Dance Crew

DIRECTOR: Mrs Rachel Grieve

ENTRANCE: Signup

REHEARSAL TIME: Tuesday Lunchtime

Dance Club is essentially an ‘all-comers’ group where students are given the opportunity to learn and improve their dance skills.  Prior dance experience and auditions are not required and the dance teacher runs the class to cater to the variety of levels and interests of the students involved.

Students are taught a wide variety of techniques and styles in a dance class environment.  Each week the session begins with a warm-up and technique and is followed by choreography where the students learn routines that are polished and used for school performances throughout the year. These groups may contribute to performances at school events and services as well as Performing Arts concerts.

The group rehearses one lunch time each week and while this group is a less performance-oriented ensemble, a high level of student commitment to rehearsals and performances is still required.

Middle School Dance Troupe

DIRECTOR: Mrs Natasha Erskine

ENTRANCE: Audition

REHEARSAL TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00am

Co-curricular Dance at Grace Lutheran College allows students to explore dance in a safe and appropriate way.  The College ethos suggests that at Grace we are preparing young people for life and work in the world.  This is pivotal in the selection of style, dance technique, music and choreography where the function of dance seeks both to celebrate our Christian faith (Liturgical Dance) as well as explore dance for dances sake (Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, etc).  The Middle School Performance Troupes is audition based, and students of all dance abilities are welcome and encouraged to audition.

Students are taught a wide variety of techniques in a dance class environment.  Each week the session begins with warm-up and technique and is followed by choreography where the students learn routines that are polished and used for both school and external performances throughout the year, including eisteddfods.  Costumes are provided by the College, however, some basic items may be asked of the students, depending on the nature of the routine. 

Senior Dance Troupe

DIRECTOR: Mrs Rachel Grieve and Miss Tatum Marshall

ENTRANCE: Audition

REHEARSAL TIME: Thursday 7:00-8:00am

Co-curricular Dance at Grace Lutheran College allows students to explore dance in a safe and appropriate way.  The College ethos suggests that at Grace we are preparing young people for life and work in the world.  This is pivotal in the selection of style, dance technique, music and choreography where the function of dance seeks both to celebrate our Christian faith (Liturgical Dance) as well as explore dance for dances sake (Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, etc).  The Middle School Performance Troupes is audition based, and students of all dance abilities are welcome and encouraged to audition.

Students are taught a wide variety of techniques in a dance class environment.  Each week the session begins with warm-up and technique and is followed by choreography where the students learn routines that are polished and used for both school and external performances throughout the year, including eisteddfods.  Costumes are provided by the College, however, some basic items may be asked of the students, depending on the nature of the routine. 

Middle School Drama Production

DIRECTOR: Mr Travis McLaren

ENTRANCE: Years 7-9, Auditioned

TIMES: Semester 2, biannually. Rehearsal Schedule per production.

Both Middle School and Senior Drama Productions are a team of students, who under teacher direction, work towards the polished performance/s of a full play.  Cast sizes vary and are dependent on interest and student ability.

Middle School Production is open to Year 7-9 students and is run biannually in Semester 2.

The production process is approximately 12 weeks and may include two afternoon rehearsals per week till approximately 6pm and 2 additional extended rehearsals (technical and full dress runs).  A comprehensive schedule is published at the start of each production, which includes specifics of the afternoon rehearsals and highlights dress and technical rehearsals, possible holiday practices and performance dates.

When the script is cast and roles and responsibilities are accepted, the students’ full commitment to the production process is expected and taken seriously.  Attendance at all rehearsals is expected as all deadlines, such as lines, costumes, set and so on, must be met.  Focus and respect for each other in rehearsals is also expected.

Assistant Directors are optional and selected at the discretion of the director; they may also come from the cast.  Responsibility, servant leadership, mentoring ability and creativity are some key criteria.

Senior School Drama Production

DIRECTOR: Mr Travis McLaren

ENTRANCE: Years 10-12, Auditioned

TIMES: Semester 1, biannually. Rehearsal Schedule per production.

Both Middle School and Senior Drama Productions are a team of students, who under teacher direction, work towards the polished performance/s of a full play.  Cast sizes vary and are dependent on interest and student ability.

Senior Drama Production is traditionally open to senior students (Years 10-12), with the occasional need for younger students where a script demands.  Senior Drama Production is currently run during Semester 1 in non-Senior School Musical years, leading to a performance in May, with the potential for offering the performance later in that year as well.

