Talented students steal the spotlight at St Catherine’s College

On Tuesday 4 March, students from St Johns College, Dubbo made a special visit to St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton for their annual CAPA tour around the Hunter.

A combination of 100 students from St Johns and 100 students from St Catherine’s came together to showcase the talents of their band, string ensemble, dance ensemble and choir.  

With a morning session of music workshops, each school participated in a collaborative and interactive lesson to learn each other’s repertoire to perform together at the evening concert.

The afternoon saw the individual talents of every child shine, where both schools put on an outstanding performance at the Civic Centre in Singleton.

While the voices of the St Catherine’s choir filled the Center with a traditional South African tune, ‘Freedom is Coming’, the band strummed their way through ‘Dragon Slayer’ by Rob Grice and the dancers performed a contemporary number to Keeno’s ‘Nocturne – Frederic Robinson Remix’.

“It is such a great opportunity for our students to be working with other schools and to develop relationships outside our diocese”, said Secondary Music Teacher, Dominique Smith.

Assistant Principal, Daniel Ariel said, “It is important that we celebrate and acknowledge the individual gifts of every child and showcase all the wonderful extracurricular skills the students have at the college.

“It allows the students to shine and gives them the chance to collaborate, perform and interact with another school 300km up the road. Our connection with the Central West is very strong and we hope it remains that way in the future.”

The St Catherine’s Instrumental Program was founded in 2016, where many students expressed strong interest and passion for music. 

The St Catherine’s band formed halfway through 2016, comprising of more than 50 students, ranging from Year 3 to 7. Each student receives private lessons at the school from music tutors, Kerrie Melamed and Lauren Harris, as well as participate in the band program.

From weekly rehearsals before school to lunch time music lessons, performing arts students are dedicated and committed to developing their skills as gifted musicians and artists.

Many thanks goes to their teachers:

  • Vocal tutor, Mrs Kate Flannery who runs the Years 3 to 6 glee club

  • High School Music Teacher, Mrs Dominique Smith who runs the Years 7 to 12 choir

  • Instrumental Tutors, Mrs Lauren Harris and Mrs Kerrie Melamed who run the band program

  • Primary Teacher, Mrs Donna Hooker looks after the Years 3 to 6 dance ensemble

  • High School Dance Teacher, Miss Sarah Purnell looks after the Years 7 to 12 dance ensemble

“It is so important for our students to be able to showcase their talents through the performing arts to increase their confidence and improve their skills.

“The students have benefited greatly from this experience and we look forward to many more opportunities for collaboration in the performing arts faculties in the future,” said Mrs Smith.

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Gabrielle Sutherland Image
Gabrielle Sutherland

Gabrielle Sutherland is a Marketing & Communications Officer for the Catholic Schools Office and a regular contributor to mnnews.today and Aurora.