Performing Arts Day

On Tuesday, 22 June, we held a Performing Arts Day to celebrate all things Dance, Drama and Music. We had very much hoped that this would be an event to which we could invite parents and bring the whole school together, but alas, Covid-19 (and the weather) had other plans for us. But we can make anything work with a loud voice and a roll of gaffa tape!

Students in Preps 5 and 6, and Years 7 to 10, had a fabulous day trying out different activities with visiting teachers and industry professionals. Preps 5 and 6, and Years 7 and 8, were lucky enough to have engaging, lively and energetic Musical Theatre workshops with Kayleigh Wells from KDF Academy, with the Year 7s also taking part in a read-through of the Farlington Autumn School Musical 2021, Elf Jnr (more on that to follow!).

Years 9 and 10 could be heard across the school as they became completely engrossed in their World Drumming Workshops, with professional drummer and community musician Adam Gellibrand, whilst the library (no longer quiet) vibrated with the music of professional brass musician Matt Ellis Devitt's 'brass workouts'.

For anyone seeking a slightly quieter activity, the 'Bunraku' workshops, run by professional puppeteer Emily Cooper, were the place to be: here, students in Preps 5 and 6, and Years 7 and 8, brought puppets (and even clothing) to life. These students also had the opportunity to attend a wonderfully inspirational talk by our visiting theatrical agent, Kaye Freeman. 

With the morning workshops complete, both Prep and Senior School students were treated to musical concerts from Farlington’s fantastic peripatetic music teachers. Next came a 'Rhythm & Rock Concert' at lunchtime, enjoyed by the Senior School students who cheered on their friends as they sang and drummed alongside professional musicians! 

And the fun didn’t end there. The de Braam Ballet School, choreographed by Natalie van de Braam and the Farlington Music Department, directed by Mrs Thomas, provided an afternoon of entertainment with some outstanding solo performances and ensemble work.

The day finished with Performing Arts Kahoots for the Year 10s, whilst the Drama Club entertained students in Years 7 to 9 with their fabulous performance of Grandad!

Our Performing Arts Day was such a wonderful way to celebrate the world of Performing Arts, and to see students, teachers and musical professionals working together, after the year we have had, was just brilliant. We can’t wait to do more of the same next year - but hopefully with you as our audience!