Claremont's First Ever Dance Showcase A Success!

On April 15th, Claremont hosted the first ever "Saanich Dance Showcase" where 181 dancers from Claremont, Parkland, Stelly's, North Saanich and Royal Oak got to perform together, be adjudicated by a professional dancer, and participate in a master class.  It was a positive day all about sharing, learning and celebrating dance. 

On April 16th, dancers got to perform again for their family and friends.  Donations for the Sidney Food Bank were received at the door. 

Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event!

FOFA Grad Ceremony A Success!

On Tuesday, June 18th the Focus on Fine Arts program held its inaugural graduation ceremony.  We celebrated the achievements of twelve graduating students who earned at least 40 credits of fine arts courses while studying at Claremont.  After the ceremony, we had a lovely light dinner and celebrated together.  All the best grads!

Thanks to all who attended, and to the Parents Advisory Council for their financial support.

Almost Showtime!

9 days.  216 hours.  That's how long until our show opens.  So much to do.  So excited, so overwhelmed.  So much everything...  It's a whirlwind before the show opens.  I sleep well though.  As every day I go to bed exhausted.

Today we focused our lights and began to create cues with our professional lighting designer, Mr. Paul Croy.  He is such a consummate professional: prepared, calm, ready to teach others.  I cannot say enough about him.  In addition to lighting, we also fixed a wobbly set piece, booked ads for the show, put up more posters, made a sign with rope light around it and made three tables.  It was supposed to be only lighting today, but more always needs to be done.

Ms. Giordano and Ms. Galvao were also in today.  Today was a Pro-D day, but  because teachers had come in to participate in extra hours all year long, we had the day 'in lieu.'  The fact we were all there today is a testament to our commitment to the program.

Well, that's all for now.  Hope to see you at the show!

Colin Plant

Legally Blonde is coming...

Some pre-show Director's notes from our Director Mr. Plant

Well it's Spring Break and while teachers are supposed to be taking a break, I am finding myself getting ready for the sprint that is also known as the month before the musical opens.  This year it's Legally Blonde and it's going to be great.  The students love this musical and because it is modern and they can relate to the characters very well (even if they're not all blonde!).

We have a very talented cast, a solid production team, and the orchestra is already sounding great.   Here are just a few things I've been working on the past few days.  What is interesting to realize is that my colleagues Ms. Giordano and Ms. Galvao are just as busy working on their parts of the production.

-Took a trip to Comox to pick up set pieces.

-Trip another trip to Maple Ridge to pick up set pieces

-Work on getting photographer for headshots

-Working on media release for publicity

-Create a schedule for tech day

-Work on revamping the set design concept after getting pieces from colleagues

-Develop a poster image for the poster

-Submit info for printing of tickets

And that's just in a day or two.  I love getting ready for the show.  I always forget how much work it is.  Better get back to it.

C. Plant

Career Fair A Success!

Last night's FOFA Career Fair at Claremont was a huge success!

Thanks to all the representatives who came out to talk about post secondary opportunities in the fine arts!  There were some amazing presentations, and a wide variety of disciplines were represented.

For more information on any of last night's institutions, click on the links below:

UVic Theatre - http://finearts.uvic.ca/theatre/phoenix/
UVic Fine Arts - http://finearts.uvic.ca/
Canadian College of Performing Arts - http://www.ccpacanada.com/
Victoria College of Art - http://www.vca.ca/ 
Pacific Film and New Media Academy - http://www.vicfilm.com/
SFU School of Contemporary Arts - http://www.sfu.ca/sca/ 
Emily Carr University of Art and Design - http://www.ecuad.ca/
Capilano University -  http://www.capilanou.ca/