Musical Feast at Steele Assembly
At a special assembly this week, the school opened the new 'Steele Family Music Classroom'.
Liz & Rick Steele sent all four of their children to Mount Lawley Senior High School - Jesse (Class of 1995), Luke (Class of 1996), and Jake & Katy (Class of 2000).
The school honoured them for their achievements in the music industry since leaving school, and thanked them for their support and advocacy of our music programs.
The assembly was a good opportunity for our students to hear their stories, and to be inspired by their efforts of our past students.
Mr Simon Collins, the Music Editor of the West Australian Newspaper spoke about the musical influence of the Steele Family.
Mr Ted Bull, a family friend and well known Perth media identity, then spoke about the Steele kids in their Lawley days.
The school's Senior Contemporary Ensemble (Rock Band), and our Folk Trio both performed, with the Trio singing their version of Luke's Empire of the Sun hit, 'Walking on a Dream'.
Unfortunately Jesse and Luke Steele were unable to attend, as they were in the United States, however, Luke was able to send a video with an inspiring message to the school.
"I've been very lucky along the way, I've had a lot of favour on my life, I have worked extremely hard and spent a lot of time honing my craft. Every one of you guys out there, you know you have that same fire inside of you, that whatever you want to do, you can reach out and grab it"
Luke Steele
Katy performed the song 'Rescue Boat', from her upcoming album, Rick spoke on behalf of the family and then did a wonderful version of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young', and the assembly closed with Jake performing a piece from his electronic project Tobacco Rat.
It was possibly the most musically-rich assembly we have ever had.
Thanks to all of the performers, and to Simon and Ted for their contributions.
"To Katy and Jake, and to Luke and Jesse, we are glad that you have been a part of our school community. We value you for the people you are and applaud what you have achieved.
And we are pleased that you have returned (although we are sorry you don't recognise many of the buildings, we did make a few changes while you were gone).
To our students, I hope you have found today inspiring - to see what hard work and vision can accomplish, to see where passion can take you, and how the support of family can help you achieve your dreams.
May you take that inspiration into all areas of your lives."
Andrew Paul, School Chaplain
The Steele Family Music Classroom is already in use, a part of the new Year 9 building which opened at the start of 2015.
Across the hall are the David Helfgott Music Practice Rooms. David was a student at Mount Lawley in the 1960's.
