House Arts and Chorals
House Arts is an annual inter-House competition for students in Years 6 – 9. While participation is not compulsory, all girls are strongly encouraged to do so. The activity grew out of House Drama competitions which were held in the past and involved students performing to a script. Today, a piece of stimulus material (which is different each year) is given to girls who write a play, choose and perform two songs, prepare an instrumental piece and a dance, and design and paint a backdrop, all of which must be presented in 30 minutes or less.
A purely student led and produced activity, students also prepare a House Arts preparatory folder – an area in which there is particular effort. Girls in Years 10 – 12 participate in House Chorals - an inter-House competition which occurs on an annual basis. The competition has changed over the years. In the past, students performed a set hymn and a set song. Now, students still have a set song but it is more contemporary. For example, a rendition of All That Jazz was a recent requirement. The competition also requires students to compose a song and perform it as a choral piece. A small instrumental ensemble challenges the instrumental performers and the dance section is a highly contested part of the competition. In addition, students perform a 'mini musical'. Completely created, choreographed and directed by the students, House Chorals is an annual highlight of the School year.
