Garra-Garraji Dance Studio
Bishop Druitt College opens the Garra-Garraji Dance Studio.
Bishop Druitt College opens the Garra-Garraji Dance StudioBeyond the Classroom
Performing Arts
March to the beat of your own drum
Our opportunities in Performing Arts allow students to learn and flourish through exploring a love of music, dance and drama. BDC offers an amazing instrumental music program from K-12.
High Performance Program
Performing Arts students enrolled in the high Performance Program will be presented with opportunities to further enhance their knowledge and skills in their chosen area of expertise. A flexible framework will focus on assisting our high performing students to meet the demands of their busy lives and schooling requirements, as well as providing access to mentors.
Students who are learning at a high level on their instrument and demonstrate a commitment to their music can apply to be part of the High Performance Performing Arts Program. In Music HPPA, students will engage in 3 sessions per cycle where they will develop their aural, theory, and performance practice skills. Students will participate in a range of activities including rhythmic and melodic dictations, chordal and interval recognition, and sight singing. They will also look at musical terminology, score reading conventions as well as musicology.
Music
Music is an integral part of life at Bishop Druitt College. With a strong curriculum program delivered by specialist teachers for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and an amazing instrumental program, the music staff aim to foster a love of music in all students.
A range of bands, ensembles and choirs is also available for students of all ages to be involved in, and there are numerous performance opportunities given to students both in the school and in the wider community.
There are currently 16 music tutors and 23 bands and ensembles.
Primary Music Programs
All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are involved in primary music classes as well as choirs. In Year 3 all students participate in a string program where they will learn either violin or cello for one semester free of charge.
We also offer an upper primary training band program (Years 4 - 6) where students can learn a band instrument of their choice at a reduced tuition fee.
Secondary Music Programs
All students in Years 7 & 8 are taught music as part of the school curriculum. Students from Year 9 onwards can elect to do music as a subject, focusing on developing their technical skills on their instrument.
Bishop Druitt College also offers Higher School Certificate music courses.
Friends of Music
Friends of Music is a group of friendly parents who act as a support body for the Bishop Druitt College music programs. They raise funds for additional musical equipment and provide support for music tours. All new parents and carers are welcome to attend.
Instrument Tuition and Ensembles
At Bishop Druitt College we offer private instrumental music lessons for both primary and secondary students on a range of instruments. Lessons are conducted by qualified music tutors during school hours. Lesson times are negotiated with students, parents and teachers. A number of instruments are also available for hire. A range of musical ensembles are on offer for students in both primary and secondary to join.
Ensembles range from those available to primary students like the Superstrings, Primary Guitar Ensemble and Primary Performance Band to secondary ensembles such as the Concert Band, BDC Orchestra and the Jazz and Rock Ensembles - plus many more.
Drama
Drama is an art form which is directly concerned with our understanding and experience of the world. Through drama, students explore the way people think, feel and communicate, learning to understand others and themselves more fully.
Drama Academy
The Drama Academy is an accelerated program for advanced drama students in Year 8, with a focus on developing performance and production skills. This inspiring and innovative program gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves as drama students and explore future careers in the industry. With the Kaizen Drama Academy, students will have opportunities to refine their skills and develop confidence in Drama.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REGULAR SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS INCLUDING:
- Annual Year 6 production
- Year 10 Drama Showcase
- HSC Drama Showcase
- School musical (recent production - Grease)
Dance
Dance is celebrated at Bishop Druitt College as part of our Performing Arts program, with a variety of dance styles being offered and held in our purpose built Dance Studio. Students from Kindergarten to Year 11 have the opportunity to be involved in creating and performing dance routines, as well as competing in local eisteddfods and wider community and major city events.
Dance club is offered before school or during lunch throughout the year. We encourage all students to be involved with dance regardless of their experience and grade. Students develop mutual respect and teamwork is encouraged when creating dance routines. The sense of community in our dance groups is evident when the younger and older students work together.
School Musical
The biennial college musical is the pinnacle of our Performing Arts experience, which proves to be highly rewarding. The journey from script to stage is invigorating and allows our Performing Arts enthusiasts to workshop, develop and perfect their skills.
Garra-Garraji Dance Studio
Named for the Gumbaynggirr word for ‘movement and dance’, this purpose-built facility has been developed with the most advanced technology in flooring, light, and sound, and is a first for the Coffs Coast region.
