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Engaged, Involved and Creative
The Arts at MGGS have had a rich history of participation and inclusion through multiple co-curricular programs which offer students opportunities to develop their skills outside the classroom.
The popularity of these programs is reinforced by the commitment of students who choose to broaden their horizons, develop their skills and challenge themselves.
Our 2024 Student Leaders Tell Us about Arts at MGGS
Having role models as student leaders in the different areas of our School not only provides a vehicle for student voice to be shared, heard and actioned, it galvanises younger students and students without previous experience in that area, to give things a go. Whether it is learning a musical instrument, joining the school production as a chorus member, or participating in the Middle Years Art Club to experiment with mixed media, encouragement from an older peer can give a student the courage they need to try something new. That is why our Year 12 leaders are so important.
We are delighted to introduce the 2024 leaders who will be taking charge in the Arts at MGGS next year: Esther Nastri and Mimi Koczkar as the Drama Captains, Coco Missen-Brown and Tom Ford as the Art Captains, and Caitlin Yeh and Laura Duong as the Music Captains. Each of these Grammarians has given generously to the area of the School which they will represent next year, and have each accumulated achievements not only in their chosen fields, but in other parts of the School too. Active participation is something these Grammarians are keen to encourage next year, they hope to continue the growth and success of the different programs that have contributed so dearly to their Merton Hall experiences so far.
Esther and Mimi have great plans for Drama next year. They are focused on their goal of showcasing the talent and hard work that is abundant in the Drama department at MGGS. They particularly want to share the opportunities that exist within the department that don’t necessarily involve getting up on stage and performing. This means that on top of hosting one of the biggest House events of the year, House Drama, they have also decided to take on roles as directors for their House’s productions. Esther (for Clarke) and Mimi (for Hensley) have a busy Term 1 ahead of them in 2024! By participating fully in the House Drama festival, they hope to inspire their younger peers to get involved by auditioning for a role, or helping with the backstage crew, the lighting and sound teams or even with choreography or costume design.
Since their early days at MGGS, Esther and Mimi have relished being part of big productions and have progressed from roles in ensembles, to major roles in the 2023 Senior Years Production of Mamma Mia! They love how Drama has enabled them to express themselves and undertake the challenge of stepping into another’s shoes, which according to them, is a rare opportunity and something that provides a unique perspective. The thrill of performing has created some of their happiest memories throughout their time at MGGS and given them space for self-exploration and growth. As they look forward to Year 12 and beyond, they consider how the Drama department has facilitated so many creative opportunities for performance and collaboration enabling them to develop their inter-personal skills and self-confidence. The huge success of Mamma Mia! this year, despite some significant challenges (including one of the leads falling ill with the flu ahead of opening night) for the cast and crew, was clear to all as the shows booked out and audiences left singing and dancing ABBA tunes for days. Esther and Mimi hope that 2024’s productions will build on this success and inspire others to join in the fun.
Our 2024 Student Leaders Tell Us about Arts at MGGS
Having role models as student leaders in the different areas of our School not only provides a vehicle for student voice to be shared, heard and actioned, it galvanises younger students and students without previous experience in that area, to give things a go. Whether it is learning a musical instrument, joining the school production as a chorus member, or participating in the Middle Years Art Club to experiment with mixed media, encouragement from an older peer can give a student the courage they need to try something new. That is why our Year 12 leaders are so important.
We are delighted to introduce the 2024 leaders who will be taking charge in the Arts at MGGS next year: Esther Nastri and Mimi Koczkar as the Drama Captains, Coco Missen-Brown and Tom Ford as the Art Captains, and Caitlin Yeh and Laura Duong as the Music Captains. Each of these Grammarians has given generously to the area of the School which they will represent next year, and have each accumulated achievements not only in their chosen fields, but in other parts of the School too. Active participation is something these Grammarians are keen to encourage next year, they hope to continue the growth and success of the different programs that have contributed so dearly to their Merton Hall experiences so far.
