Year 9 student, AJ, recollects this amazing night of performances

Hi my name is AJ and it was an honour to host and play alongside so many talented musicians and actors. From the opening notes of Nirvana’s The man who stole the world, to the closing bars of Radiohead’s Just, the 2024 Simonds Performing Arts Showcase was a tour de force of musicianship and dramatics.

Walking into the theatre, our fabulous audience, the largest number of ticket sales for a single night by the way, were entertained by videos from our media students that both informed and entertained. We have some budding filmmakers within our student body for sure.

Ms Droszcz and the guitar ensemble opened the live performances for the night with 2 pieces, and they really set the scene for the night showcasing all the fantastic musicians we have here at Simonds.

Nothing could have prepared us for the roller coaster ride that was Execution in the Elevator. A Who Dunnit Dramady in 3 parts written, directed and acted by the Simonds Drama club, with assistance from Mr Bentley.

Jazz Band got the joint swinging with pieces by Miles Davies and Herbie Hancock, showing maturity beyond their years with their interpretation of these classic pieces.

Vocal ensemble embraced the fun of the Beach Boys with Barbra Ann and then took our souls soaring with a beautiful rendition of Hallelujah, with a stirring solo from Ewan.

The conclusion of Execution in the Elevator had us all on the edge of our seats with the Dashing Detective Justice Lawman, played by Koby, solving the case. Phew, I was a little worried for a moment.

Pop Band then took to the stage and had everyone bopping along to These Days and High Hopes. The balcony section was absolutely going off with their dancing and singing.

We revisited the hugely successful 2024 Simonds Production, Frankenstein or, The Modern Intelligence, with 3 scenes recreated to remind us of how great the production was.

In an epic finale for the night, Rock Band took to the stage and got the crowd on their feet singing and dancing. Starting out with Don’t Look Back in Anger and then into the Pink Floyd Classic Another Brick in the Wall Part 2.

Max, Nick and Ewan wrapped up the night thanking everyone, reigniting the Oasis/Blur feud by quoting Parklife, before launching into an encore of Just by Radiohead.

The 2024 Simonds Performing Arts Showcase was such fun to be part of, and I would recommend everyone come and try one of the music groups or drama club and just get involved.

I want to say a huge thank you to Ms Droszcz and Mr Bentley for creating these opportunities for us. To Mr Edwards for photographing the night, Mr Tietze for setting up the cameras to film the night, and all the student performers and the students that came in to help with lighting and filming on the night.

I hope to see you all at the 2025 Simonds Performing Arts Showcase!