For many, this day was the end of years of late nights, rehearsals, performances, presentations and perhaps more assessments than our graduates would care to remember! As is the case when undertaking anything of great significance, our students would have experienced many high points throughout their study and, more likely than not, a few low points as well. They have invested a wealth of time, commitment, perseverance and sacrifice, and seen God’s faithfulness through it all.

The Board of Directors, faculty and staff of Wesley Institute were proud to stand beside our graduates in celebration of this great achievement, and wish them well as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

The singing of the National Anthem opened the ceremony, led by Bachelor of Music student, Hafren Jones. Managing Director, Dr. Greg Rough, followed and warmly welcomed the graduands and audience. Professor Rosemary Johnston, member of Wesley Institute’s Board of Directors, provided the graduation address, focusing on the calling of Samuel from 1 Samuel 3: 1-10, and how we are all called to make a difference.

The valedictory address was presented by the Valedictorian for the class of 2011, Winifred James, graduate of the Master of Teaching (Primary). She offered some humorous examples from her own experience as a teacher, inviting laughter from the audience. She also encouraged her classmates to persevere and remain strong in the Lord, through whom anything is possible.

The Wesley Institute choir, conducted by Dr Sadaharu Maramatsu and accompanied by Na Ri Kim, provided further highlights throughout the ceremony, performing: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (T. Chisholm/W. Runyan); Fields of Gold, (G.M. Sumner); God! Eternal, Always and Forever (Gregg Sewell); and John Rutter’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You.

Of course the highlight of the ceremony for each graduate was the moment they stepped across the stage to receive their testamur, and the realisation that the years of hard work and dedication were all worth it.

Wesley Institute graduates are equipped to bless their communities through their vocational calling. They have persevered - developing their craft, honing their skills, and growing in their academic profession. But the testamur they receive represents so much more than their knowledge in a particular field. We trust our graduates leave the Institute with a personal and spiritual maturity, the foundation of a solid Christian education integrated into their worldview and friendships that will last a lifetime.

On behalf of Wesley Institute, congratulations to all our graduates! We wish you all the best in your future plans, and look forward to continuing our relationship with you as you join our alumni network!

Click here to view a photo gallery of the graduation.

We would also like to congratulate the graduates who received special commendation for their efforts. View awards here.

*Not all graduates were able to attend the ceremony. The class of 2011 includes  181 graduates, marking one of the largest graduations in Wesley Institute’s history.

Alumnus Asher Graieg Leads his Music Students in a Song-Writing Assignment with an International Impact

Shout for joy, All the earth! As one we sing to praise the Lord!

Earlier this year a group of six year 11 and 12 Music students at Strathalbyn Christian College (Geraldton, WA) were given an assignment unlike anything they’ve ever received: write, record and sell an original composition. But not just any composition; proceeds from the song, which would ultimately become a song of praise to God, would fund the building of a new roof for the Garden of Hope Pre-Primary School in Gleno, East Timor.

And with extraordinary success, these young musicians have risen above and beyond traditional expectations to conquer the challenge! But not without the help and support of their much admired teacher, Asher Graieg.

*Artwork by Marni Walker

Asher completed a Bachelor of Music at Wesley Institute, during which he realised his passion was for sharing his gift and love of music with others by inspiring young students in their musical pursuits. He went on to finish Wesley Institute’s Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), and has been teaching since the beginning of 2011.

Asher was inspired to write, record and sell an original composition as a fundraising effort after meeting with a friend, Elke Graham, who is working for the sponsorship, publicity and communication of the Garden of Hope Pre-Primary School. Originally a personal pursuit, while sitting down to write out lesson plans for his year 11 and 12 composition class, he considered what kind of opportunity lay at the door for his students. The project would give them a remarkable chance to “see how they can use their gifts to further the kingdom of God”, said Asher, “as well as learning the ins and outs of recording software, and getting experience working as a group towards a common goal”.

