ARTStanding

Variety is the spice of life

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Highlights from Visual Arts, Drama, and Music.

Thanks Dr B!
At the end of this Term we bid farewell to our Learning Area Leader, Dr Loretta Bowshall-Freeman. Through her time at Mercedes College, Loretta has been instrumental - pardon the pun - in all facets of the Music Department, as a true R-12 Music Teacher and taking a variety of music ensembles. We wish her the best of luck as takes up a position at Flinders University until 2024.

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IB Diploma Programme Art Exhibition
We recently had the pleasure of showcasing the works of our five visual arts IB Diploma Programme students in a special exhibition curated by the artists. Each exhibition, by Annalise Psevdos, Georgina Harvey, Isabel Pena Negrette, Isabella Shakib, and Olivia Sampson (all Year 12), featured up to seven works, exploring diverse themes of water, human connections, grief, mythology, and intimacy.

At the opening event students were congratulated and inspired by Old Scholar and professional glass blower Emma Klau, who shared her history of working in visual arts and the importance of creativity to inspire others. Senior music students Maisie Aitken and Raff Raschella (both Year 12) added a sense of occasion with a live performance as well.

We wish our students the best of luck on their results for these incredible works of art.

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Mercedes Drama Company presents Merry Madness
The Mercedes Drama Company consists of students from Year 6 through to Year 12 and is an extension programme designed to provide the immersive experience of delivering a full-scale production.

This Term the Company presented Merry Madness, a short comical show based on the tale of Robin Hood and, with two sold out performances, it can certainly be considered a hit! The show was littered with clever puns, humorous songs, and uninhibited comedic gold from a great cast of students.

Congratulations to the Company for working together to produce such a successful production.

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Alive with the sound of music
Term 3 was certainly abuzz with music, and since our flagship event CONVERGE in Week 6 our music department has continued to flourish.

Our students as always have embraced every opportunity to practice their performing skills, from a lunchtime guitar concert in the library, to mini instrumental concerts in the Strathspey Parlour, Our Year 12 Arts Leaders even coordinated lunch time karaoke in the lead up to Mercy Week.

By far the biggest achievement in recent weeks for our music department was to represent Mercedes College at the Catholic Schools Music Festival. This major event, held over four nights at the Festival Theatre, features performances by choirs and soloists from Catholic schools around the state. Students audition for the opportunity to perform, and our students made us very proud by being invited to two of the event evenings.

Pianist Katarina Samaras (Year 12, featured image) performed a magnificent solo rendition of Ballade in G Minor, Op 118, No. 3 on the opening night, to much praise. Then, on the second evening, our Festival Choir performed as part of the 350-strong primary school combined choir, and were supported by Vocal Jazz, who performed A Place By The River.

This achievement is no small feat, and we are thrilled for our students that they have had the opportunity to perform on the main stage of the Festival Theatre to massive, and appreciative, audiences.

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Thank you to all of our music families for your continuous support and encouragement of your children. Your attendance at performances, transport to and from rehearsals, and overall cheerleading does not go unnoticed.

There is plenty to set our sights upon for Term 4, so stay tuned!

Lauren Vilanova
CEA Music Coordinator R-12