Performing Arts

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS

With a vision for the future, a School that values and supports the arts and now seven years of top-end results, we continue the exciting journey.

2019 has been another special year. Once again, the list of achievements from both individual students and top-performing ensembles is impressive and we remain top of the league nationally. Our participation continues to grow, with over 60 percent of students experiencing a variety of extra-curricular arts and cultural programmes. We are very proud of this growing culture. The Junior and Junior High Schools are where we nurture the talent and now all students get the chance to play an instrument, sing in choirs, participate in drama and dance programmes, and in musical theatre productions from Year 5. Believe me, the response is outstanding and the results loud and clear.

As the year draws to a close, students, staff and community are thrilled with the journeys and the ensuing results – these are exceptional achievements for a small school and none of this could happen without the commitment of parents, the community and the expertise of our highly skilled team of professional teachers, tutors and coaches.

We are fast becoming nationally and internationally renowned as a centre of excellence in the performing arts and with the opening of our auditorium in 2020, we can offer another exciting new space where girls can engage and explore the creative arts through dance, drama, music, visual arts and media, production and events management.

So, from me and my team, thank you everyone for your ongoing contribution to this success. Enjoy the summer recess and roll on 2020!

Year 13 leaders Doris Dong, Sharon Hung, Rebecca He, Jacqui Li, Olivia Francis, Emma Wong She, Hannah Barber-Wilson. T he Diocesan Arts Awards were held on Tuesday 22 October in our School Hall. This special night celebrates the achievement and dedication students have shown in all areas of the creative arts. The girls honoured represent the remarkable talent at this School. 2019 has been another fantastic year with students achieving success at regional, national and international levels. All our arts awards are given as acknowledgement for work beyond the academic curriculum. We also acknowledge the tremendous contribution of our dedicated staff who coach groups and encourage individuals to achieve at the very highest level.

Diocesan Honours is the highest Arts Award. It is presented for achievements above and beyond secondary school level at both national and international level. This year there was one recipient: cellist extraordinaire, Sharon Hung. Director of Performing Arts Shelagh Thomson paid tribute to Sharon.

“Sharon is a young woman who has always challenged herself and possesses a rare talent for captivating audiences.

“Sharon burst on the scene in Year 9 with a fierce determination, energy and curiosity, which comes through, not only in her cello playing, but in everything she tackles, and this has never diminished over the years I have known her. In my first encounters with her I witnessed a level of musicianship that was clearly above and beyond the norm.

“She started playing the cello aged seven, and with her quirkiness and that rare gift of not being scared to be different, she progressed at an incredible rate, winning competitions and awards. She has always been a cellist to watch. In Year 9 she gained the highest mark in New Zealand for the ABRSM Performance Diploma and was selected as the youngest member of the Auckland Youth Orchestra. In