1425 Sturt Street Ballarat Victoria 3350 t 03 5330 8200 f 03 5333 1513 www.clarendon.vic.edu.au

Artwork by Charlotte Steele Year 11 2011

showcase

showcaseWendouree Centre for Performing ArtsSaturday 23 August 20142pm and 7pm performances

celebrating 150 years of performing arts

BCC Big Band 1979

Christian Sullivan

Christian thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Performing Arts at Ballarat Clarendon College, playing significant roles in both the 2013 Senior School Play and Musical. Christian has gone on to study Commerce at the University of Melbourne and is still heavily involved in drama at Queen’s College.

Cindy Thomas

“There were numerous musical highlights during my years at BCC. I was in awe of Mr Vendy’s various transcriptions and arrangements for Concert Band, including College’s own adaptation of Les Miserables. I remember playing on stage in Hawaii with Benjamin Northey as soloist for Persuasion by Sammy Nestico. I am indebted to the BCC Music staff (1985-1990) for profoundly influencing my studies, philosophy of music education, and teaching practice. In particular, I’d like to thank Mrs Liz Deveson for helping me with an important decision in Year 9, when I was trying to choose between the language and music electives.”

Cindy works at the Melbourne Recital Centre and has taught instrumental, ensemble and classroom music in P-12 schools in Victoria and undergraduate music performance courses in the USA.

Brad Smith

“My time spent at BCC Performing Arts was invaluable. I continued with the Smith family tradition and started learning trumpet with Matt Turner and then Ian Govan. I played in most of the bands that needed brass at College and had the most fun with the Stage Band. All that music experience allowed me to continue on playing once I left school. I was lucky enough to play alongside some great artists like Kate Ceberano, Rhonda Burchmore and James Morrison. I’m now a police officer in the Northern Territory based in Alice Springs. It’s a very challenging role taking me all over the NT and I’m loving every minute of it.”

Geoff Smith

Geoff Smith was the Director of Music at BCC from 1975 until 1983. In this relatively short time, he inspired students, through his own love of all things musical, to follow their dreams. When he started, the “band” was a couple of guitarists, a few string players, an RE teacher playing bassoon, and his own brass students- around 15 all together. By 1980, the Concert Band (around 100 strong) had not only beaten arch rivals Blackburn High School to take out the State Concert Band Championships, but also won at South Street in the same year. He instigated the “Big Band”, the school Brass Band, and many other ensembles as well as an Orchestra. He left BCC with an amazing musical legacy that still lives on. As a musician in his own right, on trumpet and cornet, he recorded two solo albums, played in many jazz bands and brass bands.

Michael Smith

“Music was always the best part of being at BCC. I joined the concert band in Year 7, initially conducted by my father Geoff Smith, soon to be followed by the left handed conducting of Graeme Vendy!I was never a great trumpeter or singer, but I loved being involved, and ultimately became leader of the Stage Band. I was one of a small group who received School Colours for our involvement in so many of the school’s musical groups. My best friends were my fellow musos.When I get asked which leader I most admire, I don’t jump to Nelson Mandela. For me, the example I use is Graeme Vendy. He inspired and challenged us, going above and beyond (I am sure Loris Vendy would agree!).”

Nerrolyn Ramstrand

“Twenty-two years after leaving high school my journey has taken me as far away from BCC music as I could imagine. My life is now in Sweden with my husband and two young sons. I work as an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation at Jönköping University. So what could Ballarat Clarendon College music mean to someone who has left it all behind? Music is where I began to learn about the importance of disciplined preparation. It is the root of my confidence as a public speaker and where I learnt the importance of working as a team. Ballarat Clarendon College music has shaped my professional career enormously.”

Nerrolyn is currently Associate Professor in School of Health Sciences at Jönköping University.

We would like to welcome you to the 2014 Ballarat Clarendon College Performing Arts Showcase. As part of our 150th celebrations, our showcase comprises 50 Old Collegians working in conjunction with 250 of our current students. As you can imagine this has been a huge undertaking, however with the support of our school community, and the enthusiasm of our Performing Arts staff, Steven Belcher, Helen McIntosh, Louise Emery, Lauren Young, Kyle Hackwill, Sam Bashford-Leger, Kate Carman, David Clark, Stacey Clarke, Dani Fry, Ian Govan, Lauren Knight, Lyndon Kriss, Nerida Meddings, Claire O’Brien and the instrumental teachers, the job has been made a lot easier.