Esther and Mimi have great plans for Drama next year. They are focused on their goal of showcasing the talent and hard work that is abundant in the Drama department at MGGS. They particularly want to share the opportunities that exist within the department that don’t necessarily involve getting up on stage and performing. This means that on top of hosting one of the biggest House events of the year, House Drama, they have also decided to take on roles as directors for their House’s productions. Esther (for Clarke) and Mimi (for Hensley) have a busy Term 1 ahead of them in 2024! By participating fully in the House Drama festival, they hope to inspire their younger peers to get involved by auditioning for a role, or helping with the backstage crew, the lighting and sound teams or even with choreography or costume design.
Since their early days at MGGS, Esther and Mimi have relished being part of big productions and have progressed from roles in ensembles, to major roles in the 2023 Senior Years Production of Mamma Mia! They love how Drama has enabled them to express themselves and undertake the challenge of stepping into another’s shoes, which according to them, is a rare opportunity and something that provides a unique perspective. The thrill of performing has created some of their happiest memories throughout their time at MGGS and given them space for self-exploration and growth. As they look forward to Year 12 and beyond, they consider how the Drama department has facilitated so many creative opportunities for performance and collaboration enabling them to develop their inter-personal skills and self-confidence. The huge success of Mamma Mia! this year, despite some significant challenges (including one of the leads falling ill with the flu ahead of opening night) for the cast and crew, was clear to all as the shows booked out and audiences left singing and dancing ABBA tunes for days. Esther and Mimi hope that 2024’s productions will build on this success and inspire others to join in the fun.
Our 2024 Student Leaders Tell Us about Arts at MGGS
Having role models as student leaders in the different areas of our School not only provides a vehicle for student voice to be shared, heard and actioned, it galvanises younger students and students without previous experience in that area, to give things a go. Whether it is learning a musical instrument, joining the school production as a chorus member, or participating in the Middle Years Art Club to experiment with mixed media, encouragement from an older peer can give a student the courage they need to try something new. That is why our Year 12 leaders are so important.
We are delighted to introduce the 2024 leaders who will be taking charge in the Arts at MGGS next year: Esther Nastri and Mimi Koczkar as the Drama Captains, Coco Missen-Brown and Tom Ford as the Art Captains, and Caitlin Yeh and Laura Duong as the Music Captains. Each of these Grammarians has given generously to the area of the School which they will represent next year, and have each accumulated achievements not only in their chosen fields, but in other parts of the School too. Active participation is something these Grammarians are keen to encourage next year, they hope to continue the growth and success of the different programs that have contributed so dearly to their Merton Hall experiences so far.
Esther and Mimi have great plans for Drama next year. They are focused on their goal of showcasing the talent and hard work that is abundant in the Drama department at MGGS. They particularly want to share the opportunities that exist within the department that don’t necessarily involve getting up on stage and performing. This means that on top of hosting one of the biggest House events of the year, House Drama, they have also decided to take on roles as directors for their House’s productions. Esther (for Clarke) and Mimi (for Hensley) have a busy Term 1 ahead of them in 2024! By participating fully in the House Drama festival, they hope to inspire their younger peers to get involved by auditioning for a role, or helping with the backstage crew, the lighting and sound teams or even with choreography or costume design.
Since their early days at MGGS, Esther and Mimi have relished being part of big productions and have progressed from roles in ensembles, to major roles in the 2023 Senior Years Production of Mamma Mia! They love how Drama has enabled them to express themselves and undertake the challenge of stepping into another’s shoes, which according to them, is a rare opportunity and something that provides a unique perspective. The thrill of performing has created some of their happiest memories throughout their time at MGGS and given them space for self-exploration and growth. As they look forward to Year 12 and beyond, they consider how the Drama department has facilitated so many creative opportunities for performance and collaboration enabling them to develop their inter-personal skills and self-confidence. The huge success of Mamma Mia! this year, despite some significant challenges (including one of the leads falling ill with the flu ahead of opening night) for the cast and crew, was clear to all as the shows booked out and audiences left singing and dancing ABBA tunes for days. Esther and Mimi hope that 2024’s productions will build on this success and inspire others to join in the fun.
Drama Captains Esther and Mimi
Drama Captains Esther and Mimi
Student Leaders Esther and Mimi
Coco and Tom have both been heavily impacted by their experiences experimenting and expressing themselves through art during their time at MGGS. According to Coco and Tom:
“Art encompasses all forms of human expression: ever since we developed a frontal lobe, we have created art, and perhaps even before that. The idea of ‘humanity’ is art, from the first cave paintings, to rituals, every song, every dance.
