On the 24th and 25th of March, 36 Secondary musicians from both our Werribee and Melton campuses participated in the Christian Schools Education Network (CSEN) Music Showcase, held at the Belgrave Heights Convention Centre. This marquee cultural event gathers talented musicians and choirs from across the Network. Students rehearse together over two days, before performing in a live showcase concert.
Our Heathdale students were given the opportunity to perform with around 400 musicians from eight other CSEN schools, as part of either the Junior Band, Senior Band, Senior Choir or String Orchestra. The music selection was challenging and, in the weeks leading up to the showcase, all musicians were encouraged to rehearse with their ensembles at school, practice at home and work closely with their private music tutors.
Over the two days, all students rehearsed incredibly hard with other like-minded and talented musicians in their respective ensemble, to quickly bring the music up to performance standard. The non-competitive environment gave everyone the opportunity to showcase their God-given gifts and talents to the wider CSEN community.
An evening Music Showcase at the end of the second day, was the culmination of hours of hard work. Held in the campsite’s auditorium, the audience consisted of all performers, their family members, friends and leadership representatives from the nine participating CSEN schools.
Although each ensemble performed three amazing and entertaining pieces, the standout items were from the Senior Band who played, “The Bare Necessities,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and a “Les Misérables Medley”.
Two of our Year 12 music students, Madison A on vocals and Lilly R on keys, also performed the song “My Days” from The Notebook musical, which received very high praise from all in attendance.
Our Heathdale students also enjoyed staying overnight, as it allowed them more time to have fun together and further develop friendships, especially between our campuses. Mrs Baker, Mr Salvador, Mr Danson and Mr Folkes were the staff who ensured that all Heathdale students were looked after and supported.
One of the clear highlights from camp was the unforgettable school organised evening talent show and trivia night. The ‘talent’ was exceptional, especially the show’s opening number, featuring Year 11 student Mark L and Mr Salvador, in a stirring, yet comical rendition of “One Day More” from Les Misérables.
At breakfast on Tuesday morning, Mr Folkes gave a thoughtful devotion, which assisted our students in understanding that when music is made as an act of worship to honour God, He values effort and heart far above accuracy and achievement.
This was the first time Heathdale had participated in the CSEN Music Camp, and music staff are very keen for our students to attend next year, as it was such a positive experience in their musical growth. The camp was non-stop, and students returned home late on Tuesday night very exhilarated, but exhausted.
Above all, staff are all so thankful to God that our students were able to participate in this wonderful experience and use their talents and giftings to honour Him.
Here's what our students thought:
"The CSEN music camp was a blast! I had so many new opportunities during the camp. It was my first time playing in a band and it had over 100 people. I met new people, improved my own skills and got a better understanding of what is it like to play in a band. If there is another chance to go next year, then I’ll definitely take it!" Bhavitha K, Year 7 at Melton, performed in the Junior Band
"The most memorable event in the CSEN showcase was definitely the school organised trivia night and talent show. I was amazed by everyone’s talent in their performances, from singing to magic and a very interesting duet! I am so grateful I was able to participate in this and make new friends along the way." Ellen K, Year 7 at Werribee, performed in the String Orchestra
"I enjoyed the fun moments like how everyone got to enjoy the school organised trivia night and all of the band rehearsals with the other schools." Jake L, Year 7 at Werribee, performed with the Senior Band
"It was nice to meet students from our Melton campus. I really appreciated the time we played together as a band with the other schools, since it is not everyday we gather so many people to play together." Michelle L, Year 7 at Werribee, performed in the Senior Band
"We participated in a school organised activities after dinner and we had a trivia night after a talent show. It was a really good team bonding experience and we got to learn new things that we otherwise wouldn’t have known. We also got to participate in challenges, which let us be competitive against our classmates in a friendly way." Eva F, Year 10 at Werribee, performed in the Senior Choir
"It was the first time that a string orchestra participated in the CSEN showcase experience and playing the violin with other people of higher and lower levels really boosted my confidence." Syrn S, Year 10 at Werribee, performed in the String Orchestra
"I’ll never forget this, especially the school organised talent show." Luke K, Year 10 at Werribee, performed in the Senior Choir
"The school arranged talent show was my highlight, along with hanging out with people and getting to know each other better. From the talent show we had great performances, from pop songs musicals, guitar hero and magic. 10/10. I highly recommend doing something like this." Charlize W, Year 12 at Werribee, performed in the Senior Choir