The birth of the big musicals started in the car from Caves Beach on the way to work. Bill, Jack Seamer (History Master 1968-1980) and Greg Paterson (Music Teacher 1968-1980) were carpooling and the trio discussed the concept of establishing a school musical. Bill and Greg were equal partners in the musicals that followed over a six-year period and collaborated in all aspects of their production.
Bill had a musical history within choirs and musical theatre. His first musical appearance was in Lismore in “The Quaker Girl”, and as a tenor he was active in his church choir, a life-long involvement he had along with his wife Kitty. Even at the age of 96 Bill could still knock out a tune (see Bill Bryant & Greg Paterson reminisce about Oklahoma!) His love of Rogers and Hammerstein, particularly Oklahoma! came after see a production in Sydney whilst at university.
Greg Paterson was Bill’s right-hand man and the first musical director, but Bill was always the driving force. The musicals’ cast were mostly senior school students, practicing during the lunch period and sometimes after school. Early production was rudimentary - piano, bass and drums. Lighting, amplification and staging were not to today’s level, however enthusiasm, as reported from the student cast, and quality, were none the less obvious. The objective was to schedule a performance for Term 2 so as not to interfere with senior studies and to plan a new production every two years. Performances usually were at the Griffith Duncan Theatre at the University of Newcastle.
Bill’s impact on the lives of so many students and the culture of the school cannot be underestimated.