After receiving the support of his deputy principal and principal, Asher took a big leap of faith. “I wrote the assessment task and, with hands shaking with excitement, I gave it to them and we began to write,” said Asher.

In the first lesson, Asher provided the class with a simple piano motif and four chords he had developed as a starting point, along with the words of Psalm 98 for inspiration. These two building blocks eventually formed the final piece.

“The writing process was very enjoyable,” reflected Asher. “We spent most of our Friday lessons trying to arrange the different parts of the song. Last term I focused on teaching my students about structure, and how crucial it is to have all the different elements in their right places. I wanted to get them thinking about every little piece of this song and what each new element contributes to the song as a whole.”

By week 8 the class started recording, with everyone putting in long hours. “We had many inspirational moments. Our aim was to produce a professional sounding recording. However, there is beauty in imperfection and that gave the song character, making the piece feel alive and organic,” said Asher.

Lyrics proved the most difficult step in the process for the class. Originally wanting to record lyrics in week 9, by the time it came around, Asher and his students were still not completely satisfied with the content. As Asher reminisced, “We tried brainstorming but it all seemed so watery and lyrically weak. So I asked a student to pray. We then tried again, and remembered Psalm 98 that I had put on the assignment sheet. What then proceeded was one of the most fun lessons I have 'taught'. We pulled out our Bibles and proceeded to put most of Psalm 98 to music. We had the melody all written, and so it was just a matter of putting the words into that framework. The lunch bell went, and I told them they could go, but no-one left. So we ploughed on! By the end of the two periods we had rewritten what had originally taken us 9 weeks!”

For the final verse Asher’s friend from the Garden of Hope Pre-Primary School translated part of Psalm 98 into Tetun, the language of East Timor. By the following Monday it was done. The singers came in to class during their study breaks to record and put in effort above and beyond what the class usually required. Over the school holidays, Asher mixed and mastered the song, resulting in what we hear today, and put it up for sale on bandcamp and iTunes.

This group of musicians, now known as 1AMUS, is looking to raise $1000 for school’s new roof in East Timor. Any proceeds beyond that will be used to pay teachers at the school and for classroom materials.

Asher said he would like to thank Strathalbyn Christian College, “for providing a place where students can be a part of making known the Lordship of Jesus Christ, through excellence in education, to equip students for works of service.”

On behalf of Wesley Institute, we heartily congratulate Asher and 1AMUS for what they’ve accomplished! At Wesley Institute, we seek to equip our students to live godly lives in influential vocations, and are so encouraged to see our alumni carry their passion, gifts and influence into communities around Australia and the world.

To purchase the song, titled, Salmu, visit iTunes or http://amus.bandcamp.com/.

Salmu by 1AMUS, features:

Caleb Harper - Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Bv's 
Kyrstie Rankine - Flute, Bv's 
Lauren Jones - Vocals, Bv's 
Daniel Smith - Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bv's 
Tahlia Mathieson - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bv's 
Clinton Hewitt - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bv's 
Asher Graieg - Bass Guitar, Piano, Bv's

*Artwork for the album was done by Marni Walker, 2011 graduate of Strathalbyn Christian College. Find out more on her Facebook page and deviant art page.

Cunningham then introduced us to a quartet of horn players, including two trumpets, a trombone and French horn, who joined him for the next four songs. From the haunting Middle East inspired tune "Bethlehem," with the lead line played on a snake-charmer-like soprano saxophone, to the gutsy "Fields of Gold," upon which one music student remarked, "This should be called 'Pirates of Gold'!," due to the lilting feel of the drums, reminiscent of Hans Zimmer's work on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, the extra horns added several layers of depth to already outstanding pieces. Each member of the horn section also showed off his jazz chops with strong, and sometimes playful, solos throughout the pieces.

