At the end of last term, members of Balaklava High School’s Choir, Vocal Ensemble, senior music students and Performing Arts student leaders went to Mill Court Nursing Home to spread some joy to the residents. The students had been preparing for a concert in a nursing home setting from the start of the year but when COVID-19 struck, we thought it could not go ahead.  After some creative thinking from us, and the open minds of the staff at Mill Court, students were able to present a ‘Footpath Concert’ for the residents. This socially distanced concert allowed our students to share their musical gifts and provide some community engagement for not only the residents of Mill Court but also the students themselves. The concert showcased group performances by the Choir and Vocal Ensemble and solo performances from Charlie Evans (Voice), Leyla Jacobson (Piano), Tyler Durdin (Piano) and Abbey Bubner (Voice). Students positioned themselves in Mill Court’s outdoor dining area, whilst the residents opened their windows and positioned themselves by a window or a door to watch, listen and enjoy. This is hopefully the first concert delivered by the performing arts student in a series of many, not only at Mill Court but also at other places in the community.

Mrs Evans and I are very proud of all of the students involved, not only for their musical performance, but also for their school pride and compassion for others through this concert.

Suri Umapathysivam