Marian College offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities in the Performing Arts. These provide students with opportunities to express their performance abilities beyond the curriculum. They are available to all students and cover a wide range of exciting activities including choirs, bands and ensembles. Each group meets weekly and performs regularly at end of semester showcase concerts, assemblies and other College events.
At Marian College, we encourage all students to consider being a part of one, if not many, of our various programs, as we continue to nurture the talents that many of our students possess.
The program varies from year to year. In 2019, we are delighted to offer a range of choirs/vocal groups, bands and ensembles. These are directed by members of the Performing Arts staff, Creative Music in School instrumental teachers, and talented students mentored by Music staff.
Students have opportunities for development in leadership, from being an Ensemble Leader through to a Senior Captain or a Mentor (student ensemble music director).
We encourage students to get to know each other and form musical and friendship connections with students from other groups. Together they represent a significant proportion of our community as well as a diversity of ages and cultures that are part of being a secondary College community.
Choirs, Bands and Ensembles perform at Showcase concerts each semester so family and friends of our students have an opportunity to share in this part of their lives. We also run a Showcase concert for the local primary schools and invite residents from retirement or nursing homes in the area. Students can perform at a range of College events such as the VET Trade Training restaurant nights and parent information evenings. Different ensembles facilitate students to develop as solo performers within the group contexts.
Marian Choir – open to all students. Choir rehearsals are held every Monday at lunchtime and the students are working toward a classical choral sound featuring mostly a cappella singing of classical repertoire. This year the Marian Choir will once again participate in the Sacred Music Concert alongside many other Catholic Schools from the western region.
Student Leader: Mary Hubbard.
Director: Ms Mari Eleanor
Gospel Choir – open to all students, this choir celebrates the music of the various cultures of the Pacific Islanders. They also explore the music of contemporary Australian songwriters. Many of the students are active in youth Christian communities, and their music is imbued with a sense of devotion and praise. Gospel Choir has participated in the Sacred Music Concert, as part of the overall choir, as a choir on their own, and with individual girls joining the solo ensemble line-up. They have also supported local community events, such as the Sunshine Community Brass concert/fundraiser and the Regional Mass for the Opening of the School Year.
Student Leaders: Anastasia Mavaega.
Director: Michael Cooper
Student Mentors: Jessica Mahoney, Natasha Scavo and Cecilia Tafua
Vocal Ensemble – for more information, please contact Ms Eleanor
We are delighted to see girls playing in rock bands, especially on the bass guitar and drum kit. Students tend to start playing tribute versions of their favourite songs and over time develop skills in creating their own versions using the original recordings and other covers for inspiration.
Leaders: Renee Scothern.
Director: Nick Disco
Liturgy Ensemble
This group provides music for Masses, and includes solo singers who lead the congregation in singing the opening and closing songs as well as mass responses.
Leader: Indiana Hatzakortzian
Conductor: Mari Eleanor
Guitar Ensemble – for more information, please contact Ms Eleanor
Concert Band
Concert Band caters for students who enjoyed their semester of learning woodwind and brass instruments as part of their Year 7 Music Concert Band class. They rehearse every Thursday after school.
Leader: Joelle Barbar.
Director: Ms Mari Eleanor Piano Club – for more information, please contact Ms Eleanor
