The Armidale version of schools spectacular, ‘An Evening with ACOS’, will hold their one night only sold out performance tonight at Armidale Secondary College.
Over 650 students from public schools across Armidale, Uralla and Rocky River take the stage in an outstanding display of performing arts. ‘An Evening with ACOS’ is a collaborative performance spectacular providing local students with an opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity for the community.
Schools have been busy preparing a range of performances to compliment the creative arts programs offered in these schools. Teachers and principals have worked tirelessly to plan and develop this opportunity for students to gain high level experience in the creative arts area of the School curriculum. The night will be the grand finale to a massive logistical challenge in coordinating rehearsals with students from multiple schools and widespread locations.
Principal of Rocky River Public School, Mr Brad Hunt, has a long history of involvement with the Armidale Community of Schools (ACOS) group.
“There are ten Schools involved in this ‘Evening with ACOS’ event, Armidale City Public School, Ben Venue Public School , Kelly’s Plains Public School, Martin’s Gully Public School, Newling Public School, Sandon Public School and Rocky River Public School, as well as Guyra Central School and Uralla Central School, and the Armidale Secondary College,” Mr Hunt said.
“We have worked incredibly hard to provide our students with the opportunity to participate in a professional and well-coordinated production.”
“Dance, drama, music and verse will feature in our program, along with a combined choir, orchestra and Aboriginal dance group.”
“The amazing thing with this event is that it provides an opportunity for students who have never experienced playing music as part of an orchestra or singing and performing as part of a mass choir.”
“For them to feel the energy returned from the audience will be an amazing experience for them.”
The Armidale Community of Schools has a number of combined schools performance groups who will perform on the night, including the ACOS Student Choir and the ACOS Student Orchestra. Individual school groups, with students as young as seven, will also perform to the sold out audience. Examples of student visual art will be on display to complete the celebration of creative arts.
ACOS was established in 2007, initially involving schools solely within the Armidale town boundary, with the aim of pooling resources and specialised skills to provide greater opportunities for students. Since then, the group has expanded to include a number of small schools, central schools and the newest super school, Armidale Secondary College.
By providing access to a wide range of ideas and experiences, both students and teaching staff benefit from this collaborative and innovative approach.
“We offer combined activities to enhance our students’ learning, through our gifted and high performance programs, cultural and creative arts programs and environmental education programs,” Mr Hunt said.
“Principals also meet to plan a range of professional learning activities, they meet socially and for scheduled meetings on a regular basis”.
“We are very excited to have ‘An Evening with ACOS’ back on the calendar after not being able to hold such an event due to COVID restrictions for a long time. This will be a fantastic celebration of public education in our area“.
‘An Evening with ACOS’ will be a vibrant and creative production, which all participants, their families and friends have been very keen to support. The event is sold out, with a crowd of 800 expected. This is sure to a very exciting and memorable experience for all the students involved, and a relief for the staff and supporters who have worked to make this massive production possible.
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Support now