The 2025 Foster Secondary College VCE Band, headed by drummer extraordinaire, Noah Sheehan, wowed audiences at Melbourne Recital Centre, with the venue packed full of people eager to hear the exceptional musicianship and skill of those, like Noah, who received top marks on their VCE music performance exam.
The anticipation of such an important performance was exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time! Parents, staff and students all scrambled to get tickets to the big event, wanting to witness such an incredible achievement and show support for this group of talented and dedicated musicians from our high-achieving local government school. Huge amounts of preparation go into a one-song 5-minute performance, and, as the students well know, they only get one chance to nail it!
Finally, the performance day arrived. The school generously bused the students, staff and instruments to Melbourne so they could stay together, discuss the performance preparation and celebrate each other's achievements as one group. Connection between musicians is essential for a great group performance, and these students support, acknowledge and celebrate each other, allowing beautiful music to be created. Frankly, it was just a hoot being loud on a bus and letting our pre-performance nerves out!
Arriving at the Melbourne Recital Centre, the students were whisked away for a sound check on the huge stage, relishing the space and impeccable acoustics of this magnificent hall, with professional lighting, a 'grand' grand piano and sound engineers catering to their every need. The lights dimmed, a VCAA examiner introduced the band with words of its excellence, the FSC audience members cheered with both joy and trepidation, and then, the first note was played.
Magnificent! Relief was felt and tears flowed as everyone watched. The students owned the stage, relishing every note and playing with exceptional skill and passion. Performing their reimagined rendition of Silverchair's iconic Tomorrow, the jam-packed audience went wild for this beautiful adaptation, cheering loudly, whistling and hollering, and students and staff from other schools took the time to congratulate the performers personally following the show.
The VCE Band has also just returned from Bendigo's Ulumburra Theatre, where they were invited to perform at the Top Class regional performance, this time including Dance and Drama demonstrations. VCAA put performers up in a beautiful hotel around the corner from the venue to experience a bit of well-deserved luxury for their huge efforts.
A very special thank you to Roy John, Andrew Murray and Rebecca Bone for their exceptional teaching, support and musicianship that enabled students who work hard to achieve outstanding results in the field of music right here in Foster. A very special thank you and congratulations also goes to Chase Garvey, Ruben Bell, Ursula John, Jahkoa Morton, Mila Dinsbergs, Leticia Prosser and Anouar Cunningham, all of whom rehearsed diligently and exhaustingly over the year to perform in Noah's VCE exam. Noah was able to achieve his hard-fought goal of a perfect score because of the exceptional skill and dedication of those he created music with.
Finally, to Noah. What an exceptional student who worked hard every day for years to earn this incredible exam result and a place in the state's finest performing arts institution. Bec Bone
