‘The impact a musical has on a school cannot be measured by budgets, hours spent, resources, shopping trips, mistakes and edits, tireless rehearsals and sleepless nights reworking choreography and action.
No, a school musical can only be measured by the lasting impact it has on the school community and we trust that 'The Sound of Music' made its mark on the Summerland students, teachers, parents and the wider community.
We knew going into this production that it was a musical that could not be half-done. No one comes to 'The Sound of Music' to hear the hills coming alive with the sound of chaos or with the audiences wishing the Von Trapp children didn't have quite so many favourite things on their mind so the song could end! We knew from the outset that this show would rest on the talents of our students and without a really strong cast we wouldn't pull it off.
The audition process brought so much excitement as student after student showed us that we indeed had some special kids in this school and they would carry the nostalgia of this show perfectly. Nothing was more fun than bringing our Von Trapp children together for the first time, seeing them connect as pseudo-family and watching them embrace Abby (Maria) and Reece (Captain) like they were indeed their parents. In fact, for the rest of the rehearsal period they referred to each other as family. I know that the bond this entire cast has formed will stay for a very long time, will see secret handshakes between Primary and Secondary students in the halls, will bring encouragement to one another when the going is tough and celebration when future success is achieved. The friendships formed through a musical aren't easily broken and this is a wonderful bonus received from the process.
As a school it is so important to keep a K-12 connection and that was definitely achieved through this show. Year 8's took on their "mother" characters so enthusiastically you could be assured no Year 2 child was going hungry at lunch break! Unlikely friendship were formed and new perspectives gained as teachers worked side-by-side with students, for a common goal, and value was placed on each and every contributor. It was a joy to witness and has bonded the cast together in a special way.
And lastly, as co-directors, Mr Ravenscroft and myself also knew that we alone would not be able to do all that was required to make this show a success. The secondary teachers, teachers aides, support staff and volunteers laid down hours upon hours to bring this show to life on the stage. It is said ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but we now know it certainly takes a monumental army to raise a musical. So thank you, Summerland community, for playing your part in this show, whether that be contributing costuming, attending one of the performances, encouraging others to do the same, offering a kind word to one of our students for their effort, or simply praying for its success. It all contributes to making a show what it is and we are truly grateful to be in a school community such as Summerland Christian College.’ - Mrs Dymock, HSC Music Teacher & Musical Director