From the scribbles you made as a child to hang on the fridge, to the compositions of Rachmaninoff and Bach. It’s a tired sentiment, to say that without art, life would be dull and grey, but it’s true. Not only would a lack of art constitute an ennui with the world around us, but it could result in nothing at all.
Art is woven into everything we do: from the architecture around us, to the concepts of morality, life and liberty, even language is an art form – how we communicate with others, how we articulate meaning with tone, purpose, intonation.
"Without art, life would not be worth living, and even those that have never had a desire to create it would poignantly feel its loss; it is dogma to respect art and all its forms, as without it, humanity ceases to have meaning.”
For Coco, art has always been a huge part of life. She says she owes ‘endless thanks’ to the many creatives she has been surrounded by during her ‘art journey’ for the encouragement and opportunities they have provided to her. Coco loves to look back on the artworks she has created over time.
“It is a beautiful thing to look back on the pieces that I don’t even remember making...and they may not look perfect...”
They provide a glimpse into how she viewed or felt about the world ‘back then’, and act as a reminder of how she has developed artistically over time. Coco is incredibly excited to join the SEC as an Art Captain in 2024 alongside Tom, and they are already brainstorming the endless possibilities ahead of them, and the things they want to implement and achieve. Their goal is to make the Art department ‘as loud as possible’ to encourage anyone and everyone to get involved.
Coco says studying art at MGGS has filled her with confidence in her own abilities, and taught her how to imagine, embrace and action ideas and concepts to create different artworks, and in the process develop her skills in a range of disciplines. In class, she is always genuinely excited to work hard, which is ‘an incredible feeling’, as enjoyment can be a rare thing when you reach VCE level.
The new Art Captains are determined to lead by doing, and promote creative arts through events and workshops to give opportunities to younger Grammarians to develop their passion for art. They hope to do this by facilitating a revival of ‘Art Week’ and want to set an example by actively participating in events like House Drama to assist with the visual aspects of the competition including costumes or set design. "Getting involved in the Dark Arts Festival has been a personal highlight," says Tom and adds that they "hope to bring light and joy back to the Festival in 2024, by encouraging younger students to get involved through a variety of diverse workshops and exhibitions."
At MGGS since 3YO ELC, Tom says "studying art has been an enlightening experience which has led me to broaden my horizons to a degree I thought impossible." Using different media, products and programs, Tom says the practice of creating has reinforced the importance of art in life. The annual Art Exhibitions at MGGS, which bring the school community together, remains a highlight of the calendar for all Art students and staff.
Coco and Tom have both been heavily impacted by their experiences experimenting and expressing themselves through art during their time at MGGS. According to Coco and Tom:
“Art encompasses all forms of human expression: ever since we developed a frontal lobe, we have created art, and perhaps even before that. The idea of ‘humanity’ is art, from the first cave paintings, to rituals, every song, every dance.
From the scribbles you made as a child to hang on the fridge, to the compositions of Rachmaninoff and Bach. It’s a tired sentiment, to say that without art, life would be dull and grey, but it’s true. Not only would a lack of art constitute an ennui with the world around us, but it could result in nothing at all.
Art is woven into everything we do: from the architecture around us, to the concepts of morality, life and liberty, even language is an art form – how we communicate with others, how we articulate meaning with tone, purpose, intonation.
"Without art, life would not be worth living, and even those that have never had a desire to create it would poignantly feel its loss; it is dogma to respect art and all its forms, as without it, humanity ceases to have meaning.”
For Coco, art has always been a huge part of life. She says she owes ‘endless thanks’ to the many creatives she has been surrounded by during her ‘art journey’ for the encouragement and opportunities they have provided to her. Coco loves to look back on the artworks she has created over time.
“It is a beautiful thing to look back on the pieces that I don’t even remember making...and they may not look perfect...”
They provide a glimpse into how she viewed or felt about the world ‘back then’, and act as a reminder of how she has developed artistically over time. Coco is incredibly excited to join the SEC as an Art Captain in 2024 alongside Tom, and they are already brainstorming the endless possibilities ahead of them, and the things they want to implement and achieve. Their goal is to make the Art department ‘as loud as possible’ to encourage anyone and everyone to get involved.
