Arts Retrospective

We are so proud of the arts accomplishments of our students in the studios and performance stages. Once again they astonished peers, parents and public with their creativity and imaginative insights: the artwork initiating dialogue and inquiry; the performers raising the bar of excellence in their respective disciplines. The Centre for Art and Humanities studios thrummed with activity. Potters, sculptors, painters filled the building every Arts afternoon and whenever possible. The first gallery exhibit featured studies in still-life from Ms. Soleil Mannion’s Drawing and Painting classes (Killy Studio), along with Mr. John Luna’s Grade 9 Rotation and 2-D Foundation classes (Audain Studio) who worked from examples of Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist paintings incorporating additions from a contemporary perspective. Throughout the year, the galleries were transformed for various shows in different mediums. There was always something to pause before and contemplate. Students also competed successfully to obtain Dogwood Scholarships for post-secondary studies. Parents came back to school for our Arts-In-Action afternoon, and wished they were enrolled in our programmes. Mr. David Hunwick entered student works from the 3D programme in “Look”, the public show sponsored by the Greater Victoria Arts Council; while photographers in Mr. Paul Fletcher’s programme experienced a commercial venture with “Vivid”, selling their works at Just Jakes in Duncan. Moving our anecdotal camera over to the T. Gil Bunch Centre for Performing Arts, open the doors and let the music drift out from the Asper Room. All of our musical ensembles including Rock Band competed in local and provincial festivals to much acclaim. Ms. Elizabeth MacIsaac took our neophyte Strings Ensemble to the Victoria Festival where, as with our larger groups, they picked up medals. The Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Mr. Phil Newns competed at the national level at Musicfest, winning silver and bronze. Several showcase concerts and services through the year featured vocalists and instrumentalists from the programmes. Concert for a Summer’s Eve in June allowed a number of our Grade 12’s to sing their farewells from the Killy Stage. Through January leading up to the end of February opening, the set was being constructed on stage for Fiddler on the Roof, while hours of rehearsal were coming to fruition. The annual musical theatre production is a collaboration of talented students and faculty: Mr. Phil Newns in the pit, Ms. Lorraine Blake at the dance bar and Mrs. Edna Widenmaier at the helm. For five public performances, the beloved songs of this traditional show brought cudos to a dedicated company supported by the hard-working technical crew captained by Mr. Don Armitage. Strike that set and build another for the Senior Acting’s And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie’s who-dun-it directed by Mrs. Susan Quinton. In the dance festival season, many of our accomplished dancers competed externally, but May saw them come home to the Dance Studio to prepare for Evening of Dance: War and Peace. Hip hop, lyrical, classical, solo to ensemble performances graced the Killy Stage in both student and faculty choreographed pieces. To end the year, in celebration of outstanding performance, attitude and commitment, arts colours were presented to students at the Internal Awards Ceremony, along with trophies for superior work. Another banner year! Edna Widenmaier, Director of Arts