2021 Performing Arts Program Contents

Calendar of Major Events...... 1 Ensemble Music Program – Junior Years...... 12 Performing Arts Overview ...... 3 Choral Program – Junior Years...... 13 Productions...... 4 Ensemble Music Program – Senior Years...... 14 Booking information...... 7 Choral Program – Senior Years...... 16 Music Program...... 8 Key Contacts...... 18 Calendar of Major Events

Drama Music Musical Dance Ticketed Event Open to Public

Term 1 5–7 February Student Production (10–12) – The Real Inspector Hound

31 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 Musical

14 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

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].

Performing Arts Program 2021 1 2 Performing Arts Program 2021 Performing Arts Overview

There is an undeniable sense of optimism as we look ahead large-scale extravaganzas in Shrek The Musical (10-12) and into 2021 and the return to what we hope will be a more Guys and Dolls Jr. (7-9), before the Year 6 cohort take the regular year of Performing Arts activities and events. stage for their Performing Arts Spectacular. Following the challenges of last year, our focus this year Along the way, our usual suite of music concerts provides is very much on reconnecting our students with joys of something for everyone. The Twilight Music Festival will collaborating with peers and the simple fun of “doing” be scaled back to the more COVID-safe Twilight Jazz and once again. Whilst still ambitious in its scope, our events we look forward to a special new concert at Deakin Edge, program has undergone some modifications to enable us Chamber on the Banks, which will celebrate our necessary the best chance of success in managing a new community focus on smaller ensembles and choirs. Virtuoso returns for landscape. The happy by-product of this is the creation our talented Senior students, along with our regular second of more dedicated time within the rehearsal program Semester concerts such as Rock the Studio, Music at the for deeper learning to take place, without the recurring Centre and the Junior School highlight, the Spring Concert. imperative of gig after gig after gig. For so many of us, Of course, not all performance work must lead to large- it has been some time since we have been able to enjoy scale events and we are committed to creating as many the weekly experience of coming together with the unique smaller, internal opportunities as we can for our students energy that a performance rehearsal brings. to share their work. From soirées to assemblies, lunch time Thematically, there is a suitable levity to much of what our performances and recitals, we stand as ready as always to students will be presenting to you this year. Our student give a voice to the talented students of St Michael’s as they production, The Real Inspector Hound, is a witty spoof of return, triumphantly, to the pursuit of their passions. the whodunit genre that has been diligently directed and I wish them all the very best for the year and welcome you brought to life by our Senior students. Term 2 sees us most warmly to join us where you can. 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 Ben Moody contemporary staging of The Winter’s Tale. The back end of Director of Performing Arts the year is all about Musical Theatre, with a couple of fun,

Performing Arts Program 2021 3 Productions

Student Production – The Real Inspector Hound

The Real Inspector Hound is a clever and absurd play Directors Lara Anderson, Darcy Bryce and Ned Stanford by Tom Stoppard. In The Real Inspector Hound, feuding Dates Wednesday 3 February – Friday 5 February theatre critics Moon and Birdboot are watching a ridiculous Time 7:30pm “whodunit” murder mystery when they are swept into the action. A hilarious parody of Agatha Christie-like Tickets $20 Adult, $10 Concession melodramas follows, where Moon and Birdboot become Venue St Michael’s Drama Studio, 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda dangerously implicated in the murder. The Real Inspector Hound is a tantalising, self-critical exploration of the Rating: Suitable for Secondary School and above boundaries of theatre and performance.

4 Performing Arts Program 2021 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 Mr Ben Moody Director Dates Wednesday 28 July – Saturday 31 July Time 7.30pm (6:30pm Saturday) Tickets $40 Adult, $20 Concession Venue The National Theatre 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.

Rating: Family Friendly

Performing Arts Program 2021 5 7-9 Musical – Guys and Dolls Jr.

