Dance

Top Class Drama and Dance

The VCE Drama and Dance students recently visited the Melbourne Recital Centre to view the ‘Top Class’ performances for Drama and Dance. ‘Top Class’ showcases some of the top scoring VCE Drama and Dance solos from across the state.

We were thrilled to be able to watch Class of 2023 students, Shayna Sampieri and Sienna Koop perform on these occasions, Shayna for Dance and Sienna for Drama. Shayna and Sienna are shining examples of how students at Kilbreda can excel in the arts through hard work, dedication and commitment.

The VCE students returned inspired and motivated to continue developing their own pieces. We wish them the very best during this creative process, and for their upcoming Solo and Ensemble performances.

Laura Gibbs
Teacher

Hip Hop and Dance

In Year 8 Dance this semester, we’ve learnt many new skills. We focussed on creating our own movement and then some awesome moves in Hip Hop.  In Term 1, we created group dances based around the theme of ‘Space’ using our own movement vocabularies.

In Term 2, with the help of our fabulous Hip Hop instructor, Steph, we’ve been able to learn and combine our knowledge of Hip Hop as a style. All of our energy has been put into a lot of new moves! It’s been so much fun to learn new styles and have fun with classmates whilst learning choreography! 

We can’t wait to see what we do next. I can say that I will definitely be doing Year 9 Dance next year. Many of my classmates will also! Year 8 Dance has been very informative and fun. Thank you to all of our teachers for the help and support over the semester! 

Verity Perks 
Year 8

Music

Are You Considering VCE Music?

Last year, VCAA released the new VCE Music Study Design. The new streams in this program include Music Repertoire Performance, Music Contemporary Performance, Music Inquiry and Music Composition. After much research and feedback, it was deemed appropriate to ensure that new music curriculum offerings were accessible and relevant to students with a wide variety of skill levels and interests.

The new study design has a fresh focus on Australian music compositions since 1990 and compulsory ensemble performance for students completing a solo program. Another notable difference is that performance students are now able to have free choice in their exam program repertoire, which in the past had to all be chosen from a prescribed list.

Students considering VCE Music should be aware that it involves learning a theory and aural language (similar to Japanese, French etc) and also requires a physical skill development in the areas of coordination and mastery of an instrument or voice. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students prepare for this in the junior secondary years leading up to VCE, with private vocal/instrumental tuition, performance experiences and classroom Music studies, so that they can be at a standard comparable to other students in the state by Year 12.

Students who complete VCE Music must enjoy practising their instrument/voice, and as a guide, would be expected to do this for a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes per day. Practice sessions can be broken up throughout the day and many past students have found that a before school session, followed by another later in the day, work well.

The VCE Music course can be surprisingly demanding for some. However, if it is an area of passion, the benefits will be large. Often students enjoy the fact that ‘practice’ is a form of study, contrasting with other subjects that are highly theoretical. Preparing an exam program can be a creative outlet, a way to relax and the end of year performance exam an accomplishment and experience to value for life.

Kara-Lee Rabbetts
Learning Leader: Performing Arts-Music

Student Reflections

Music in VCE gives us a chance to grow and develop our skills playing instruments and in theory. Through the program, we have learned to appreciate group ensemble performances, as well as performing solos to wider audiences. Along with these performances, we were inspired by the performers at the Music Top Class. This day out helped us get an idea of the amount of talent that is out there amongst other schools. I would really recommend VCE music for the knowledge gained and the fun everyone has had.

Leah Royal
Year 11

Over the past semester, our class has delved into music theory, such as rhythm reading, sight-singing, key signatures, scales, intervals and chords. We have been taught how to become a professional musician and what it involves. Each week, we spend lessons rehearsing our solos and ensembles. We have taken part in performances at school assemblies, the Mother’s Day Breakfast, the International Woman’s Day Breakfast, and the Kilbreda Festival. These performance opportunities have given us an outlet to express our passion for music. Upon reflecting on my wonderful introduction to Units 1&2 VCE Music, I’m extremely grateful for the knowledge and opportunities it has provided for me. Our incredible Music teacher, Ms Rabbetts, has guided us with her expert knowledge and has already taught us so much. I’m thrilled to share my experience and watch the next generations of new musicians in our College community.

Grace Robins
Year 11