The production process is approximately 12 weeks and may include two afternoon rehearsals per week till approximately 6pm and 2 additional extended rehearsals (technical and full dress runs).  A comprehensive schedule is published at the start of each production, which includes specifics of the afternoon rehearsals and highlights dress and technical rehearsals, possible holiday practices and performance dates.

When the script is cast and roles and responsibilities are accepted, the students’ full commitment to the production process is expected and taken seriously.  Attendance at all rehearsals is expected as all deadlines, such as lines, costumes, set and so on, must be met.  Focus and respect for each other in rehearsals is also expected.

Assistant Directors are optional and selected at the discretion of the director; they may also come from the cast.  Responsibility, servant leadership, mentoring ability and creativity are some key criteria.

Big Band*

DIRECTOR: Dr Emma Di Marco

ENTRANCE: Auditioned + membership of a Primary Ensemble on the same instrument

INSTRUMENTATION: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Drums, Bass Guitar, Percussion

REHEARSAL TIME: Thursday, 7:00-8:00am

Big Band provides students the opportunity to extend their ensemble abilities beyond those that are taught in the primary ensembles. This ensemble involves saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, and percussion (drum kit specialist) players.  There are also opportunities for vocalists and other instrumentalists as required.  The ensemble has a vibrant sound and members enjoy playing a range of repertoire from Jazz standards to popular music.

Big Band comprises up to 17 regular players with additional players as required.  Students are drawn from Years 7 to 12 and membership is granted based on ability and prior commitment in primary ensembles. To be a member of Big Band you MUST be a member of one other primary instrumental ensemble (e.g. Concert Band or Wind Symphony) as this ensemble is seen as an extension or secondary ensemble.  Admittance to Big Band is via application to the Head of Co-curricular Performing Arts in consultation with the Primary Ensemble Director and the director of Big Band.

Attendance at performances is expected as is regular attendance at rehearsals.  Big Band rehearses once per week.

Brass Ensemble*

DIRECTOR: Dr Rachel Howley

ENTRANCE: Auditioned

INSTRUMENTATION: Trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba

REHEARSAL TIME: Following Concert Band

String Ensemble

DIRECTOR: Mrs Mandy Gale

ENTRANCE: Seating audition

INSTRUMENTATION: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

REHEARSAL TIME: Tuesday, 3:30-4:30pm

String Ensemble consist of string players from Years 7-12 that play violin, viola, cello or double bass. Ensemble work for stringed instrumentalists is important as it develops student’s sense of relative pitch, as well as developing ensemble skills. While, in general, middle school students are more likely to be placed in String Ensemble, membership is based on a students’ ability on their instrument rather than age.

String Ensemble play a varied repertoire encompassing everything from movie soundtrack transcriptions to traditional string works.  Playing in these groups allows students further opportunities for public performance such as local charity events and church services as well as school performances and tours.  Chamber Strings is also part of the major touring group that tours every two years.

String Ensemble requires students to work as part of a team, and it is necessary that students practice their music at home so as not to let other team members down and show a high level of commitment to rehearsals and performances. It is not unlike a sporting team in this area. 

It is highly recommended that students in String Ensemble participate in some form of music lesson on their chosen instrument, as this will allow them to progress through the ranks of the ensemble and thus enhance their musical experiences. Attendance at all performances is expected as is regular attendance at rehearsals.

Chamber Strings consist of advanced string players in Years 7-12.  Ensemble work for stringed instrumentalists is important as it develops student’s sense of relative pitch, as well as developing ensemble skills.

Chamber Strings play a varied repertoire encompassing movie soundtrack transcriptions, popular music and traditional works and orchestral arrangements for string orechestra.  Chamber Strings perform regularly at school and community events, as well as compete in competitions and eisteddfods.

Chamber Strings requires students to work as part of a team, and it is necessary that students practice their music at home so as not to let other team members down and show a high level of commitment to rehearsals and performances. It is not unlike a sporting team in this regard. It is expected that all ensemble members are having regular lessons on their instrument. For senior ensembles such as Chamber Strings, having lessons is a requirement unless specific permission is sought from the Head of Strings.