This is a celebration of the Performing Arts, and tonight you will see students from the disciplines of dance, drama and music. We also have on display our recent musicals and selected music ensembles, choirs, and dance troupes. The quality of our Old Collegians is outstanding and many are currently performing professionally or continue to be involved in the arts community.

This has been a very exciting time for our current students to work with professionals and be inspired by their talent and commitment to their craft. We had such a positive response when arranging the Old Collegians, all of them wanting to be a part of this auspicious event. It is a true indication of how they feel about Ballarat Clarendon College and the Performing Arts. As current leaders in the Performing Arts it was an honour to receive the assistance of both Barrie Currie and Graeme Vendy in preparing for tonight. They are true professionals with a love for the school and the Performing Arts. Special thanks are also due to to Jorden Heys, Friends of Performing Arts Committee, Debra Douglas and Tom Hodgson for their preparation for these events.

So please sit back and enjoy an entertaining night and congratulation to the Performing Arts department and may we survive another 150 years! Sarah Barlow Michael HarropHead of Music Head of Drama and Dance

I remember walking into the PAC for the first time when I came to Ballarat Clarendon College in 2007. It was incredibly exciting for a shy, introverted boy of 10, hailing from a rural background. I had never even seen an actual piano before, let alone a Yamaha grand! As a result, I spent all my free time on whichever piano was available, slowly building my skills, repertoire, and as a result, confidence. Through the years, I was thrilled to be involved in ensembles such as Show Band, Geoff Smith Jazz Orchestra, various choirs, Barry Currie Stage Band, etc. As my self-assurance grew, I volunteered for Showcases, Presentation Nights, and even two musicals! Next year, I plan on entering university and studying music – contemporary piano. I would never have dreamed this was possible if it wasn’t for the PAC. The PAC has been instrumental in giving me the supportive environment in which I have developed into a young adult.

Jack Walker, Performing Arts Leader

Today and tonight we will be celebrating something very special - 150 years of Ballarat Clarendon College. It has been my absolute pleasure to be a part of this fantastic program you will all see today, as it showcases some of our very best; the past, present and also future talents of the school. Everybody has been working incredibly hard on putting these shows together, and I have no doubt that this year’s Showcase is something we will remember for years to come.

In the future, I hope to continue my love for musical theatre by studying a BA. In three years time, I will travel to New York to continue my music theatre studies at the American Musical Dramatic Academy. But for now, please enjoy the show!

Molly Fry, Performing Arts Leader

welcome

act 1 Pre Show MusicJazz Quartet

La Passion Percussion Ensemble, written by Percussion EnsembleLeader Noah Heys

WelcomePerforming Arts Leader Jack Walker

Never Tear Us Apart Dance Troupe, choreographed by Stacey Clarke (2005) and Lauren Young

I Bought me a CatMiddle School Choir

Smooth Operator Unit 4 Music Performance Group 1

Sleeping Beauty WaltzIntermediate Strings, danced by Year 8 students Ada Sayasane and Sophie Grima

2014 SS Play The Love for Three Oranges excerpts

Journey through the VoidNovice Band

2014 MS Musical The Little Mermaid excerpts Year 9 student Dominique Souter

Love Rears Its Ugly Head Unit 4 Music Performance Group 2

Hard Knock Life Middle School Dance Troupe

Top Acts Solo Year 12 student Jack Richardson

Skyfall Geoff Smith Jazz Orchestra

interval

2pm showcase

Benjamin Northey

“The music program at BCC remains the most important learning experience I have had. It enabled me to be very well prepared for a career as a professional musician. I have wonderful memories of turning up to beginner band class on early, cold Ballarat mornings. The quality of the teaching was extraordinary and there was a great sense of dedication to high academic outcomes, but also to having great fun through making music.”

