COLLEGE SNAPSHOTS A music man's unexpected pathway

Dennis Freeman, who recently retired as Head of Dennis’s professionalism, skills and work ethic have benefited Marketing and Communications, is a man of many talents. Wesley in numerous ways; in particular, his contribution to the He is a skilled trombonist who has played with both the editorial management of Wesley publications including Lion has Adelaide and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, has taught been invaluable, and will be greatly missed. trombone at various tertiary and secondary institutions, was a former member of a jazz/funk group Fullhouse and spent two years with the Orchestra Filarmonia Veneta in Treviso, Italy. Dennis has worked with international artists such as the Bolshoi Ballet, Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and even toured Australia with the Melbourne Symphony, backing Elton John on a national orchestra- supported tour.

In 1993, Dennis began his 23-year service to Wesley as a trombone teacher at Elsternwick. Sensing a demand for after- hours music programs, he quickly established the Elsternwick Community Arts Program, and led its development. During his time at Wesley, Dennis went on to hold senior roles including Director of Wesley’s Community College (1999–2004), Community Relations Manager (2004–2007), and Head of Marketing and Communications (2008–2017).

Dennis’s leadership, his energy, insight and deft entrepreneurial skills were decisive in helping Wesley to form positive connections with both the business world and the wider community.

Dennis Freeman

Our musicians help to party in the park

Each summer, the Glen Eira City Council presents a series of family events called Party in the Park, with activities, stalls and performances from community groups. The Wesley Elsternwick Big Band played at the Party in the Park, at Princes Park, on Sunday 19 February. The band entertained a small, but appreciative, audience with a selection of well-known jazz and rock standards. The weather was regrettably wet, but the performance was well-received and the audience demanded an encore. Members of the band included students from Years 7–9 who practised twice a week and played to school audiences before this public performance. It was a successful day because the band members had to put in a lot of effort to perform in public so early in the year.

The Wesley Elsternwick Violin ensemble played at the March Party in the Park at Allnutt Park. Students in the violin ensemble all learn through the Suzuki method and have a large repertoire of much-loved classics and folk songs. Wendy Tooke has been directing the violin ensemble for many years and this year’s large ensemble enjoyed a huge crowd for their performance in beautiful, sunny weather.

Saxophones in Big Band

14 Lion - April 2017