College in mood to celebrate

By Dion Teasdale
UPPER Yarra Secondary College will be a hive of activity this weekend when the school stages its annual arts festival.
Here, There and Everywhere, is a celebration of the arts in all its forms and is held over two evenings.
The festival features music and drama performances, visual arts, film and creative writing.
Each evening’s program is different, and will include plays about strange places such as fantasy lands and institutions, and music from Australia and around the world.
The gallery will exhibit student’s art works inspired by different cultures and landscapes, and Year 10 Food Technology students will provide a delicious supper.
There will be musical items such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow by the school choir, Gum Leaf Rag by the concert band and Pink Panther by the jazz ensemble.
From the drama department there will be plays such as Inside The Mask (an original ensemble performance by Year 10 students), The Giant Good Two Shoes (a fairy tale written by drama teacher Mara Strante) and a hilarious melodrama called The Dilemma of Deidre Dearheart.
Upper Yarra Secondary College (UYSC) has had many achievements in the arts. Many Year 12 students have had their work selected for the VCE Top Arts and Top Designs Exhibitions, the school has developed a highly successful music program and many students have gone on to study drama, music or art at tertiary level.
Former UYSC student Brett Tucker (who featured in last week’s Mail) is one of the stars of the popular TV drama, Macleod’s Daughters, and local comedian, Michael Connell, who will be a guest performer during the festival, is also a former UYSC student.
Festival director, Marlene Magee, said the wider community was welcome to come along and check out the activities.
“People can come and enjoy a great night’s entertainment,” she said.
The festival will be held on Thursday, 3 and Friday, 4 August, from 7.30pm in the Little Yarra Theatre at Upper Yarra Secondary College.
Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for concession. A family discount is available on request.
For bookings phone the school on 5967 1877.