Ben is a regular guest conductor with all the Australian and NewZealand Symphony Orchestras and Opera Australia. He is currently Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony and has been appointed Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. He also conducts in Asia and has returned from concerts in Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

David Morris

“I was lucky enough to be part of the all-conquering concert band in 1980 which swept all opposition before it on the competition stage. I was also lucky enough (in the absence of a base trombone) to be in the Big Band. Geoff Smith had a huge influence on my early years. I have recently completed a documentary on his time at BCC entitled “Trumpet Voluntary -The Geoff Smith Story”. Vern Williamson also had a huge influence on my life, stepping in to help when I really needed it, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Like so many, I stopped playing when I left school and it was only when I started teaching my own kids to play that I returned to my brass band roots.”

Ashlea Pyke

“I remember when I first started at BCC the entire school got together to farewell the incomparable Mr Vendy. I had barely met him, but even as a 12 year old I was devastated. Luckily for us though, he would continue to have a huge impact on my musical adventure. I still go to GV for sheet music for auditions or the occasional note bash and I thank him for my love of all things Jazz. Since leaving College I have worked almost consistently in musical theatre. Some credits include We Will Rock You, Oklahoma, SHOUT!, Hairspray, Legally Blonde and most recently playing Columbia in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I am currently in rehearsals for MARLIN, an exciting new co-production that premiers in October this year.”

Jake Mason

“Ballarat Clarendon College was where most of my musical journeys began. I can still clearly remember when Ben Northey gave me the green light to swap from Clarinet to Alto Saxophone. Many great sessions with Barry Currie playing tunes and his tireless efforts to encourage me to learn my scales! The biggest influence however was Graeme Vendy. I feel fortunate to have been part of a very special time at Ballarat Clarendon College with a music department that was on the highest rung!”

Jake Mason (aka Mai Sonique) is a producer, songwriter and artist. He also is a highly accomplished saxophonist and keyboardist. As a musician he has featured with the likes of Oz legends Richard Clapton, Mark Seymour, Clare Bowditch and Hugh Jackman.

Brendan McDougall

Brendan’s time at Ballarat Clarendon College is a treasured one, particularly in the drama department. His first role in a play came when he was cast as Mozart in Amadeus in 2010 at College, andtheatre soon became a passion. He went on to perform in the school’s Guys and Dolls and Foreigners From Home. He is now in his third year of an Arts Degree at Melbourne University and has worked in an amateur theatre context as actor, writer and director. He is currently directing the Queen’s College Music & Drama Society’s production of The Crucible.

Nick McRoberts

“The Music Centre (as we called it then) and Graeme Vendy and many of the staff at BCC were an integral part of my development as a musician. I find myself frequently quoting Graeme’s words of wisdom in my coaching job and still think back to some of the key moments when I discovered what it meant to “be” a musician. The general music classes, music lessons, access to the score and record library, and above all the annual musicals, opened a world of possibilities and challenges I would not have otherwise known. The BCC music program remains a very important part of who I am today. “

Nick balances a busy agenda between music and consulting. He is based in Paris and conducts regularly as well as touring as aperforming musician with his band.

Amy Maiden

Amy has travelled the world as a performer with P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and even a stint as a Mouseketeer with Disney Cruise Lines! Upon returning to dry land, she based herself in London where she moved into producing and was not only invited to Buckingham Palace to meet HRH Queen Elizabeth II but also nominated as 2009 Australian Woman of The Year in The UK in recognition of her efforts in raising more than $50,000 for the Black Saturday Bushfires by producing a benefit concert. During her time in London, Amy had the opportunity to work with clients including Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot, Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story Live on Stage, Legally Blonde and Rock of Ages.

Amy is thrilled to be presenting Carole King songs, including the first song she sang at her first vocal lesson at Clarendon.

