Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival
The annual Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival (CSPAF) was officially launched earlier this term with the Opening Celebration being held at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Our College was wonderfully represented by Year 11 students, Zach Neveldsen and Darcy Hoye who accompanied me to the opening liturgy. The CSPAF is celebrating its 32nd year and there will be over 26,000 participants, representing primary and secondary Catholic schools from around the state in all manner of performances over the next few weeks.
The Festival has now commenced and many of our talented students from across the College have begun their respective performances. Some of our boys perform as individuals and others are part of respective ensemble groups, bands or choirs. While it is difficult to see all of our individual students perform, I will have the pleasure of seeing many of our large group performances. Last Tuesday evening, I had the pleasure of watching our Senior Chorale and Vocal Ensemble groups perform as part of the Secondary Sacred Choral Music. The boys performed magnificently and certainly impressed the large audience gathered in the Cathedral.
Next Tuesday evening, I will get the opportunity to watch our Swing Bands I and II perform at Chisolm College in Bedford, and a fortnight later, I will enjoy the chance to watch our Concert Bands featuring the TC/Mercedes Wind Orchestra and the TC Junior Concert Band perform at Sacred Heart College in Sorrento. Following these performances, Trinity College will host a variety of schools as part of the choral performances with our own College vocal groups performing on 2 September. Following on from our recent drama production of Antigone and our special dance performance at Wakikirri, a variety of dance and drama performances will also be adjudicated over the coming weeks. Further, the Angelico Exhibition for Visual Arts will culminate in the Awards Presentation Evening that is scheduled to occur on 17 August 2021. Once again, many of our boys have some excellent work submitted in this exhibition.
All of the boys involved in the Arts have worked very hard for several months and they have certainly learned the valuable lesson that hard work and commitment brings great reward. They are wonderful ambassadors for our College. They have done themselves proud and should be justifiably excited at such opportunities to perform. I commend the many students who involve themselves so enthusiastically in the Arts and wish them well throughout this Festival. May I also acknowledge the extraordinary work of the staff and tutors in the areas of music, drama, dance and art. Under the direction of Dr Robert Braham, the boys are given wonderful opportunities and encouragement to perform. Such dedication to our talented young men is certainly appreciated.
Live Jesus in our hearts
Mr. Darren O’Neill
Principal