Coco says studying art at MGGS has filled her with confidence in her own abilities, and taught her how to imagine, embrace and action ideas and concepts to create different artworks, and in the process develop her skills in a range of disciplines. In class, she is always genuinely excited to work hard, which is ‘an incredible feeling’, as enjoyment can be a rare thing when you reach VCE level.
The new Art Captains are determined to lead by doing, and promote creative arts through events and workshops to give opportunities to younger Grammarians to develop their passion for art. They hope to do this by facilitating a revival of ‘Art Week’ and want to set an example by actively participating in events like House Drama to assist with the visual aspects of the competition including costumes or set design. "Getting involved in the Dark Arts Festival has been a personal highlight," says Tom and adds that they "hope to bring light and joy back to the Festival in 2024, by encouraging younger students to get involved through a variety of diverse workshops and exhibitions."
At MGGS since 3YO ELC, Tom says "studying art has been an enlightening experience which has led me to broaden my horizons to a degree I thought impossible." Using different media, products and programs, Tom says the practice of creating has reinforced the importance of art in life. The annual Art Exhibitions at MGGS, which bring the school community together, remains a highlight of the calendar for all Art students and staff.
Coco and Tom have both been heavily impacted by their experiences experimenting and expressing themselves through art during their time at MGGS. According to Coco and Tom:
“Art encompasses all forms of human expression: ever since we developed a frontal lobe, we have created art, and perhaps even before that. The idea of ‘humanity’ is art, from the first cave paintings, to rituals, every song, every dance.
From the scribbles you made as a child to hang on the fridge, to the compositions of Rachmaninoff and Bach. It’s a tired sentiment, to say that without art, life would be dull and grey, but it’s true. Not only would a lack of art constitute an ennui with the world around us, but it could result in nothing at all.
Art is woven into everything we do: from the architecture around us, to the concepts of morality, life and liberty, even language is an art form – how we communicate with others, how we articulate meaning with tone, purpose, intonation.
"Without art, life would not be worth living, and even those that have never had a desire to create it would poignantly feel its loss; it is dogma to respect art and all its forms, as without it, humanity ceases to have meaning.”
For Coco, art has always been a huge part of life. She says she owes ‘endless thanks’ to the many creatives she has been surrounded by during her ‘art journey’ for the encouragement and opportunities they have provided to her. Coco loves to look back on the artworks she has created over time.
“It is a beautiful thing to look back on the pieces that I don’t even remember making...and they may not look perfect...”
They provide a glimpse into how she viewed or felt about the world ‘back then’, and act as a reminder of how she has developed artistically over time. Coco is incredibly excited to join the SEC as an Art Captain in 2024 alongside Tom, and they are already brainstorming the endless possibilities ahead of them, and the things they want to implement and achieve. Their goal is to make the Art department ‘as loud as possible’ to encourage anyone and everyone to get involved.
Coco says studying art at MGGS has filled her with confidence in her own abilities, and taught her how to imagine, embrace and action ideas and concepts to create different artworks, and in the process develop her skills in a range of disciplines. In class, she is always genuinely excited to work hard, which is ‘an incredible feeling’, as enjoyment can be a rare thing when you reach VCE level.
The new Art Captains are determined to lead by doing, and promote creative arts through events and workshops to give opportunities to younger Grammarians to develop their passion for art. They hope to do this by facilitating a revival of ‘Art Week’ and want to set an example by actively participating in events like House Drama to assist with the visual aspects of the competition including costumes or set design. "Getting involved in the Dark Arts Festival has been a personal highlight," says Tom and adds that they "hope to bring light and joy back to the Festival in 2024, by encouraging younger students to get involved through a variety of diverse workshops and exhibitions."
