Winter Concert Series

Drama Night

On Monday night both Professor Thespian and I (Professor Impersonator) had the pleasure of hosting and performing in the Semester 1 2024 Drama Night. A completely star-studded line up of students from Years 7-12 mesmerised the audience as they took to the stage with spectacular energy and spirit.

The curtains opened on our very own school captain Sami W performing a remarkable HSC monologue as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. We were then taken to the edge of our seats by the Year 7 drama ensemble performing a gripping original piece named On the Inside, creating a spin on your classic fairy tales. Year 10 students, Sophie D and Stella D took to the stage enchanting us with a ‘soulful’ realism piece from the Australian play Away. Lily B then took us on a roller coaster of emotions when performing her HSC monologue of BoJack Horseman’s eulogy to his mother. And after some... ethically dubious thinking in the lab, we have concluded that she definitely didn’t horse around!

Following Lily, we were engrossed in the perspective-changing story that the Year 8 ensemble performed, titled Women’s Rights that stood up for women everywhere. Following the Year 8s, another duologue was performed by Keira M and Lucy O from the play Away. Their insight into the characters was amazing. A personal highlight was the Year 11 performance of Exodus which put a spin onto the well-known original bible classic Moses and the burning bush creating a humorous masterpiece.

Lastly, the Senior drama ensemble graced the audience with their presence performing a piece titled, Harry Potter, Hogwarts and All. The parody followed the first book in the series bringing lots of laughs and joy to the audience.

It was an honour to perform alongside these talented students, and as Theatrical Professors, we can’t wait to see which experiments come next!

Eva R and Abi T

Celebration of Dance

Last week all dance students performed in the Semester 1 ”Celebration of Dance” showcase and what a fabulous night it was! All dance students from Years 7-12 performed in two shows with only a 20 minute break between, and I have never been more proud. From beginners to the elite, this really was the show that had it all.

Every student involved gave more than 100% and had such a wonderful time. The smiles on their faces, and the energy exuded on stage, was a clear display of how much these girls love to dance. The showcase included the Performance Groups, Ensembles, Company, Extension Company, Years 9-11 Elective Dance, HSC Dance pieces, Year 10 compositions, student choreography, and solo items. Many styles were on show including Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Commercial Contemporary, Commercial Jazz, and Traditional Contemporary.

This was also the last dance showcase for the Year 12 Dancers. A special farewell tribute was given to these girls at the end of the show. Most of the Year 12 dancers have been dancing at Stella Maris for their entire secondary school life and it is always so heart breaking to see them go. The Year 12 dancers of 2024 included the School Captain, Vice Captains, and Performing/Creative Arts Prefect. Having these leadership girls amongst the dance community is a reflection of the influence dance can have on the girls' confidence and drive. Farewell Year 12 Dancers: Holly B, Matilda C, Roisin C, Ella D, Poppy H (School Vice-Captain), Melanie L, Catherine L, Eloise P, Isabella P (School Vice-Captain), Vianney S (Performing Arts Prefect), and Samantha W (School Captain).

If you missed this show make sure you come along to the Semester 2 “Celebration of Dance” in November. You will not be disappointed!

Showcase of Music

Last night's 'Showcase of Music' was incredible, with many audience members saying it was "the best one yet". Throughout the night, many students performed, from solo artists, to groups, to the elective music classes, vocal ensemble and bands.

To open, the Performance Band played an amazing set of songs, Irish Holiday, and a Coldplay Medley. Later in the evening, the vocal ensemble sang wonderfully as they performed Bubbly and Breaking Up is Hard to Do. Then the contemporary band added a pop twist, performing a fun rendition of “Since U Been Gone”. The Jazz band kept the energy high with a mashup of “Seven Nation Army”, “Sweet Dreams” and “Titanium”. The Percussion Ensemble then performed a vibrant and rhythmic piece, “Rumble in the Jungle”. All these ensembles demonstrated the amazing talent across all years. There were also many amazing small group and solo items ranging from pop, to jazz and even some opera.

Performances by the Year 9, 10, and 11 elective music classes demonstrated the depth of young talent, with each class presenting well-rehearsed and engaging pieces.

A huge thank you to Y11 Entertainment Industry class, Music students and staff, their dedication and hard work provided an evening of entertainment and fun for all.

Isabella C

Dance News

“Chicago” Excursion

The Year 9, 200 Hours Elective Dance class, along with the Year 10, 200 Hours Elective Dance class, were treated to a very glamorous excursion to see “Chicago” the musical at the glorious Capitol Theatre. Year 9 Elective Dance have been studying Popular Dance and Dance on Screen which made this the perfect excursion for them to see Musical Theatre performed live. A comparison between the live show and “Chicago” the movie offered many insights into the power of stage and screen. Simply sitting in the ornate theatre was an exquisite experience, let alone the amazing talent on display from the cast. All of the students had a wonderful time and gained a better understanding of theatre etiquette, professional dance requirements/careers, the use of sets/lighting/costuming, and the collaborative nature between musicians, actors, singers and dancers needed for musicals. It was a wonderful experience for all.

Competitions

The Stella dancers have been busy over a couple of weekends with some of our best results to date! This was also the last competitions for the Year 12 students who finish dance to focus on their studies for HSC. It was an emotional weekend!

At Extreme Eisteddfod Senior Extension groups competed and took out 1^st Place in three genres – Contemporary, Lyrical & Jazz! This was a huge improvement from their first competition two weeks prior, and a fantastic result winning against schools like PLC, Brigidine, Oxford Falls, and Freshwater High to name a few.

The Junior Company, Ensembles, and Ext Hip Hop Company also placed in three genres. This was the Junior groups' first competition of the year and routines had only just been finished. I can’t wait to see their improvement over the season.

All students represented Stella Maris proudly, and respectfully, showing support of all other schools and good sportsmanship, by cheering other schools on and congratulating them on their performances. I am extremely proud of their conduct.

Extreme Eisteddfod Results

• 1^st Place – Years 8-12 Extension Contemporary Company “Dracula”
• 1^st Place – Years 8-11 Extension Lyrical Company “Vampire”
• 1^st Place – Years 8-12 Extension Commercial Jazz Company “Born This Way”
• 1^st Place – Years 7-8 Contemporary Company “Toxic”
• 2^nd Place – Years 7-9 Lyrical Company “How Do I Say Goodbye”
• 3^rd Place – Years 8-12 Extension Jazz Company “Criminal”
• Highly Commended – Years 7-9 Jazz Company “Lose My Breath”

IRBD Eisteddfod Results (Extension groups only):

• 2^nd Place - Years 8-11 Extension Lyrical Company “Vampire”
• Highly Commended - Years 8-12 Extension Commercial Jazz Company “Born This Way”