Fiona McClure

“In my time at Ballarat Clarendon College, the music program was under the direction of Mr Vendy, and offered students an opportunity to be accepted as part of a community, develop their self-discipline and learning skills, and explore their creativity and the wider world. During our Concert Band trip to Japan we stayed with Japanese families, enabling us to not only experience new foods, living environments and cultural practices, but also to be humbled by their enthusiasm and generosity. The respect shown by all students to Mr Vendy was a tribute to his patient dedication to our development. I now live in Sydney and work as a mechanical engineer. Communication skills, self-discipline and team work are all an important part of my job, as is maintaining balance, and I attribute these in part to my time spent in the music program at BCC.”

act 2 Rise and FallGuitar Ensemble

2014 SS Musical How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying excerpts

Love is the FireChamber Choir

LibertangoSenior Chamber Ensemble, with Year 10 students Georgia Ballinger and Samantha Mitchell

Unit 4 DanceChoreographed by Tom Hodgson

Quad City StompShow Band

KidsFEET

Act Your Age Barry Currie Stage Band

ClosingPerforming Arts Leader Molly Fry

Bohemian RhapsodySenior School Choir and Contemporary Band

act 1 Pre Show MusicJazz Quartet

O Fortuna from Carmina Burana Massed Choir and Orchestra with staff and Old Collegians

The Four Old Collegians Jackson Gallagher (2007), Lachlan Ince (2013), Brendan McDougall (2011) and Christian Sullivan (2013)

Never Tear Us Apart Choreographed and performed by Stacey Clarke (2005) with Dance Troupe

2014 SS Play The Love for Three Oranges excerpts

You’ll Never Walk Alone Chamber Choir with Campbell Reither (1997)

Artist of the Australian Ballet Brooke Lockett (2004)

Variation from Grand Pas Classique Alexia Cannizzaro (2013)

KukuComposed by Barry Cockcroft (1989),with Year 12 student Tim Snibson

2014 Unit 4 DanceChoreographed by Tom Hodgson As Tears Fall on a Dawn’s New Light Geoff Smith Jazz Orchestra

Carole King Medley Year 12 students Isabella Cavalieri and Sarah Maher, Year 10 students Louis Edwards and Harry Wrigglesworth with Amy Maiden (1997)

Top Acts Solo Year 12 student Jack Richardson

Bohemian Rhapsody Senior Choir and Contemporary Band

Oh Sweet Carolina Year 11 students Noah Heys and Lewis Collins, with Simon Maiden (1993) and Jorden Heys (2012)

Love Trio Arranged by Graeme Vendy, conducted by Cindy Thomas (1990), featuring Year 12 students Ellie Dowling, Molly Fry, Meaghan Sullivan (1993), Orchestra with Old Collegians, danced by current students Simon McWilliam, Heather Osborne-Rigby and Henry Wright

interval

7pm showcase

Rae Howell

“My journey through the BCC music department no doubt shaped the creative flow of my life and current career ventures. I have such fabulous memories of people (lead by Maestro GV!), weird and wonderful places, and inspirational teachings. I certainly now follow my passion which has taken me around the world many times - huge kudos to all who helped build my zest for artsy things!”

Rae Howell is a music composer and multi-instrumentalist currently based in London. Artistic Director of the Sunwrae Ensemble, she composes and performs across multiple artforms.

Lachlan Ince

In the Performing Arts Centre Lachlan was immersed in a range of productions. This began with Oliver in Year 8 and concluded with Don Quick in Year 12 including every BCC play and musical in-between then. Lachie’s fondest memory in the PAC is co-hosting last year’s Showcase with Christian Sullivan. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Brooke Lockett

Currently in her ninth year with Australia’s National Ballet company, Brooke has performed in about 1700 performances and travelled with the company to New Zealand, Shanghai, Tokyo, London, Paris and New York. Brooke was the face of three Napoleon Perdis ‘ballet inspired’ makeup campaigns in Australia and the United States and she was also involved in the filming of Mao’s Last Dancer and worked alongside the writers of the highly successful Australian television series Dance Academy. Brooke is currently rehearsing the lead role of Clara in Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker. Brooke believes her success and passion were not only ignited but also nurtured during her years at Ballarat Clarendon College and is thankful to have been immersed in a state of the art Performing Arts program.

Chelsea Gibb

“Ballarat Clarendon College was the beginning of all things when it comes to my career. It gave me brilliant opportunities in singing, musical theatre, instrumental, acting, sports, travel and mainly self-belief thanks to the amazing teacher I had in Graeme Vendy. And because of the talent pool, I also learnt it’s about working hard and patience, which is so important for a long career.”