At MGGS since 3YO ELC, Tom says "studying art has been an enlightening experience which has led me to broaden my horizons to a degree I thought impossible." Using different media, products and programs, Tom says the practice of creating has reinforced the importance of art in life. The annual Art Exhibitions at MGGS, which bring the school community together, remains a highlight of the calendar for all Art students and staff.
art captains Tom and Coco
art captains Tom and Coco
Music Captains Laura and Caitlin are passionate about music. Laura has been playing violin since Year 1 and the viola since Year 4 (but says she is more comfortable on viola). The Music department has been her 'second home' and a place where she has continued to grow and hone her craft. She has participated in various music events over the years including High Tea, the Dark Arts Festival, the School Concert, House Music and the annual Carol Service, but her favourite events are the House Chamber section of House Music and the Dark Arts Festival. By participating in a number of different musical programs, Laura aims to grow her passion, improve her skills and collaborate with her peers who, she says, she is very grateful to work with.
Outside of MGGS, Laura has also been involved in the Melbourne Youth Flagship Orchestra and Combined Schools Orchestra as a prinicpal violinist and she’s also been a concertmaster for the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra. According to Laura, music opens up pathways for her to express herself as a person and a student alongside her academic commitments. The Music department has become such an integral part of her life that she could not think of a better way to contribute than through service as Music Captain next year.
“I’m sure this sentiment is shared by many of our musicians; you can take an MGGS musician out of the Music department, but you can never take the Music department out of the musician.”
In 2024, both Laura and Caitlin are looking forward to maintaining the camaraderie and friendship that all MGGS musicians share in the Music department. Being role models and sources of support and inspiration for younger Grammarians is important to them as they work together to lead Music at MGGS and share the best of the department and its achievements with the School community. They are particularly excited for the annual School Concert and House Music, which are without a doubt, two of the best events of the year! What makes the Music department so special, Caitlin and Laura think, is how close-knit the community is.
“No matter what year level you are in, everyone is extremely supportive of one another, during rehearsals or just chatting in the hallway.”
The special bond between MGGS musicians inspires them each day, and has really prepared them for their role as Music Captains next year.
For Caitlin, music has always been a way to connect the aspirations of her academic program with her personal passions. It has also been a great method of stress relief during vigorous academic periods, whether it is playing classical music in an ensemble, using it as background music for study, or simply listening for leisure, Catilin feels that music has not only enhanced her learning through skill acquisition, but has also shaped who she is today. Catilin started playing the piano when she was four years old and picked up the cello when she was about 10. Now, she can’t imagine her life without these instruments.
Even though when she finishes school there won’t be weekly rehearsals or annual concerts to attend, Caitlin hopes to still play her instruments or join an orchestra at university. When looking back, Caitlin fondly remembers joining the Music department in Year 4 as a member of the Morris Hall Orchestra on the petit ¼ cello. Through Wildfell, St Hilda’s and Senior School, she has participated in Choir and Stringcopation, Senior Strings, the Senior Orchestra and Pianists Plus as well. House Music is a particular favourite event of hers, in which she has always participated actively either as an accompanist for the choral section, an instrumentalist or chamber musician.
Music Captains Laura and Caitlin are passionate about music. Laura has been playing violin since Year 1 and the viola since Year 4 (but says she is more comfortable on viola). The Music department has been her 'second home' and a place where she has continued to grow and hone her craft. She has participated in various music events over the years including High Tea, the Dark Arts Festival, the School Concert, House Music and the annual Carol Service, but her favourite events are the House Chamber section of House Music and the Dark Arts Festival. By participating in a number of different musical programs, Laura aims to grow her passion, improve her skills and collaborate with her peers who, she says, she is very grateful to work with.
Outside of MGGS, Laura has also been involved in the Melbourne Youth Flagship Orchestra and Combined Schools Orchestra as a prinicpal violinist and she’s also been a concertmaster for the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra. According to Laura, music opens up pathways for her to express herself as a person and a student alongside her academic commitments. The Music department has become such an integral part of her life that she could not think of a better way to contribute than through service as Music Captain next year.
“I’m sure this sentiment is shared by many of our musicians; you can take an MGGS musician out of the Music department, but you can never take the Music department out of the musician.”
In 2024, both Laura and Caitlin are looking forward to maintaining the camaraderie and friendship that all MGGS musicians share in the Music department. Being role models and sources of support and inspiration for younger Grammarians is important to them as they work together to lead Music at MGGS and share the best of the department and its achievements with the School community. They are particularly excited for the annual School Concert and House Music, which are without a doubt, two of the best events of the year! What makes the Music department so special, Caitlin and Laura think, is how close-knit the community is.
