THE JOY OF CREATING AND TOGETHERNESS

It’s great being back at school doing the things we love after learning from home during lockdowns in 2020. For the many involved in music and the performing arts at Ballarat Grammar, it’s a very special feeling.

Director of Music and Chair of the Performing Arts Faculty Andrew Dale says there is a lovely energy about the place.

“We are all very excited – not just the students but the staff as well. Everyone has come back with a hunger to really get involved and an extra appreciation of being able to play together."

Junior School percussion group 'Bangers and Smash' performed at the flag raising ceremony at Harmony Fest in Ballarat in March. PHOTO: Chipshots Photography

Music teacher Antoinette Dillon with some of our youngest learners at the Centre for Early Education. The 4-year-old Kindergarten groups have specialist music classes as part of their learning curriculum.

Andrew says rehearsing and performing together has a big impact on your sense of wellbeing.

“It’s as important for your mental wellbeing as for the artistic and learning aspect.”

Andrew understands the importance of live performance for musicians and performing artists as well as from an audience point of view.

“It’s how our students progress their craft and develop their skills over time to meet short, medium and long-term goals. A lot of our students hadn’t been on stage since November 2019 so they are excited to be back. Also, people are desperate to go and see things which generates another level of excitement in itself. We had about 500 attend the Year 7 Instrumental Selection Evening! Live performances also give our VET sound production students real-life experience for their assessment.” Andrew says the Senior Production is a great example of how important the cultural experience is for everyone involved.

“At least 100 students are involved in this year’s show including the on-stage performers, the orchestra, and the lighting, sound and backstage teams. There’s such an incredible energy when everyone is in the room together.” While Andrew missed the collaboration and collegiality last year, the thing he missed most was being able to come together and play.

“There’s a different level of joy and aesthetics that is very difficult to replace when you’re using an online platform.”

The Middle and Senior School Production this year is Roald Dahl's Matilda, the Musical, and rehearsals are in full-swing. The performances will be held in the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts from 15-17 July. Tickets will be available online at www.wcpa.com.au and we hope to see many from our community come and enjoy the show!

Johanna Wilson and Millie Holder (Co-Music Captains), Daisy Rogers (Performing Arts Captain) and Charlie Williams (Year 11) are all heavily involved in music and the performing arts at Grammar.

They tell us what it feels like to be back rehearsing and performing together.

Johanna plays trumpet, piano and guitar and is involved in a range of ensembles, the Senior Production Orchestra and the Ballarat Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

“It’s great to have live music again after doing it via recordings and zoom calls for so long. I love the atmosphere of being part of the band or orchestra when the music surrounds you and you’re right in it. You don’t get that on your own. The joy of music for me is about the culture – playing with others and connecting with people who share your passion.”

Millie plays orchestral percussion, drum kit, keyboard and bass. She also sings, and is involved in a range of classical and contemporary ensembles and the Senior Production Orchestra.

“I really missed playing music with others and for others. Being able to experience that again is really special. Most of us only have these opportunities at school so it was a big loss last year. I realise what a privilege it is to be looking forward to getting together. It brings joy to your week. What I love about live performance is that you spend so much time trying to perfect your craft. You’re continually tweaking and personalising it.” Daisy does dance, drama and vocals and is playing the lead, Matilda, in the Senior Production.

“The vibe and energy when we did the ‘Waka’ (a warm-up activity that is a long-held Ballarat Grammar tradition) in our first rehearsal back together was incredible. The Senior Production isn’t just about the show, it’s about the culture – doing it with others who love the same thing and working as a team. We really appreciate now how special that is. Everyone is busting to perform and get on stage. There’s so much more energy than there’s ever been before.”

Charlie plays alto saxophone and is involved in a range of ensembles.

“It’s a really good feeling. The best thing about being in an ensemble for me is listening to all of the parts coming together and I really missed that last year. Practising by yourself is tough – it definitely gives you a lot of motivation when you’re working with the group. Live performances are the pay off for so much hard work and their unpredictable nature is a really exciting feeling.”