Our impressive Music Department offers Ensembles in a wide variety of music genres and styles, to cater to all music tastes.
The College Rock Band Groups, ranging from the Junior School to Year 10, will perform on Tuesday, 9 August from 4pm to 5pm in the Recital Room of the Performing Arts Centre (PAC).
Parents and friends are very welcome to come along. We look forward to seeing you!
More information will be communicated to you in Term 3.
Ms Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A most appreciative audience of parents and friends enjoyed an evening of wonderful music on 16 June at the 2022 Festival of Bands. The students were excited to be performing in a celebration of live music, highlighting our concert bands, brass ensembles, and jazz ensembles. Guy Hammerschmidt and Hugo Pizzol (Year 12), were featured as soloists.
Year 12 Soloist Guy Hammerschmidt
Year 12 Soloist Hugo Pizzol with the Cliff Goodchild Concert Band
This may have been the last opportunity for our Year 12 cohort to play in the College bands. The Music Department wishes them good luck in their upcoming examinations and expresses our thanks to Luke Stewart, Evan Hodges, our MCs on the night, Harrison Gippel, Solomon Tuqiri, Mack Trustrum, Hugo Pizzol and Guy Hammerschmidt. A welcoming speech was made by the College Captain, Daniel McSweeny, who incidentally, has been a member of the bands up until this year.
Our guest ensemble was Bondi Brass. Bondi Brass was founded by Cliff Goodchild and initially included students who played in his three school bands: namely, Waverley College, Marcellin College and Sydney Boys High. Cliff’s son, Paul Goodchild, was an Old Boy of the College, and famed trumpeter, who sadly passed away in March, this year.
Special Guests Bondi Brass
Repertoire performed by Bondi Brass included: Flourish by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns, Bugler’s Holiday by Leroy Anderson and Waltzing Matilda arr Gordon Langford.
Jazz Band B with Fox Stapleton as Soloist
Matthew Coorey Concert Band
This event would not have been such a success, without the generous support and work from the following members of the Music Department:
Waterford Concert Band
Mr Dan Williams
Head of Bands
E: dwilliams@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Chris Balkizas
Head of Music
E: cbalkizas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Louis Nowra’s Così tells the story of Lewis, a recent university graduate who in a desperate search for cash, ventures into the world of directing in the early 1970s. Except he’s not just directing any normal ‘Brecht’, or even any normal actors. Instead, he’s been given what seems to be an impossible task – to direct an adaption of Mozart’s opera Così fan tutte, starring the patients of a Melbourne mental asylum. The ragtag group set about the task in what has become an Australian classic, praised for its humour, compassion and vibrancy. For years, audiences have been blessed to see this play brought to life by incredible production teams, and the 2022 Waverley production is no exception.
Director Peter Lamb’s vision is beautifully brought to life in the time capsule production. As soon as the audience enters the theatre we feel as though we’ve been transported back to the 1970s, and admitted into the hospital ourselves. Designer Peter Mussared has perfected the aesthetic of a shabby, thrice burnt-down theatre. We can almost smell the smoke and lighter fluid spilling from Doug’s (Jules Cibej) pockets or hear one of Nick’s (Michael Richmond) anti-war protests march its way past the doors. The costumes for each character are so beautifully crafted. Cherry’s spectacularly eccentric headpieces are a standout throughout the show, and in such wonderfully tailored contrast to the relaxed style of Julie, Madison Crosby (Penklis). Every small detail of the characters and relationships are reflected in the world around them.
This is amplified by the technical work of the Year 12 Entertainment students, who balance the eccentric characters, costumes and set with beautifully crafted lighting and sound design. The ability to know when to hold back technically is a credit to their professionalism and sense of design. They beautifully complement the design and acting in a way that lets them sing (literally) on stage for the audience.