Finally, an audience request of "Georgia on My Mind" was granted and the Quartet blew the crowd away with their impressive handling of this classic. As always, the powerful drum solos of Gordon Rytmeister had everyone cheering, not just the drummers in the room, and Bill Risby's work on the keys left people scratching their heads asking, "How is it possible for someone's fingers to move so fast?! " Dave Pudney's double bass solo in "Georgia on My Mind" was smooth and sultry, giving some in the audience a clear new-found appreciation for the instrument.

In a gig that was more of a clinic than a straight-line performance, as the ensemble workshopped a few of the tunes on stage, taking us through the rehearsal process, Cunningham showed yet again why an intimate gig such as this can be far more engaging and entertaining, particularly for students from the School of Music, than a full-scale concert. The ensemble's ability to draw the crowd in and wow them with virtuosic skill and panache, not to mention their openly friendly manner in chatting with the audience after the performance and explaining specific nuances of songs to Music students, left everyone keen to hear more. Come back soon, Adrian Cunningham!

The Adrian Cunningham Quartet features:
Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet: Adrian Cunningham
Piano: Bill Rizby
Double Bass: David Pudney
Drums: Gordon Rytmeister

Wesley Institute’s School of Music is privileged to feature David Pudney and Gordon Rytmeister as instrumental tutors within the Bachelor of Music.

For more information on the Adrian Cunningham Quartet, click here.

Written by Bachelor of Music Alumnus, Wil New

After 5 brilliant performances at the Newtown Theatre in February, The Whiskey Bar advanced to the People’s Choice Showcase at the Sidetrack Theatre in Marrickville, performing last week. The western musical was another hit, with the show coming in first and now proceeding to the Gala Finals this weekend at the Seymour Centre!

From around 180 brand new ten minute plays that were performed in January, February and March, including over 300 writers and directors, and close to 500 actors, the Gala Finals includes the top 12 acts.

"Our experience at Sidetrack Theatre in Marrickville was nothing but a success," said Andrew Bollom, Assistant Director and cast member of The Whiskey Bar. "We felt comfortable and strong as an ensemble, and had a lot of fun playing with our ten minute piece as we strove to entertain and challenge our audience. To perform another whole season was a gift and a very cool opportunity to explore and expose the variety of gifts among the members of our cast."

On behalf of Wesley Institute, congratulations to Robert den Engelsman, writer and director of The Whiskey Bar, and the cast of Drama and Music students and alumni on your achievements!

The Whiskey Bar is the inaugural performance of Matriark Art Theatre, founded by Drama Drama alumni Andrew Bollom, Robert den Engelsman, Nicholas O’Regan, Scott Parker and Faith Treacy.

For more information on Matriark Art Theatre, click here.

View the original article, ‘Keeping it Short and Sweet’ here.

Event Details

DATES
Friday 30 – Saturday 31 March
7:30pm

VENUE
Seymour Centre
Corner of City Rd and Cleveland St
Chippendale NSW

ADMISSION
Adult: $40
Concession: $35

TICKETS
Book online here.

In the future, Heidi is particularly interested in continuing work in the community arts scene.

For further information on Heidi’s work, visit her website.
For further information on the current dance offerings at Wesley Institute, click here.

Written and directed by Bachelor of Dramatic Art alumnus, Robert den Engelsman, The Whiskey Bar: A Musical House of Contradictory Morals will be performed as part of Short and Sweet Theatre 2012 from 1 to 5 February at the Newtown Theatre.

“The absurdity of the idea of a Western Musical still makes me laugh,” says Robert. “I thought it would be intriguing to combine the genres one day while dabbling on my guitar after listening to artists like Brecht, Nick Cave and the Doors. Combining music and theatre is one of my passions because the result can be very powerful. I hope The Whiskey Bar provokes thought, while giving the audience a fun and enjoyable experience.”

