Sounds from the Music department
Yr 2 Magenta – Safari Strings
Year 2 Magenta have continued to make steady progress in their Safari Strings program this term. Students have been refining their bow hold technique and learning to produce smooth, connected sound through legato long bows. They have also been developing their listening skills through focused music ear‑training activities, including pitch-matching and rhythmic echo work. Their growing confidence has been evident in each lesson. As a finale they shared their progress and outstanding talent through a performance at the JS Academic Assembly.
AMEB Strings – Outstanding Student Results
Our AMEB Strings students have achieved outstanding results this term, demonstrating dedication, musical maturity and consistent practice. Across all grades, students performed with confidence and technical control, showing clear development in tone, bowing and musical expression. Their achievements reflect the hard work they have invested throughout the year, and we congratulate them on these exceptional results. A big thank you to our piano accompanists, Claire Teng and Irene Doucas, and finally to our incredible Strings teachers Rebecca Harris (Cello), Irene Doucas (Violin/Viola) and Sarah Ladd (Violin/Viola).
Chamber & Animato Strings – Twilight Concert Preparation
Our Chamber Strings and Animato Strings ensembles are working with focus and enthusiasm as they prepare for their joint Twilight Concert performance in Week 4, Term 3. Students have been developing key orchestral skills, including ensemble balance, sectional listening, and blending tone across parts. Rehearsals have highlighted strong teamwork, confident leadership within sections and growing musical maturity. We look forward to presenting a polished and expressive performance at this special combined event.
Sarah Ladd
Music Department
HRS Shines at the 10th Darwin Street Art FestivalThis year marks the 10th anniversary of the Darwin Street Art Festival, and HRS was proud to be represented by both staff and students, who contributed stunning artworks reflecting their experiences and connections to the Top End. Students Qwainsha, Rachel, Tiara and Leani worked alongside Garrawa Aboriginal Designs and Red Dust Oz to create a vibrant mural at the Darwin Waterfront. The design incorporates each artist's totems, woven into a larger composition inspired by the beauty, movement and life of the Darwin wet season. Every element within the mural carries meaning, reflecting the unique identities, cultures and voices of these talented young women. The result is a powerful artwork that celebrates both personal and collective stories while contributing to Darwin's thriving public art landscape. HRS teacher Miss Polly also participated in the festival, creating her mural Build Up Blooms, located just off Dashwood Crescent. Inspired by the spectacular Poinciana flowers that burst into colour during the build-up season, the mural captures the beauty and anticipation that characterise this unique time of year in the Top End. We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for showcasing their creativity, talent and cultural storytelling through these public artworks. If you are exploring Darwin, we encourage you to visit both murals and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our HRS community. Polly Johnstone |
We Will Rock You: A Spectacular Celebration of Talent, Passion and CommunityWhat an extraordinary experience it was as Haileybury Rendall School proudly presented We Will Rock You at the AANT Centre on 28 and 29 May. Across three outstanding performances, more than 100 students from Years 5–12 took to the stage to deliver a production of exceptional quality that captivated audiences from beginning to end. Featuring a live rock band, an exciting first for a Haileybury Rendall School musical, this production was a bold and ambitious undertaking that exceeded every expectation. From the opening number to the final curtain call, our students demonstrated remarkable talent, professionalism and commitment. Their performances were energetic, polished and filled with confidence, showcasing not only their artistic abilities but also the countless hours of rehearsal and preparation that took place behind the scenes. The cast brought the iconic Queen soundtrack to life with powerful vocals, dynamic choreography and memorable character portrayals. Meanwhile, our live rock band delivered an outstanding musical performance that added an authentic energy and excitement to the show. Together, they created a theatrical experience that had audiences singing along, clapping to the beat and completely immersed in the story. |
One of the most rewarding aspects of the production was seeing students from across the School come together with a shared purpose. Whether performing under the spotlight, operating technical equipment, managing costumes and props, or supporting backstage logistics, every student played an important role in the success of the show.
I would also like to acknowledge our dedicated production team, whose passion, expertise and tireless efforts brought this ambitious vision to life. Their commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students was evident in every detail of the production.
The atmosphere across all three performances was electric, culminating in a standing ovation on closing night - a fitting tribute to the extraordinary effort, talent and teamwork displayed by everyone involved.
We Will Rock You was far more than a school musical - it was a celebration of creativity, courage, collaboration and community. It is a production that will be remembered for many years to come.
Congratulations to every student, staff member, family and supporter who helped make this incredible event possible.
You truly rocked us!
Emma McDonald
Director of Advancement and Engagement