The exceptional cast goes above and beyond to bring these characters to life. If you weren’t told they were students, you would believe them to be professional actors due to the grace and professionalism they have dedicated to their roles. Jessica Campbell’s Cherry has us in stitches from her first entrance to her final exit. Dexter Craddock’s Roy, brings an infectious energy to the stage in a way that amplifies the humour. His ability to balance this with moments of refrain also shows off his depth as an actor. He has the audience swimming with Roy in disappointment as his operatic dreams tumble out of his control. Paired with the work of Sam Stewart’s Lewis, beautifully portraying how it feels to be swimming in chaos and also learning how to thrive in it; the two create moments of dramatic relationship that are simply a pleasure to witness. The entire ensemble works together to build the world, and show us that sometimes madness is the key to creativity.
All these wonderful components come together in the fantastical finale. The Così curtain splashes the fun and colour of the entire production up into one beautifully chaotic mess of materials. As the cast comes together one last time to sing us out – led by Luke Crosson and the added ensemble, a masterful addition by Mr Lamb to showcase the musical talents and creative future of Waverley College – the audience is swept up in the magic of the entire show. We laugh, we cry and we feel for every single character on that stage. And most importantly, we leave the theatre with a smile on our faces, and want nothing more than to return and see this incredibly talented team again.
Ms Erin Golden
UNSW Drama Method Practicum student
Ms Alison Jinga
Head of Drama and Entertainment
E: ajinga@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Public performances require an extraordinary amount of work, particularly when they are produced at a high standard. As well as creativity, an immense amount of planning, coordination, people skills, patience, good humour and flexibility is required, in the lead up to the event, during the performances and after the show is over. It can feel like a heady mix of exhaustion and exhilaration, all at once!
The creative work of all people involved in a production, particularly those ‘behind the scenes’, is crucial to every public performance. To this end, thanks are due to these people, whose contributions are so good that they can sometimes be invisible to an audience:
Set, costume and properties designer, lighting designer, production manager, lighting operator, follow spot, costume dressers, backstage supervisors, set construction and dress, sound designer, stage manager, sound operator, photographer, administration, videography, make-up, program designer and writer, and supporting teachers, staff, our two principals and our cleaners.
We would also like to say an enormous thank you to the Issac family. ‘Jams Catering’ by Naomi Isaac, catered at the Così performances, with all three of her wonderful boys from Years 11, 9 and 7 assisting not only with the food, but also with the preparation of setup and pack down each night. Alistair, Lachlan and Oliver put so much effort into making sure each evening ran smoothly, along with helping to serve the sumptuous food, and making sure everyone was made to feel welcome. These boys’ attention to detail and assistance was invaluable. Lachlan was also the talented trumpeter in Così. You are amazing – all three of you. A big thank you must also go to Naomi’s husband Greg, and Naomi’s mum.
Ms Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Vanessa Witton
Marketing Communications Specialist
E: vwitton@waverley.nsw.edu.au
“The goal isn’t perfection – the idea is to make music. That’s a healthy attitude and not just for musicians.”
Wednesday, 8 June heralded the second year of the fabulous Piano Competition at Waverley College, now an annual fixture in the calendar of the Music Department. Open to students enrolled in our College’s Instrumental Music Program and those taking lessons externally, the afternoon competition delivered an opportunity for young pianists to showcase their playing in front of accomplished invited guest adjudicator, Mr Evan Streater.
Mr Evan Streater
Performance opportunities for musicians are very valuable. They are especially important for piano players because in school bands and ensembles, there are limited opportunities for piano and keyboard players to ‘find a home’!
Public performance in front of families and peers provides opportunities to build confidence and performing skills, as well as the incentive to learn and prepare repertoire to the highest level possible. Hearing other students in the same area of study is priceless, because it means students can compare performances and receive authentic feedback from an expert adjudicator.
23 students stepped up to be part of the Piano Competition this year, sharing their music with a small but appreciative audience of families and students in the PAC Recital Room. Submitting themselves before Mr Streater, students performed repertoire across a variety of genres, in four Divisions. From classic rock, blues, film scores, ragtime, musicals, folk and classical, there really was something for everyone.
