PIANO, cello, guitar, and violin were just some of the musical instruments highlighted at Tarrington Lutheran School’s Art Exhibition, which showcased student’s art works and musical talents.

Held last Thursday at the Tarrington Lutheran Hall, students from Foundation through to Year 6 played a range of musical pieces including Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Eensy Weensy Spider, Greased Lightnin’, and Lean on Me, which they had been practicing throughout the year.

The student’s art pieces also added a splash of colour to the hall, with both contemporary and traditional forms of art on display, including pieces inspired by Andy Warhol, Ken Done, and Bronwyn Bancroft.

Tarrington Lutheran School principal, James Phillips said this was the first time the school had combined music and art in one exhibition, with all students embracing the idea and jumping at the opportunity to showcase their exceptional talents.

“What we do in Lutheran Schools is recognise the gifts and talents that every student has and we nurture those, so that’s from academics to the sports and then the arts is an area as well where students are gifted,” he said.

“What we were looking to do was celebrate those students who had gifts in other areas.

“What we’ve done is brought together both music and visual art to give those students a chance to actually show the gifts and abilities that they have.”

Reflecting on the months of planning that went into the exhibition, Mr Phillips said he was thankful for the talented staff who worked tirelessly to bring the showcase to fruition.

“We are very blessed that we’ve got dedicated teachers in the space of the arts,” he said.

“We’ve got Mel Walkenhorst who does the performing arts of music and drama, we’ve got Bec Cameron who does the visual art who is incredibly gifted, and Hazel Forrest who does the private instrumental lessons who teaches many of these students.

“All of this faculty has worked really closely to bring this together, but of course its greatly supported by our Parents Staff and Friends Association who also provided a supper.”

With their focus on highlighting each individual student’s talents, Mr Phillips said the exhibition provided an opportunity for the community to get a glimpse into the hard work and hours of practice put in by students of all ages.

“This is about celebrating students but it is also bringing the community together and providing an opportunity to actually showcase what happens in school life,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to culminate the learning that’s happening all year.

“It’s a confidence-building opportunity as well, so that ability to get up in front of an audience and present a talent is a huge step.

“We’ve got Foundation students at the beginning of their school journey getting up to present their music which is fantastic to see.”