Attendance at performances is expected as is regular attendance at rehearsals.  Chamber Strings rehearse once a week, although additional rehearsal times may be required for leading up to major performances. 

Concert Choir

DIRECTOR: Mrs Cleo Cooper

ENTRANCE: Signup

REHEARSAL TIME: Tuesday, 7:00-8:00am

Concert Choir is one of the major vocal ensembles at Grace. Concert Choir is the ‘all-comers’ group that aims at fostering a love of music while developing a sense of healthy vocal technique in the choral context.  It is good value for singers of all year levels and abilities.

The repertoire that is chosen for this massed choir is selected from a range of popular vocal music and classic choral works.  Students find themselves singing songs from hit movies, top of the charts and classical concert hall pieces.  Some arrangements are set as unaccompanied pieces while others have piano or rhythm section accompaniments.  Part-singing plays an important role in developing harmonic awareness within the choir, so vocalists sing songs in unison and up to four parts.

Concert Choir performs at school concerts, organised venues and other special events. It is the expectation that all students who participate in Concert Choir will consistently attend weekly rehearsals.

Senior Vocal Group

DIRECTOR: Mrs Cleo Cooper

ENTRANCE: Auditioned

REHEARSAL TIME: Friday, 3:15-4:45pm

Senior Vocal Group is an auditioned vocal ensemble of approximately 20 students that draws its membership from the senior school.   It is generally expected that students have the ability to read music or be able to learn their part outside of rehearsal.

The group aims to expose students to a wide variety of choral genres and to develop versatility in performance.  A typical rehearsal or performance would see students tackle music from a variety of eras and countries, sing with instrumental accompaniment and acappella, and even attempt some dance moves.  In the process, students learn how to blend vocally within their part and the whole ensemble and to communicate their music successfully to a variety of audiences.  Singing in a choral group such as this develops students’ musicality and is particularly useful for developing the ear of all performers (including instrumentalists) and elective music students.

One before or after school rehearsal, is scheduled each week.  Up to one 3 hour weekend rehearsal may be required per term.  Students should expect to be involved in up to 2 vocal workshops per year.  

Concert Band

DIRECTOR: Mrs Rachel Howley

ENTRANCE: Seating audition

INSTRUMENTATION: Flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxphone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, double bass

REHEARSAL TIME: Wednesday, 3:15-4:15pm

Concert Band is an auditioned group that consist of approximately 40 – 50 players. While, in general, middle school students are more likely to be placed in  Concert Band, membership is based on a students’ ability on their instrument rather than age.

Concert Band often performs at community-based events such as fetes, local crèches, school events as well as participating in some minor tours, and may represent the College at competitions and festivals.

Concert Band requires students to work as part of a team, and it is necessary that students practice their music at home so as not to let other team members down and show a high level of commitment to rehearsals and performances.  It is not unlike a sporting team in this regard.

It is highly recommended that students in Concert Band participate in some form of music lesson on their chosen instrument, as this will allow them to progress through the ranks of the ensemble and thus enhance their musical experiences. 

Wind Symphony

DIRECTOR: Mrs Howley

ENTRANCE: Auditioned

INSTRUMENTATION: Flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, double bass

REHEARSAL TIME: Tuesday, 3:15-4:45pm

Wind Symphony and Concert Band are auditioned groups that consist of approximately 40 – 50 players.  Students who play flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba or percussion are welcomed and are drawn from Years 7 to 12.  While, in general, senior students are more likely to be placed in Wind Symphony and middle school students in Concert Band, membership is based on a students’ ability on their instrument rather than age.

Wind Symphony, plays at many of the official school events as well as perform in concerts both on and off campus.  Wind Symphony is also part of the major touring group that tours every two years.  Concert Band often performs at community-based events such as fetes, local crèches and school events as well as participating in some minor tours.  These ensembles may represent the College at competitions and festivals.

As these ensembles require students to work as part of a team, it is necessary that students practice their music at home so as not to let other team members down and show a high level of commitment to rehearsals and performances.  It is not unlike a sporting team in this area.

It is highly recommended that students in these ensembles participate in some form of music lesson on their chosen instrument, as this will allow them to progress through the ranks of the ensemble and thus enhance their musical experiences.  For senior ensembles such as Chamber Strings and Wind Symphony, having lessons is a requirement unless specific permission is sought from the Head of Co-curricular Performing Arts.