After a very successful tour for many years as Roxy in Chicago, Chelsea has appeared on stage, television and film, including Pink, Anything Goes, The King and I, George of the Jungle 2, Josh Jarman and All Saints.

Amy Garner-Buchanan

“My strongest memories of BCC performing arts are of those moments when the exhilaration of performing slows down time. In 2001 on the music tour to the USA (my first visit to the country where I now live!), the Concert Band spent a morning experiencing life as Disney studio musicians. The conductor there told us about the extreme discipline that leads to a gig at $300 an hour, and the ability to get it right on the first take. “Every time you play is the most important moment in your life,” he said. That afternoon when we played in the park, we took his lesson to heart. And it was magical.”

Amy Garner-Buchanan is currently residing in Houston, Texas, where she is currently touring with “Australian Suitcase” that she wrote for Young Audiences of Houston.

Liz Deveson

“I feel privileged to write a short piece reflecting on my 25 years as amember of the Ballarat Clarendon College Music Department. The staff were the most dedicated and inspiring teachers from whom I could draw on to build my own career as a music educator. My teaching days were filled with laughter as we all worked to create music together. Our students loved music studies, both individually and in the classroom. The students became immersed in the culture of musical participation, which resulted in the generation of a number of ensemble groups of various genre. I was privileged to travel overseas in the company of the music staff and students and I can truly say that the rich memories of these experiences remain with me to this day. My congratulations to the current music staff and students for tonight’s concert and a very happy 150th birthday to Ballarat Clarendon College.”

Peter Eyers

“Ballarat Clarendon College is a unique place in that it has supported and encouraged an extraordinary number of actors, singers, dancers, conductors, musicians who have gone on to make their mark both nationally and internationally. It resonates that it is a learning institution which values and fosters the Arts – such a vital commodity for society. I relish my time at the College in the Drama department – so much talent in both the staff and students under the leadership of Graeme Vendy and Stuart Maiden. We played, we laughed and we told great stories. I’m proud that many of the alumni have gone on to become colleagues and friends, and have forged terrific careers in the Arts – on and off the stage. Happy Birthday BCC! I see the tradition continuing and long may it do so!”

Jackson Gallagher

“I’ll never forget watching the Senior School Musical Barnum. The show was held in a full size circus tent on the basketball court and it was amazing! I remember sitting watching Phil Smith play the lead role and I thought to myself when I’m in year 12 that’s what I want to do. As soon as I finished school I moved to NYC, where I travelled and had several jobs including a photographer assistant role. On returning to Australia I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology and Cinema at Melbourne University and started working full time as a stills photographer on film and television sets. I am currently working as an actor on the TV show Home & Away. I still have a keen interest in documentary photography, recently returning from a trip to Madagascar, where I shot a documentary and photography book about an organisation who provides education to rural communities.”

act 2 Brotherhood of Man2014 SS Musical How To Succeed inBusiness Without Really Trying

It is Well Brass feature arranged by Jorden Heys (2012), featuring Claire O’Brien (1998), with other Old Collegians and current staff and students

It Don’t Mean a ThingArranged by Graeme Vendy with Year 12 students David Moss, Jack Walker, Eliza Wood, Year 10 student Lucas Black and Sally Cassar (1993)

Sands of the Sahara Show Band

KidsFEET

The Life of the PartyChelsea Gibb (1993)

LibertangoSenior Chamber Ensemble with Year 10 students Georgia Ballinger and Samantha Mitchell

Nagila VariationsComposed and performed by Barry Cockcroft (1989)

Waltzing MatildaBarry Currie Stage Band with Barry Currie and Old Collegians

Don’t Rain on My ParadeAshlea Pyke (2004)

The Four Old Collegians Jackson Gallagher (2007), Lachlan Ince (2013), Brendan McDougall (2011) and Christian Sullivan (2013)