Directors Mrs Sarah Merry & Ms Annie Fiume Musical Mr Ben Moody Director 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 Miss Amelia Jones Director 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

6 Performing Arts Program 2021 Booking information Visit the website for full and current listings as well as ticket bookings: www.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/events

Performing Arts Program 2021 7 Music Program

Twilight Jazz Chamber on the Banks

Date Wednesday 31 March Date Thursday 27 May Time 6:30pm Time 7pm Cost Free Cost $25 Adult, $18 Concession Venue St Michael’s Campus, Venue Deakin Edge, 25 Chapel Street, St Kilda Cnr Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne

The traditional St Michael’s Twilight Music Festival makes Capitalising on the recent need for smaller ensembles, way for a reduced, COVID-safe staging of the annual this concert is all about showcasing the fine work of the Jazz Night. Still hoping to take advantage of the balmy St Michael’s Chamber Ensembles and Choirs. Set before Autumn night, our jazz bands, smaller jazz combos and the iconic backdrop of the , framed by the featured soloists will perform in the mellow, indoor-outdoor spectacular windows of Deakin Edge, our students from environment of Dolly’s Café and its pleasant surrounds. Years 7-12 will present a full and varied program of precision and detail at its very best. Free Rating: Family Friendly

Rating: Family Friendly

8 Performing Arts Program 2021 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.

Rating: Suitable for Secondary Free School and above

Performing Arts Program 2021 9 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.

Rating: Family Friendly

10 Performing Arts Program 2021 The Family Christmas Service

The annual Family Christmas Service provides an Date Wednesday 1 December opportunity for the St Michael’s community to come Time 5pm together and reflect upon the Christmas message, Cost Free celebrate all that is good about our School, and think of those less fortunate. The centrepiece is the Year 1 Nativity Venue All Saints Anglican Church Play, supported by the choirs of St Michael’s leading our 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda community in uplifting and celebratory carols.

Free Rating: Family Friendly

Performing Arts Program 2021 11 Ensemble Music Program – Junior Years

Marlton Strings Junior Guitar Ensemble

A core learning ensemble for all string players in Prep to A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the Junior Year 6. Specific guidance about an individual student’s Years. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is readiness to join the ensemble should be sought by the provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are relevant Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director. deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director. Ensemble Director: Ms Hannah Church-Edwards Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday before school, Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Wilma Hannah Hall from 12:55pm to 1:25pm in Emily Hall

Junior Band Mini Music Works

A core learning ensemble for all band instrument players (Terms 3 and 4 only) (brass, woodwind and percussion) from the Junior Years. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is An extension instrumental music ensemble for selected provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they musicians in Years 1 to 2. Students will perform on a range are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble of instruments based on their prior learning and skill level. Director. Prerequisite: Invitation from the Ensemble Director Ensemble Director: Mr David Haywood Ensemble Director: Mrs Ros McPherson Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday before school, from 7:40am to 8:20am in Emily Hall from 7:40am to 8:20am in Emily Hall

12 Performing Arts Program 2021 Choral Program – Junior Years

Years 5-6 Harrison Choir Years 5-6 Chamber Choir

An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 5 An auditioned, extension choir for students in Years 5 and and 6. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire 6. Whilst still promoting enjoyment through singing, the and elements of student choice, as well as learning to sing Chamber Choir is also focused on developing good choral effectively together as a group. singing technique through exposure to more complicated Ensemble Director: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall and diverse repertoire. Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, Prerequisite: Audition. Students must also be members of from 7:40am to 8:20am in Wilma Hannah Hall the Years 5-6 Harrison Choir. Ensemble Director: Ms Stefanie Dingnis Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, Years 3-4 Chamber Choir from 7:40am to 8:20am in Emily Hall

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

Performing Arts Program 2021 13 Ensemble Music Program – Senior Years

Grigoryan Strings Musical Orchestra

A core learning ensemble for all string players in Years An auditioned, extension ensemble for students in Years 9 7 to 12, and by invitation for extension students in Year to 12, with the purpose of forming the pit orchestra for the 6. Students learning a stringed instrument at school are 10-12 Musical at the National Theatre in late July. As such, expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of the requirements of this ensemble will change from year to school are strongly encouraged to join. year, depending on the production selected. This ensemble Ensemble Director: Ms Hannah Church-Edwards will be auditioned in Term 1 and commence rehearsal in Term 2, running from May to August only. Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in MC1/MC3 Prerequisite: Audition. Brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band. Ensemble Director: Mr Ben Moody / Mr Corey Hall Scholastica Band Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday after school, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in MC2 (May to August only) 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, Stage Band whilst those learning outside of school are strongly An extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 7 to encouraged to join. 12. This ensemble will have a flexible line-up to enable Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall participation by a broader range of interested students. For Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, players of trumpet, trombone, saxophones, piano, guitar, from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in St George’s bass and percussion. Prerequisite: Audition is not required, but any brass, wind and percussion players must also be members of Big Band Scholastica Band. Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall An auditioned, extension jazz ensemble for students in Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school, Years 9 to 12. This ensemble will be formed in August of from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in St George’s 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. School of Rock

