As part of weekly music lessons, Year 3 students are participating in the String Immersion Programme, playing violin, viola or cello. This programme enables students to learn the fundamentals of their instrument and develop skills in note reading, and aural and rhythmic skills.

Further to this, students learn to work together in a supportive environment, ahead of performing at the end of the Semester.

Playing a string instrument at a young age targets fine and gross motor skills, providing deep sensory input, and strengthening the communication pathways between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Our talented Year 3 students will feature at the Winter Concert on Thursday, 29 June at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Kingswood. Look forward to seeing you there!

Lauren Vilanova
Peforming Arts Leader

Mercedes College SACE Dance and Drama students were delighted with the opportunity to attend specialist workshops at the Adelaide Festival Centre.

Stage 2 Dance students worked with a diverse range of independent dance makers and choreographers in Leaps and Bounds, a programme designed especially for SACE.

Across 3 workshops, students developed their skills in dance composition and technique with with Ben-Hur Winter, Tanya Voges and, from the Australian Dance Theatre, Adrianne Semmens.

Our Mercedes College dancers are congratulated on their professionalism and commitment, and for representing the first Mercedes SACE Dance cohort with pride.

Similarly, Stage 2 Drama students took up the challenge to develop their skills in theatre devising and direction through the Take the Stage program. Independent theatre makers Jamie Hornsby and Valerie Berry, as well as director Nescha Jelk, worked with students on the importance of collaboration and risk taking. Students also enjoyed the chance to meet and experiement creatively with students from different schools.

Well done to everyone involved for your courage and determination.

Natalie Goodair
Dance and Drama Key Teacher