The cast and crew consist of current students and alumni from Wesley Institute’s Schools of Drama and Music, including:

• Bachelor of Dramatic Art Alumni: Peter Allison, Andrew Bollom, Robert den Engelsman, Jolene Mifsud, Nicholas O’Regan, Scott Parker and Faith Treacy
• Current Bachelor of Dramatic Art Students: Luke Holland and Murray Lambert 
• Bachelor of Music Alumni: Simon Williams and Justin Adams-Jolly 
• Current Bachelor of Music Students: Angela Fehlner, Lauren McDougal, Lyndell Arthur and Percival Reddy
  

Robert, Andrew, Nicholas, Scott and alumnus Benjamin Vickers performed Commedia della Scorreggia at Short and Sweet last year, advancing to the gala finals and winning best Independent Theatre Company.

“After the success of last year’s Commedia della Scorreggia, I wanted to keep the power of ensemble based theatre, while experimenting with different techniques, and it's been very positive,” says Robert. “The whole cast has embraced the script and helped me embody my vision, so I am very humbled by that.”

Short and Sweet Theatre is the world’s largest festival of ‘ten minute theatre’. Currently in its eleventh year, the festival annually features over 300 ten minute plays at both national and international festivals. This year, Short and Sweet Sydney will produce 180 brand new ten minute plays in January, February and March, with over 300 writers and directors, and close to 500 actors involved. Over the years, involvement in Short and Sweet Theatre has assisted a number of theatre professionals in catching their ‘break’.

“Studying the Bachelor of Dramatic Art at Wesley Institute has given me the confidence, as well the essential skills to create my own work,” says Robert. “The training is very focused on 'theatre making', which is something that has broadened my knowledge and I have personally embraced it. In addition, studying amongst other creative Schools at Wesley Institute, like the School of Music, has given me the contacts for collaborations on projects like Short and Sweet Theatre.”

EVENT DETAILS

The Whiskey Bar will be performed along with nine other acts before a panel of judges. The winning act will advance to the gala finals in March.

DATES
Wednesday 1 February to Friday 4 February, 8:00pm
Sunday 5 February, 5:15pm

ADMISSION
Adult: $30
Concession: $25

TICKETS
For tickets, and further event details, visit Short and Sweet.

Wesley Institute is proud to announce the accreditation and offering of two new Master degrees:

• Master of Arts (Religious Education) with nested graduate certificate and graduate diploma, and
• Master of Arts (Leadership and Applied Ethics) also with nested graduate certificate and two graduate diplomas.
  

These signature degrees exemplify the mission of Wesley Institute to equip people for Godly lives in influential vocations by integrating a Biblical worldview with professional and career development.

The Master of Arts (Religious Education) builds on our  pre-service teacher education degrees, and provides professional, career and spiritual development at postgraduate level, developed for teaching professionals, and for existing and emerging school leaders, equipping them to teach and lead Christianly.

The Master of Arts (Leadership and Applied Ethics), to be headed by Dr Graham Pratt, is a unique dual-focus program that equips graduates with a combination of practical and visionary skills, integrating vital leadership fundamentals with strong ethical foundations, so that graduates can confidently exercise leadership in a world where leadership effectiveness and ethical integrity are essential joint capabilities. It was developed for leaders and emerging leaders of community, welfare and not-for-profit organisations; professional bodies, groups and organisations; church, para-church and other Christian organisations; and advocacy, public relations and special interest groups.

Specifically designed for busy professionals, the degrees will provide accessible training through our state-of-the-art online learning platform, supported by opportunities for face-to-face group sessions.

“I believe this program addresses an increasingly vital need for practitioners and decision-makers in various professions to have a high degree of competence in identifying, analysing, and resolving leadership challenges and ethical issues that arise in their field,” Dr John Collier, Head of School, St Andrew’s Cathedral School.

For more information, visit the course pages on our website.

• Master of Arts (Religious Education)
• Master of Arts (Leadership and Applied Ethics)
  

Applications will be available from January 2012. For immediate enquiries, please email melissa.clarke@wi.edu.au.