“No matter what year level you are in, everyone is extremely supportive of one another, during rehearsals or just chatting in the hallway.”
The special bond between MGGS musicians inspires them each day, and has really prepared them for their role as Music Captains next year.
For Caitlin, music has always been a way to connect the aspirations of her academic program with her personal passions. It has also been a great method of stress relief during vigorous academic periods, whether it is playing classical music in an ensemble, using it as background music for study, or simply listening for leisure, Catilin feels that music has not only enhanced her learning through skill acquisition, but has also shaped who she is today. Catilin started playing the piano when she was four years old and picked up the cello when she was about 10. Now, she can’t imagine her life without these instruments.
Even though when she finishes school there won’t be weekly rehearsals or annual concerts to attend, Caitlin hopes to still play her instruments or join an orchestra at university. When looking back, Caitlin fondly remembers joining the Music department in Year 4 as a member of the Morris Hall Orchestra on the petit ¼ cello. Through Wildfell, St Hilda’s and Senior School, she has participated in Choir and Stringcopation, Senior Strings, the Senior Orchestra and Pianists Plus as well. House Music is a particular favourite event of hers, in which she has always participated actively either as an accompanist for the choral section, an instrumentalist or chamber musician.
Music Captains Laura and Caitlin are passionate about music. Laura has been playing violin since Year 1 and the viola since Year 4 (but says she is more comfortable on viola). The Music department has been her 'second home' and a place where she has continued to grow and hone her craft. She has participated in various music events over the years including High Tea, the Dark Arts Festival, the School Concert, House Music and the annual Carol Service, but her favourite events are the House Chamber section of House Music and the Dark Arts Festival. By participating in a number of different musical programs, Laura aims to grow her passion, improve her skills and collaborate with her peers who, she says, she is very grateful to work with.
Outside of MGGS, Laura has also been involved in the Melbourne Youth Flagship Orchestra and Combined Schools Orchestra as a prinicpal violinist and she’s also been a concertmaster for the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra. According to Laura, music opens up pathways for her to express herself as a person and a student alongside her academic commitments. The Music department has become such an integral part of her life that she could not think of a better way to contribute than through service as Music Captain next year.
“I’m sure this sentiment is shared by many of our musicians; you can take an MGGS musician out of the Music department, but you can never take the Music department out of the musician.”
In 2024, both Laura and Caitlin are looking forward to maintaining the camaraderie and friendship that all MGGS musicians share in the Music department. Being role models and sources of support and inspiration for younger Grammarians is important to them as they work together to lead Music at MGGS and share the best of the department and its achievements with the School community. They are particularly excited for the annual School Concert and House Music, which are without a doubt, two of the best events of the year! What makes the Music department so special, Caitlin and Laura think, is how close-knit the community is.
“No matter what year level you are in, everyone is extremely supportive of one another, during rehearsals or just chatting in the hallway.”
The special bond between MGGS musicians inspires them each day, and has really prepared them for their role as Music Captains next year.
For Caitlin, music has always been a way to connect the aspirations of her academic program with her personal passions. It has also been a great method of stress relief during vigorous academic periods, whether it is playing classical music in an ensemble, using it as background music for study, or simply listening for leisure, Catilin feels that music has not only enhanced her learning through skill acquisition, but has also shaped who she is today. Catilin started playing the piano when she was four years old and picked up the cello when she was about 10. Now, she can’t imagine her life without these instruments.
Even though when she finishes school there won’t be weekly rehearsals or annual concerts to attend, Caitlin hopes to still play her instruments or join an orchestra at university. When looking back, Caitlin fondly remembers joining the Music department in Year 4 as a member of the Morris Hall Orchestra on the petit ¼ cello. Through Wildfell, St Hilda’s and Senior School, she has participated in Choir and Stringcopation, Senior Strings, the Senior Orchestra and Pianists Plus as well. House Music is a particular favourite event of hers, in which she has always participated actively either as an accompanist for the choral section, an instrumentalist or chamber musician.
Music captains Caitlin and Laura
Music captains Caitlin and Laura
Music captains Caitlin and Laura