Almost, Maine & Music is Full Steam Ahead

Almost, Maine – Senior Play

In July, senior students from De La Salle College and OLSH Bentleigh performed their annual senior play. This years’ offering is an absurdist, romantic comedy, Almost, Maine by John Cariani, adapted for middle schools by Tal Gribbins.

The two performances on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 July in the Tiverton PAC, saw audiences take a journey into the lives and relationships of nine different couples, and explore the highs, lows and confusion of friendship, new love, old resentments and misunderstandings. These relatable circumstances take place in a town called ‘Almost’ in the city of Maine, which doesn’t quite exist. This frosty landscape brings life to the heartwarming, and heart wrenching scenes. The play was full of magical moments set under the northern lights, at times, utilising puppetry and symbolism to enhance the meaning of the narrative. These performances were full of the energy, enthusiasm and skill brought by a talented and dedicated group of staff and students.

Music at De La Salle is Full Steam Ahead

Enrolments in private Music lessons with our wonderful Music staff have taken off in 2022, especially in the burgeoning Primary Year Levels, with violin, cello and guitar currently proving the most popular instruments amongst beginners. At last count, we have 140 students taking private Music lessons at the College, with many more musicians involved in our classroom and ensemble programs.

Our philosophy in the De La Salle Music Department is one guided by inclusion, cooperation and mutual encouragement, not competition. We promote an open-mindedness to all forms of musical experience, with generosity of spirit at its heart, in true Lasallian tradition.

So far, the year has seen some wonderful opportunities for students to perform with many more planned for the remainder of the year, including the inaugural Performing Arts VCE Showcase on 5 October, which will bring together the best of Music, Drama and Dance at De La Salle. We hope to see you there. Luke Serrano Music Coordinator