The standard of playing by students across all Divisions was excellent. Congratulations to each and every boy who bravely faced the audience to introduce their piece/s and play for our listening pleasure.
Despite extremely challenging time constraints, Mr Streater listened critically whilst quickly and calmly writing detailed reports on 33 performance pieces. Truly remarkable! This wonderful event concluded with his brief but valuable remarks to our winning pianists, and the charismatic Ms Jaz Dolso awarding the prizes across each Division.
Waverley sincerely thanks Mr Streater for his expert adjudication, proficient piano tutor Mr Barry Kenny, Head of Department Mr Chris Balkizas for initially strategising the concept, PAC Coordinator Ms Keiran Kossenberg for her incredible administrative assistance, faculty member Ms Jaz Dolso and Thomas Jackson-Whitlock, Year 9 for enthusiastically compèring the event, and Ms Michelle Rollins and Mr Chris Blenkinsopp for their amiable and steadfast support.
Ms Keiran Kossenberg and Ms Vanessa Witton
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
Marketing Communications Specialist
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
E: vwitton@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Students wishing to commence private music lessons in Semester 2, 2022 (Terms 3 and 4), are encouraged to complete the below online application form. Private Music lessons are not compulsory but are strongly encouraged for students performing in the many ensembles on offer here at Waverley.
>>> Click here to view and complete the private music tuition form.
For cancellation of private music tuition, please email notifying if your son will be DISCONTINUING. Please advise your son’s full name, year, music tutor and instrument to kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
All remaining students will automatically rollover into Semester 2, 2022, and be billed in the July school fees unless notification of the cancellation of lessons is advised by Wednesday, 22 June 2022.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Music Office on phone: 9369 0623 or email kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
E: kkossenberg@waverely.nsw.edu.au
This year’s Piano Competition will be held in the Recital Room of the Performing Arts Centre, commencing at 3:45pm on Wednesday, 8 June 2022.
Entry to the Recital Room is via the lower level of the building from the carpark, opposite the tennis courts.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming parents and friends of the 22 amazing entrants.
Yes.
>>> Click here to RSVP and to advise the number of guests attending.
Mrs Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley College Festival of Bands 2022 will take place on Thursday, 16 June in the Br RJ Wallace Performing Arts Centre, commencing at 6:30pm.
We welcome Bondi Brass as Special Guests, joining The Waverley College Cliff Goodchild Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, Year 12 Soloists, Jazz Bands A and B, Matthew Coorey Concert Band, and the Waterford Concert Band performing on stage.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from 5:30pm.
>>> Click here to view the Festival of Bands Flyer.
If so, please email Christina Leonard, President of The Music Supporter’s Group.
E: pac_supportersgroup@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The evening will showcase two 40-minute halves with an intermission. Tickets sell quickly!
There are two ways to book/purchase tickets.
Mrs Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Music Supporters’ AGM will be held on Wednesday, 18 May at 5pm in the Performing Arts Centre. Please come to the lower level and the meeting will be held in Room P11.
Please come along and find out about the Music Supporters’ Group, upcoming events, and ways to become involved. Christina Leonard as President of The Music Supporters’ Group can be contacted by email: pac_supportersgroup@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please email Christine if you:
New members are welcome. We look forward to seeing many of you at this meeting.
Mrs Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Waverley College Piano Competition will be held on Tuesday, 7 and Wednesday, 8 June 2022.
Open to students both enrolled in the Instrumental Music Program within the College and those taking lessons externally, the Competition offers an opportunity for students to show off their very best playing, whilst under the scrutiny of a respected invited adjudicator.
It provides a chance to build confidence and performing skills in front of an audience, including their peers, as well as the incentive to learn and prepare repertoire to the highest level possible. Additionally, it allows the occasion to hear other students in the same area of study and to compare performances and receive helpful notes from an expert adjudicator.
It’s all about taking part and enjoying both the process and chance to share your music with others … and possibly taking away one of the prizes on offer for each Division!