Closing Principal David Shepherd

Tribute to Past Productions Show Band, FEET with Old CollegiansEase on Down the Road - Year 11 students Simon McWilliam and Eloise FitzgeraldSomewhere Over the Rainbow - Ellen Leishman (2012), Kath Saunders, with Year 8 students April Prato andAda Sayasane Fame - Britt Harbour (2010), Stacey Clarke (2005), with Year 12 students Laura Panozzo and Keely WilsonSomewhere that’s Green - Jorden Heys (2012), Kate Carman (2003) with Year 10 student Oriel ForsythThere’s a Sucker Born Every Minute - Year 12 student Aiden Conway and Dance Troupe

old collegians involved in showcase 2014Sarah Barlow (Garner) (1995)Carolyn Bennett (1995)Peny Bohan (2004)Alexia Cannizzaro (2013)Kathryn Carman (Day) (2003)Claire Carrucan (Deveson) (1995)Sally Cassar (Currie) (1993)Kathryn Clark (2003)Sarah Clark (2005)Stacey Clarke (2009)Phoebe Coad (2011)Barry Cockcroft (1989)Andrew Dale (1981)Timothy Deveson (2002)Jackson Gallagher (2007)Chelsea Gibb (1993)Christopher Grace (2013)Brittany Harbour (2010)Jorden Heys (2012)Karen Hunt (Costigan) (1993)Lachlan Ince (2013)Ellen Leishman (2012)Brooke Lockett (2004)Hamish Lyons (2011)Amy Maiden (1997)Simon Maiden (1993)Sharon Mason (Smith) (1985)Brendan McDougall (2011)Sarah McRoberts (Featherston) (1996)David Morris (1980)Claire O’Brien (Garner) (1998)Georgia Parry (1996)Christopher Peile (1994)Juanita Pope (1996)Ashlea Pyke (2004)Campbell Reither (1997)Jeremy Russell (2002)Kathryn Saunders (1987)David Sheludko (1997)Ingrid Sheriff (Vincent) (1993)Craig Smith (1986)Cathi Smith (1983)Michael Smith (1988)Christian Sullivan (2013)Meaghan Sullivan (Keath) (1993)Cameron Tait (1999)Cindy Thomas (Louey) (1990)

reflections from old collegians and past staff from the past 25 years...Alexia Cannizzaro

“Ballarat Clarendon College has made a valuable contribution in my development and journey, guiding me not only through my academic education but also teaching me underlying lessons and values to carry with me in everyday life, such as managing my time and social situations.”

Having completed three years dance study at ABS and a further year with Studio Tibor in Sydney, Alexia is ready to launch herself into the professional ballet world. Alexia’s ultimate goal is to forge a career in ballet overseas, in America or Europe. The Youth American Grand Prix New York City Finals further confirmed this dream of hers.

Laura Chambers

“During my experience at College, the key thing that centered me, and helped me through this journey, was the Music Centre. It was so powerful to be part of a team who were striving to achieve wonderful things together. My fellow muso students were wonderful, caring people. So many of my best memories … freezing in tents during a music camping trip, having our sheet music blown away during a performance at Tokyo Disneyland and our whole section coming in way too fast at a performance of Snowy River. Congratulations on 150 years of influencing young lives, and here’s to at least 150 more!”

Laura currently lives in Redwood City, California with her two daughters (Zoe, 2 and Penelope, 4 months), and her husband Adam. A highlight each year for Laura is hosting the BCC students when they come out to Silicon Valley.

Barry Cockcroft

“Every time I play my saxophone I carry with me the influence of the BCC music department. It might be the saxophone skills imparted on me by Barry Currie or it might be the ‘you can do anything’ attitude of Graeme Vendy that still gives me the courage to do new things today. They always lead by example and I can’t think of a better way to do things.”

Barry Cockcroft completed his studies with Barry Currie and Graeme Vendy in 1989 at Ballarat Clarendon College. Barry is an internationally recognised saxophonist and has been concerto soloist with the United States Navy Band and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. He is a Selmer Artist and a RICO International Artist. He is also perhaps Australia’s most widely performed and recorded contemporary composer and this year his music has been performed in over 30 countries. Later this year Barry will be presenting a masterclass at the Paris Conservatoire.