Twisted Tree Theatre’s

This is a corker of a performance - the staging is really creative and gives you the impression of being "in" the play which is marvellous - I'd also totally forgotten how funny this play is - would recommend it to everyone!

I've seen it! And it was GREAT!!! Acting and direction both brought out the lively humanity of Wilde's sparkling script.

Congratulations Twisted Tree on a brilliant show! You did a great job and Katherine Poulsen, your vision for the production was wonderful! You should all be very proud of yourselves! I still giggle to myself whenever I think about the muffin scene!

Congrats to the cast and crew in their best yet production of The Importance of Being Earnest! Absolutely hilarious; I loved every minute of it. Can't wait for the next show!

On behalf of everyone at Wesley Institute, we would like to congratulate Twisted Tree Theatre on a phenomenal production and an equally outstanding year!

Click here to view The Importance of Being Earnest Photo Gallery.

About Twisted Tree Theatre
Twisted Tree Theatre began as an idea in 2007: to create an alumni theatre company that would represent the Wesley Institute arts community on a greater stage, utilizing the skilled graduates of Dance, Drama, Graphic Design and Music who would work together to produce theatre of professional quality. 

In 2009, the company’s debut show, Peter Schaffer’s The Private Ear, launched the idea of ‘what could be’ into reality. Since then, Twisted Tree Theatre has continued its partnership with Wesley Institute and its graduates, producing Slawomir Mrozek’s Out at Sea, Fernando Arabbal’s Picnic on the Battlefield, and three shows in 2011.

Also in 2011 the company received the award for Best Independent Theatre Company at Sydney’s Short and Sweet festival: an outstanding honour for the company!

“Twisted Tree Theatre offers Wesley Institute’s talented alumni endless opportunities to be involved in what they are most passionate about” said Sarah, board member and ‘Miss Prism’ in The Importance of Being Earnest. “I firmly believe that in order to grow in any career, especially acting, practice is key to achieving success. I believe in Twisted Tree Theatre because it is a wonderful community, as well as a fast, developing professional playground for artists to do and develop what we love.”
 
For more information on Twisted Tree Theatre, visit our alumni page here and Twisted Tree Theatre’s website.

• Acting and Theatre craft,
• Music/Vocals and Worship Leading,
• Contemporary Songwriting, or
• Contemporary Dance,
  

you are  eligible to apply to study a related Bachelor degree in Dance, Drama or Music at Wesley Institute and receive advanced standing.

Or, if you have completed a Bachelor of Theology*, you are eligible for entry into Wesley Institute’s
Master of Teaching (Primary) and Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary).

Click here for more information, including a mapping of the relevant pathways.

*from SCD or Alpha Crucis

All articulation pathways will be reviewed on a case by case basis and are subject to meeting additional admission requirements.

And indeed, it’s been a great year. This past semester featured a number of outstanding performances, showcasing the diversity of talent and creativity at Wesley Institute. 

The School of Drama delivered a series of sold-out productions that immersed theatre-goers in another time and space, including Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Jean Anouilh’s Romeo & Jeanette. To top it off, the theatre season was made complete with the musical production Kiss Me Kate¸ a cross-departmental show involving the collaboration of dramatists, musicians and dancers.

Wesley Institute’s talented musicians stepped into the spotlight at the Music Student Showcase, highlighting the work of the Bachelor of Music students and featuring pieces across many instruments and musical genres. Later in the semester graduating students displayed the culmination of their development over the past three years through their final recitals.

Our dancers most recently presented their works in three exciting performances between Wesley Institute and Parade Playhouse, while graduating students in the School of Graphic Design showcased their final works before a ‘packed house’ at the Graphic Design Exhibition. 

Further prominent events on campus included Open Days, workshops, and industry forums drawing a number of new contributors to the Wesley Institute community. Students and staff were also blessed with a range of fantastic guest  speakers, including Michael Laverty, CEO of Tropfest; Jeff Crabtree, musician, author and speaker;DanielKay, musician, educator and contemporary singing voice specialist; and Simon Hunter, Australian President of the New York Film Academy who led a Script Writing Workshop.

