Religious Education

2020 was a year like no other. Students and staff in The Arts started the year with the expectation and the excitement of presenting live performances, attending concerts and showcasing the College’s Music program. Many of these events were unable to take place, however, our boys found new and innovative ways to display their musical talents. From delivering lessons and rehearsing online to live streaming performances, students adapted and excelled during this challenging and disruptive time.

There were some outstanding individual as well as group performances this year from our elective students in Years 8 – 12. Many of our Year 8 and 9 boys had not performed in front of an audience and, even though they were extremely nervous, their determination and support from their classmates delivered many memorable moments. Special mention for this must go to the Year 8 music class and their film music performances. Several rock bands were formed this year, performing in year level ensembles and at the annual interhouse band competition. Hopefully, these groups will stay together and keep rocking well into 2021.

Year 8 Music students explored the world of music that surrounds them by focusing on music in the media. Whether it is through advertising or film, radio or gaming, the boys were amazed by how important the role of music is in selling an idea to a target audience. Year 9 students focused on Australian music and the diverse range of styles and genres it incorporates. From Aussie folk to Indigenous music, the boys had plenty of songs to choose from for their performances. Both year levels finished the year by writing and recording their own pieces of music. Whether in a rock group or as a solo acoustic artist, this challenging task produced some fantastic results some of which we hope to hear on the radio in the not too distant future.

Year 10 students began the year by looking at popular trends in music and the impact of the global music industry. Students explored music from other countries and discovered the important role it plays in many cultures. To understand that music is not only a form of entertainment, but the one true universal language gave the boys a sense that they were a part of something special. In the Senior year, students, especially in Year 11, spent most of their time developing their own unique styles and personalities which formed the foundation of their performances and compositional works.

Finally, congratulations to the Senior Music class: Hayden Dunlop, Matthew Wilmen and Benjamin Herrero. These boys have not only survived a very disrupted year but have also navigated successfully the new ATAR Senior Music program. These boys have worked tirelessly over the past two years and should be commended for their efforts. Best of luck for the future, boys!

Matthew Thiele | Teacher