Prerequisite: Audition. Brass, wind and percussion players A rock band program with joint emphasis on performance, must also be members of Scholastica Band. song writing and recording. Suitable for guitarists, bassists, Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall drummers, keyboard players and vocalists. Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday after school, Program Director: Mr Jeremy Alsop from 3:50pm to 5:20pm in MC2 (August to May only) 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.

14 Performing Arts Program 2021 Senior Guitar Ensemble Percussion Ensembles

A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the Extension ensembles for percussion students, split across Senior Years. Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12. Restrictions: Unfortunately, students in Year 9 will be Ensemble Director: Mr Adam Donaldson unable to attend due to Sport, but may rehearse remotely Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday lunchtime, or during individual lessons, still joining the ensemble for from 1:40pm to 2:25pm (Years 7-9) / Thursday lunchtime, performances. from 1:40pm to 2:25pm (Years 10-12) in St George’s Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 1:40pm to 2:25pm Chamber Flutes

Extension ensemble for flute students in Years 7 to 9. Chamber Brass Ensemble Director: Mrs Gabby Kurowski Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school, Extension ensembles for brass students, split across from 3:45pm to 4:30pm in Wilma Hannah Hall Years 7 to 8 and Years 9 to 12. Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday lunchtime, Cello Choir 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 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

Performing Arts Program 2021 15 Choral Program – Senior Years

Harrison Choir The Big Singing Experience

An open-entry choir for any interested students from Years (name to be popularly 7 to 12. This choir will function as two separate groups – Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12 – with the opportunity to determined in Term 1) combine for performances as required. Whilst engagement This yet-to-be-named singing ensemble will have an is an important element, the Harrison Choirs also focus on unashamed focus on commitment-free fun. Any student the development of good choral singing technique through (Years 7-12) or staff member is welcome to attend for a exposure to a wide range of classical and contemporary “community choir” experience, where all repertoire will be choral repertoire. Periodically, these choirs will sing at accessible, largely known in advance and drawn from the school Eucharist. contemporary popular genre. Promoting the simple joy of Choir Director: Ms Jenny Gillan (Years 10-12) and Mr Daniel singing, this is an opportunity for people to drop in with their Brinsmead (Years 7-9) lunch and enjoy a half-hour singing fun songs with friends. Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, There is no expectation of regular commitment – people from 7:30am to 8:40am in St George’s and MC3 can simply come when they feel. Project Director: Mr Ben Moody Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday lunchtime, Chamber Choirs from 2pm to 2.30pm in St George’s (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)

16 Performing Arts Program 2021 Performing Arts Program 2021 17 Key Contacts

Mr Ben Moody Miss Amelia Jones Director of Performing Arts Dance Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] +61 3 8530 3305 +61 3 8530 3426

Ms Grace Nicastro Hall Mr Callum Dale Head of Music Theatrical Productions Manager [email protected] [email protected] +61 3 8530 3301 +61 3 8530 3283

Dr Gary Ekkel Mrs Susie Baksheev Head of Choral Music Creative Production Assistant [email protected] [email protected] +61 3 9944 3474 +61 3 8530 3283

Ms Anita Narayan Ms Susan Warner Music Programs Manager Performing Arts Administrator [email protected] [email protected] +61 3 8530 3207 +61 3 8530 3251

Ms Annie Fiume Miss Julia Spizzica Head of Dance and Drama Creative Production Assistant [email protected] [email protected] +61 3 8530 3258 +61 3 8530 3283

18 Performing Arts Program 2021 Performing Arts Program 2021 19 20 Performing Arts Program 2021 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 Telephone: +61 3 8530 3200 [email protected] stmichaels.vic.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00345G