And finally, finishing students were treated to graduand celebrations at Drummoyne’s Copo Café on the 22nd and 23rd of November. Students and staff chatted over canapes and drinks while talented second-year Music students played several acoustic sets. It was a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the accomplishments of all!

On behalf of Wesley Institute, we’d like to congratulate the students and faculty involved in the works of art and events we’ve supported at Wesley Institute this year. We look forward to pressing forward together and expanding our creative horizons in 2012!

By Melissa Clarke

This means more people are now eligible to study the Masters of Teaching (Primary) through the convenience of online learning with Wesley Institute.

If you your undergraduate degree contains at least one year of full-time equivalent studies relevant to one or more learning areas of the primary school curriculum, you can apply for the 2-year Master of Teaching (Primary) and start studying in February 2012.

The Key Learning Areas are:

Your previously completed undergraduate degree only needs 8 semester-long units (one year of full-time equivalent study) in one or more of the above KLA’s.

For more information click here or call us on 9819 8824.

Applications for the Master of Teaching (Primary) and the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) close on Friday 6 January 2012. Apply now!

Born in Sydney, Hannah Cooper (nee Horsley, Bachelor of Dance 1998) spent seven years of her childhood with her family on the mission field in Nairobi, Kenya before returning to Australia and completing high school with full time dance studies in Canberra.  Following her desire to pursue dance, she auditioned for and was accepted into a number of university dance programs. After much prayerful consideration, Hannah began a Bachelor of Arts in Dance studies at Wesley Institute.

“During my time at Wesley Institute I was constantly challenged, and therefore grew exponentially,” reflects Hannah. “I had incredible and inspiring lecturers, great friends and we felt we were part of forging a new future for Christ-centred creative arts in Australia. Studying at Wesley Institute was completely formative for me: artistically, personally, spiritually and relationally.”

While studying at Wesley Institute, Hannah met her husband, Steve Cooper, who was working as a composer and performer with Dance lecturer Phillippa Oakden-Patch. Upon graduation, Hannah enthusiastically acted on her training and immersed herself within the arts and ministry. From 1999-2001, Hannah and Steve were founding members of Ask Dance Theatre, a collaborative dance theatre collective with a focus on creating works from a Biblical worldview. In 2001 the couple moved to San Francisco to embark on further ministry and creative projects. Shortly after the incidents of 11th September 2001, Hannah and Steve had the opportunity to spend time in New York and work with artists on creating different means for people to process the events of 9/11.

Hannah and Steve returned to Australia in 2002, and have continued to engage with the arts and their communities. Hannah took up a position in the School of Dance at Wesley institute, in addition to lecturing at C3 Oxford Falls Creative Arts College and working on various freelance projects. In 2007 Hannah completed further studies, graduating with a Master of Visual and Performing Arts from Charles Sturt University.

Today, Hannah and Steve reside in Tasmania. Steve is the Principal of Trinity College, and Hannah has been actively involved in a steering group for the Poatina Arts Colony, a group of committed artists established to offer a haven of hope for youth at risk. The community annually hosts a Faith and the Arts Summer School, artists’ retreats, mentoring programmes, discussion groups on the national arts scene, and educates on the arts and sustainability.

“I am inspired by God and God in His people and creation,” says Hannah. “I believe Wesley Institute prepared me for my career and life through thorough, challenging and holistic training in arts practice, technique, creativity and life with Christ.” 

Hannah’s goals for the future involve continuing in the everyday working out of the gifts God has given her and seeking how best to put them into practise within community. At Wesley Institute we trust that our graduates will benefit communities around Australia and the world, and we take great pride in the achievements of our alumni. We applaud the work Hannah and her husband Steve are doing to impact the greater community for the Gospel through the formation of relationships and the integration of faith and art, and ask God’s every blessing on them!

Steve and Hannah Cooper