Arts

There is a rich tradition of excellence in the Arts at Downlands College. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of ensembles and events, all designed to bring out their natural creativity and to develop confidence. 

Students with an interest in, or passion for visual art, music, dance, acting or singing can choose from many school-based and external opportunities to learn and perform. Downlands College offers a well-developed cultural program led by dedicated and qualified staff. 


Private tutoring is also available for those wanting more personalised instruction. Most performances are held in the Graham Centre at the College. Students are able to practise and perform on one of two grand pianos, and create original harmonies using state-of-the-art composition software.

Major Events and Community Involvement

During the year, the Performing Arts department is involved in:

 

  • Biennial College Musical
  • Grandparents Day
  • Open Day
  • Toowoomba and Queensland Eisteddfod
  • Queensland Catholic Music Festival
  • Annual Art Exhibition
  • Downlands Community Dinner
  • Paul Morton Memorial Choral Festival
  • Take Note Music Camp
  • Domestic and International Tours
  • Battle of the Bands
  • Various Instrumental & Choral Showcase Concerts
  • State Honours Ensemble Program
  • Queensland Youth Shakespeare Festival
  • Drama Showcase
  • Dance Showcase
  • Arts Awards Night
  • Other performances as scheduled and by invitation

 

Ensembles and Choirs

The Music department offers the following choral and instrumental ensembles:

 

  • Gyphon Chorale
  • The Fortesmen
  • Canticum Choir
  • College Choir (the combined ensemble of The Fortesmen and Canticum)
  • Symphonic Band
  • Big Band
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • String Ensemble
  • Guitar Ensemble

 

College Musical

The Downlands Musical is held every two years and students participate in all facets of the production to stage this major event.

Downlands is excited to announce that our 2020 College Musical will be Wicked.


After our highly successful productions of Les Misérables (2016) and Crazy For You (2018), Wicked will be the largest and most spectacular musical produced by the College in the Graham Centre.


On and off-stage talent is entirely sourced from the Downlands student body - the actors, dancers, band, stage crew and technical crew. The level of professionalism achieved with every school musical is a great source of pride and joy for the whole College community.

Downlands presented the beloved Gershwin musical Crazy For You on stage in Toowoomba for the very first time, from 10 to 12 May 2018.

With an all singing, dancing and acting cast of over 70 students from Years 7 to 12, this classic tale of a boy, a girl, and a theatre in need of salvation, featured classic Gershwin hits I Got Rhythm, Shall We Dance, Someone to Watch Over Me, and the sold-out performances delighted music lovers of all ages.

In 2016, Downlands College proudly presented Les Misérables, featuring in excess of 120 Downlands students performing Boublil & Schonberg's seminal masterpiece, widely regarded as one of the best musicals of the 20th century.

The Graham Centre was transformed into 19th century France for four performances from 28 April 2016. With a 27 piece orchestra, full theatrical lighting and sound, this production was an amazing performance that audiences still talk about.

Awards and accolades

In 2019, the Downlands Performing Arts program was selected as a Finalist in the Best Co-Curriculum Program category of the 2019 Australian Education Awards and the only Toowoomba school selected as a finalist. 

The Australian Education Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the country’s top performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers. The Australian Education Awards go through a six-step process to select the winner including nominations, research and selection of finalists, confirmation of finalists, finalist submission, judging and the awards ceremony.


The Downlands Performing Arts program is a wonderful example of a relationship-focused community of students, parents and staff coming together to nurture and develop the talent and passion of our students across Dance, Drama and Music. Their selection as a finalist acknowledges the fantastic work of their Performing Arts staff who have developed an innovative and contemporary co-curricular program that fosters inclusivity, enjoyment, resilience, persistence and excellence.

View THE Arts @ Downlands

Share by: