community choir” experience, where all repertoire will be accessible, largely known in advance and drawn from the contemporary popular genre. Promoting the simple joy of singing, this is an opportunity for people to drop in with their lunch and enjoy a half-hour singing fun songs with friends. There is no expectation of regular commitment – people can simply come when they feel.
Project Director: Mr Ben Moody
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday lunchtime, from 2pm to 2.30pm in St George’s
Mr Ben Moody
Director of Performing Arts
[email protected] +61 3 8530 3305
Ms Annie Fiume
Head of Dance and Drama[email protected] +61 3 8530 3258
Mr Callum Dale
Theatrical Productions Manager
[email protected] +61 3 8530 3283
Ms Grace Nicastro Hall
Head of Music[email protected] +61 3 8530 3301
Miss Amelia Jones
Dance Coordinator[email protected] +61 3 8530 3426
Dr Gary Ekkel
Head of Choral Music[email protected] +61 3 9944 3474
Mrs Susie Baksheev
Creative Production Assistant[email protected] +61 3 8530 3283
Ms Anita Narayan
Music Programs Manager[email protected] +61 3 8530 3207
Ms Susan Warner
Performing Arts Administrator
[email protected] +61 3 8530 3251
Miss Julia Spizzica
Creative Production Assistant[email protected] +61 3 8530 3283
Booking information
Visit the website for full and current listings as well as ticket bookings:
www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/events
Performance start times
Please check the website for start times, as some performances may be subject to lockout. All details correct at time of print.
St Michael’s Grammar School 25 Chapel Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 8530 3200 [email protected] stmichaels.vic.edu.au