At times, Wind Symphony  will be required to rehearse twice a week, particularly leading up to major tours and school events.  This would include either one morning and one afternoon rehearsal, or two afternoon rehearsals.  Concert Band rehearses once a week either before or after school.

Auditions for these ensembles are held for all participants each year and positions are allocated based on audition results and prior commitment to groups.  All students that audition will be offered a position in one of these ensembles.

Chamber Percussion*

DIRECTOR: Mr Owen Tilbury

ENTRANCE: Auditioned

INSTRUMENTATION: Percussion

REHEARSAL TIME: Tuesday, 4:45-5:45pm

Chamber Perucussion provides percussion students with an opportunity to explore the variety of genres and styles that make up the area of percussion.  Students may be given the opportunity to perform everything from African hand drumming music to well-known orchestral transcriptions, developing skills on instruments such as timpani, xylophone, drum kit, and even less traditional instruments such as tin cans and old car parts. 

Attendance at performances is expected, as is regular attendance at rehearsals.  Percussion Ensemble rehearses once a week.



Rothwell Campus Middle School Musical & Senior Musical

ROLES: Cast (Leads, Chorus), Orchestra (Senior musical only), Costuming, Makeup, Backstage Crew, Set Design and Construction

ENTRANCE: Cast and Orchestra Auditioned, Other roles signup

Grace has a long tradition of excellence in the staging of Musicals. Recent senior productions have included Crazy for You (2019), My Fair Lady (2017), Anything Goes (2015), Beauty and the Beast (2013), West Side Story (2011) and Pirates of Penzance (2009).

Musical productions give students the opportunity to combine their gifts and work across art forms in performance.  They are an opportunity for collaboration amongst a variety of departments within the school context, where staff lead the way in revealing to students how appreciating the strengths of others and working together towards a shared goal or vision, can offer extraordinary personal rewards and satisfaction.  This cross-arts collaboration encourages students to share their strengths and learn new skills in other areas of the arts.

A Musical is acknowledged as a big commitment.  Academics and students welfare must be taken into account prior to and for the duration of the Musical process.  Students and parents are clearly informed of the commitment requirements prior to the start of rehearsals and are asked to consider their student schedule and academic status, keeping in mind the benefits of the production before allowing their student to commit to the production.  Staff at the College, are aware of at risk students, who if they choose to commit to the production are carefully monitored and offered aid where necessary.  Students and parents are asked to sign a commitment form, which is given out at the parent night along with a comprehensive rehearsal schedule to help parents and students make an informed choice about their involvement.

The Musical process is an intense one, however not only do students benefit from and enjoy the thrill of a big production experience, but they walk away with interpersonal skills that can only be gained from this kind of involvement.

Tech Crew

DIRECTOR: Mr Travis McClaren

ENTRANCE: Signup

This crew supports and is focused on the various productions and events held by the Performing Arts Department with a particular focus on Drama Productions.  It is open to all age groups (numbers are not limited) and provides students with an opportunity to learn and develop their lighting, sound and stagecraft skills through practical experience and mentoring, as well as specific hands on, one-on-one training (with some theoretical training).                 

The crew is established at the beginning of the year.  Students interested may be asked to offer an expression of interest in writing, which leads to an informal interview process and probationary period.

Selection is at the discretion of the Crew Director and is based firstly on their judgment of the interested students maturity and responsibility, secondly, safety awareness and thirdly, interest and skill.

The Technical Crew runs all year and students are rostered onto specific productions.  

Experiences include rigging, focusing, designing and operating lights in a wide variety of contexts and staging spaces.  Setting up and operating basic sound equipment, stage handling, technical rehearsals and full productions.

The opportunity to learn about and experience the position of stage manager is offered.  It is a position that is usually earned through experience and developing skills that are learnt through taking on assistant positions.

Rehearsals vary from show to show.  There is often rigging at lunchtimes, although this is rotated amongst the team.  After school attendance varies depending on each production’s rehearsal schedule and can be at short notice, particularly as tech is an area where things can be quite fiddly.

Students learn to be responsible for equipment and are taught safety conscious behaviour.  Commitment, respect and availability are expectations.  A position in the Technical Crew generates inter year level interaction, teamwork and peer mentoring. It allows students to work together using God-given gifts and talents and encourages servanthood.  Students work under often more intense, yet rewarding conditions.