Winners will be offered the privilege of performing at the Chamber Music Festival, to be held later in the year.
These are available from Ms Kossenberg, PAC Coordinator – please email kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Get thinking about what you would like to play, and submit your application form by Monday, 30 May 2022.
Mrs Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Coordinator
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This term sees our budding actors from St Clare’s and Waverley Colleges, tread the boards of the Br R.J.Wallace Performing Arts Centre stage in our exciting school production of Louis Nowra’s, Cosi.
Opening night is only six weeks away, on Tuesday, 7 June, so rehearsals are well and truly underway. Our students have been learning their lines, learning how their characters speak and move, as well as how they interact with each other.
Our wonderful set designer and set builder, Peter Mussared, is in the theatre this week building the set. At the beginning of the process, at a very early production meeting, Peter Lamb the director, discussed his vision for the play, i.e. that he wanted to present this classic Australian play in the era in which it was intended: the 1970s. So the set, costumes, hairstyles, etc are fun, as they do accurately reflect a time capsule from the 1970s! Our cast are excited to get onto the set in the next couple of weeks, to fully work within the world of the play.
Talented Peter Mussared building the COSI set
Our lucky VET Entertainment students are able to observe this process, and they will be working on the show in technical areas such as: stage management, audio, staging and lighting. This is an internal work placement for the boys, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, where they have not been able to get out to Entertainment Industry work sites, it is such a necessary and relevant experience for them.
I’d like to thank Ms Jaz Dolso for her ongoing work with the ensemble, who are learning a Split Enz song called ‘That Was My Mistake.’
Lewis – Sam Stewart
Nick – Michael Richmond
Justin – Tom Stewart
Lucy – Madison Crosby
Roy – Dexter Craddock
Henry – Matt Woods
Doug – Jules Cibej
Cherry – Jessica Campbell
Julie – Madison Crosby
Rupert – Bert Cottell
Zac – Luke Crossen
Ensemble – Gabe Rutter, James Peate, Lachlan Isaac, Elliot Witten, Fox Stapleton
Tickets are now on sale. To purchase tickets to this wonderful play, please go to the Events section of the website or follow the link below.
>>> Click here to purchase tickets to Cosi.
I look forward to seeing you soon and enjoying a wonderful night at the theatre.
Ms Alison Jinga
Head of Drama and VET Entertainment, Producer of Cosi
E: ajinga@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Students in Years 5-12 are encouraged to enter the Waverley Youth Art Prize, 2022.
All artworks are exhibited so that future artists get to experience the joy of exhibiting and see an audience appreciate their work.
The theme for this year is ‘Science, Space and Future Stories.’
The theme encourages entrants to consider the world around us, the possibility of worlds beyond ours, how we understand our existence, and what might be next in store for us.
If you’re in the Senior School and you’re interested in submitting a work for the prize, you’re welcome to collect a drawing pack from the Visual Arts staffroom to get you started.
If you’re in the Junior School and you’re interested in submitting a work for the prize, you’re welcome to collect a drawing pack from the Learning Hub to get you started.
>>> Click here to view the Waverley Youth Art Prize Submission Form.
>>> Click here to view more information about the Waverley Youth Art Prize, 2022.
Ms Natalie Oates
Head of Visual Arts
E: noates@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Visual Arts Club will be offered at Waverley as a winter activity for students from Years 5-12. It will commence Term 2, Week 2, 2022.
Visual Arts Club provides an opportunity for students to build skills in critical and creative thinking. This winter, students will be introduced to ‘Printmaking: Narratives.’
Each student will be introduced to a range of printmaking techniques and processes, and will build their knowledge and confidence in the planning, carving, and printing of artworks.
In Visual Arts Club students will:
Cost: $120.00
Materials: all materials will be supplied
Session times: select ONE from the following:
OR
Ms Stephanie Falk
Visual Arts Teacher
E: sfalk@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
Watch our video
