The Addams Family – Term 1 Wrap Up

As Term 1 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on The Addams Family rehearsals and the exciting progress of our 2025 musical production. The 55 dedicated students involved have already achieved so much, demonstrating their commitment and passion for the stage. So far, they have:

• Attended seven Friday afternoon rehearsals, totaling 10.5 hours
• Attended three Saturday rehearsals, adding up to 15 hours
• Completed a full read-through of the script
• Learned 10 vocal pieces
• Blocked five scenes from Act 1
• Choreographed When You’re an Addams with the entire cast!
• Been fitted for costumes, which are mostly being made by our fabulous Costume Coordinator and doting grandmother at the College, Mrs Rhonda Jackson.
  
  

With such an incredible start, the production is shaping up to be a spectacular show. We can’t wait to see it all come together!

Students and parents are encouraged to regularly check emails and the 2025 Musical NEST page for updates about the Holiday Rehearsal Day Camp on Monday 07 April.

Meet the Cast 

Name: Ruby Wilson 
Year: 10
Character: Alice Beineke
Musical experience: First musical and first lead role

Q: What have you enjoyed about The Addams Family so far?

A:  I really like the, it’s just a fun community, I feel like everyone really enjoys it and it’s this really nice place of different people who have a lot of talent and it’s really nice to just see these people, some you know, some you don’t know, burst into song and do so well and it’s just really nice.

Q: What has been a highlight?

A: The full script read through. IT was really nice to see how everything wet together and not everyone knows the story and just going through and having everyone have a bit of a look and a trial run.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your character, Alice Beineke.

A: She is the mother of Lucas, who is Wednesday’s boyfriend. She is basically a bored housewife and her husband doesn’t have the best relationship or the best family life, as becomes evident. I think she is very sheltered but she definitely gets her big moment to put all her feelings out and actually say ‘no, this is how I’m feeling, I’m not going to be this little housewife anymore’. It’s a very powerful moment.

Q: What are you looking forward to in playing Alice?

A: I’m looking forward to going as unhinged as possible. At the start, she is more reserved, like a housewife and mum, but when she has her moment it’s from zero to one hundred. It’s crazy and I’m excited for that.

Q: What is your favourite line that Alice says?

A: It’s when Alice is talking to Mal after her blow up and she says “If you want to act like a tool, go sleep in the shed!”

Meet The Orchestra

Name: Caitlyn North
Year: 12
Instrument: Violin
Years playing instrument: 10 years
Musical experience: Violin in West Side Story (2023).

Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical orchestra so far?

A: Being a part of the family and getting to play my instrument, which I love.

Q: How does playing in a musical differ from other orchestral performances you’ve been part of?

A: There are a lot more key signature changes! It requires more brain power and stamina because you are playing for the whole production.

Q: How do you prepare for a musical, and what is the rehearsal process like for the orchestra?

A: Practising and consulting with my private teacher on any difficult packages. Using Show Ready is really helpful because it helps me figure out the timing of the complex rhythms.

Q: Why have you chosen to be a part of the orchestra as opposed to being on stage in the cast?

A: I have chosen to be a part of the orchestra because being in West Side Story’s orchestra family was rewarding and has pushed me in my violin abilities. I also love that I get to be a part of this with my best friend.

Q: Why should everyone come and see The Addams Family?

A: Because the orchestra is spectacular!

Meet the Staff 

Name: Bruce Ramm
Role: Orchestra (Keyboard 1)
Years at the College: 25
Musical experience:

• Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat (9 years old, chorus member)
• Only An Orphan Girl (Year 12, Villain)
• Has played keyboard/piano in almost every musical since beginning at the College.
• Regularly plays keyboard/piano in many musicals in the Ipswich Community.

Q: What are you looking forward to as a musician in the orchestra?

A: Definitely the free lollies! And, of course, the meals provided by the wonderful people at FOTA. Oh, and the music is fun.

Q: Why do you think it is important for schools to have musicals?

A: It offers students an opportunity that they wouldn’t get elsewhere, to be involved in a very professionally prepared production. It also gives students an experience with memories that will last a lifetime.

Q: Q: How does playing in a musical differ from other performances you’ve been part of?

A: There is a lot more camaraderie. However, I never get to see the show!

Q: How do you prepare for a musical, and what is the rehearsal process like for the orchestra?

A: I work on the page turns and patch shifts. There are nearly 300 pages to turn and almost as many patch shifts. I also practise lots, particularly late at night when all staff and students have gone home!

Q: For those who don’t know, what is a patch shift?

A: It is where you have the keyboard create different synthesised sounds to match the action in the script. I hit a pre-programmed note on the piano, which shifts the sound. The piano is connected to a laptop which has all the patch shifts pre-loaded in order.

Q: Why should everyone come and see The Addams Family?

A: I have played the show before and it’s fun!

Chapel Music

This term, we have had the wonderful opportunity to be serenaded by some of our Middle and Senior Elective Music students at Chapel. Chapel Band officially launched at Middle School Chapel in Week 9, featuring Callum Brady (Year 11) on electric guitar, Sarah Kuppens (Year 11) on piano, Sophia Markotsis (Year 11) on bass guitar, Paige Hyland (Year 8) on drums and Olivia Weston (Year 11) on vocals. These students, under the direction of Miss Westwood, rehearse during their lunch time so they can spread the gift of music to their peers. As their rendition of Let It Be by The Beatles resonated through the Chapel, students had the opportunity to reflect on the important of letting it be and knowing that, in God’s grace, things will always as they are meant to be.

“I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.”

During the Easter Eucharist Chapel in Week 10, three dedicated Year 9 Music students displayed remarkable courage as they performed while students and staff received communion. A heartfelt thank you to Macy Hews, Oliver Prickett, and Emma Williams for their beautiful and moving performance. The standard of musical talent at the College continues to rise, and we are truly grateful for our students’ willingness to share their gifts, enriching our community with the power of music.

On Wednesday, 19 March, 52 talented Elective Music students took the stage for the Year 9, 10 and 11 Term 1 Recitals, delivering captivating performances that showcased their dedication and skill. With remarkable courage, each student stepped up to the music stand, performing for an appreciative audience of family, peers, and Music staff.

Spanning a variety of instruments and voices, the recital featured an impressive array of musical styles and genres, demonstrating the students’ versatility and passion for their craft. Their professionalism and commitment were evident, with weeks of diligent preparation culminating in a truly memorable evening.

As always, the students were expertly accompanied by Mr Bruce Ramm, whose unwavering support continues to inspire and elevate their musical journeys. A heartfelt thank you to all performers for their outstanding efforts, and to their dedicated Music teachers, Miss Ebony Westwood and Mr Heath Del Favero, for guiding them towards musical excellence. Bravo!