CAPA
Creative and Performing Arts
After a rewarding and busy Term 1, we’re beginning to see the impressive results of our students' hard work. Most CAPA subjects have now completed their Semester 1 written assessments, and practical tasks are currently being marked in preparation for reports.
Each year, I continue to be inspired by the incredible creative and performance talents of our students and staff, and this year is no exception. The school musical was a remarkable showcase of student talent, bringing together the combined efforts of Epping Boys High School, Cheltenham Girls High School and Riverside Girls High School to deliver a truly unforgettable production.
The School Musical "Pirates of Penznce"
Following a seven-year hiatus, the school musical returned in spectacular fashion and proved to be a resounding success. Across six performances, including a student matinee, community matinee and four public performances, audiences were entertained by the outstanding talent, enthusiasm and dedication of all students involved.
A special commendation must be given to the students from Cheltenham Girls High School and Riverside Girls High School for their valued participation in the production as lead performers, chorus members and orchestra musicians. Their commitment, professionalism and energy contributed greatly to the success of the show and highlighted the strong collaboration between the schools.
The production was the culmination of many months of hard work from students, staff, creative teams, musicians, backstage crew and volunteers, all of whom deserve sincere thanks for their efforts and support. The musical not only showcased exceptional performance talent, but also fostered confidence, teamwork and lasting friendships.
For many students, The Pirates of Penzance will remain a memorable and rewarding experience that they will cherish for many years to come. See the reviews and audience comments below, which reflect the overwhelming positive response from the school and wider community.
Please pass on my congratulations and thanks to all those responsible for the wonderful performance of Pirates of Penzance. It was outstanding. It made me feel proud to be associated with EBHS. Loved being served by the principal at the canteen!!
I am writing to congratulate all in the EBHS community involved in the school's recent fantastic production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. I attended the Thursday night performance and so thoroughly enjoyed the evening and was so impressed with the whole production that I felt compelled to send this email to you.
I want to thank you and your CAPA team for my ticket to Pirates of Penzance. It was a very polished production. The singing and acting from all students was excellent and I was very proud of our girls. Please congratulate your CAPA team and support staff, parents, students and helpers on a fabulous production.
I wanted to write to say what a fabulous production the Pirates of Penzance was and how much we enjoyed it. From the amazing props and costumes right down to the small details, I know this came from your amazing staff. I also noted that every part of the production included the boys - from orchestra, set design, sound & lighting and program design. It’s great to see so many boys have the chance to be involved. I can only imagine the sheer number of hours that went into making this production and so thank you to everyone for going above and beyond to make it happen. It will be remembered long after the students finish high school.
I’d like to take a moment to commend you and the entire team on what was truly an outstanding production. I attended every show, and not for a single second was I bored, each performance was absolutely captivating. The cast were incredible, and the level of talent, energy, and professionalism on display was simply mindblowing.
I must write to express my congratulations for the play. The children were wonderful and the lead female singer is sensational. I have never been to your school, but I was the guest of one of the performers. Also super thank you for the ramp leading into the theatre. I’m 78 and have a walking stick. It was so thoughtful.
Catch more reviews here:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1261898522328663
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1675712390130493
Music in Focus!
Just In Time, with Year 7 Music
Our Year 7 students are currently in their assessment period, demonstrating their skills and understanding in performance, listening, and composition. As part of their performances, students collaborate in a whole class drumline ensemble and present individual glockenspiel pieces. Those wishing to challenge themselves further have the opportunity to perform more advanced repertoire on their own instrument as an extension option.
In the composition task, students translate traditional drumkit notation to an electronic drum machine, developing their understanding of rhythm and technology. Students who wish to extend themselves in this component are invited to write for additional instruments using staff notation.
We are proud of the students’ enthusiasm and dedication as they showcase their learning and growth. Well done to all Year 7 students for their hard work!
Creative Spotlight!
Year 10 (Visual Arts 200 hour) Ms Tillstrand
Year 10 Visual Arts (200 hour) students have been exploring the rich history and symbolism of dragons through a hands-on clay sculpture project. Drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western depictions of dragons throughout history, students investigated the contrasting styles, meanings, and cultural stories behind these mythical creatures. Using clay construction and sculpting techniques, students designed and are currently creating their own unique dragon forms, experimenting with texture, detail, and imaginative design while developing their understanding of historical and cultural influences in art. Images of students at work.
Year 10 (Photographic & Digital Media) Ms Low
The new Year 10 cohort for Photography & Digital Media continues to make strides this semester! Their portfolio work has demonstrated a keen eye for Modernism and Futurism as stylistic influences, with many of the class having captured the unique architectural forms as well as the hustle and bustle of Sydney as a metropolis. I'm very impressed with the adaptability and diligence of the class, overall, and it will be exciting to see them further develop their conceptual strength over the coming weeks and months. Fantastic work, boys!
Artworks from left: Zane Q, Darnell S, Enoch I, Lynus L, Riian Z, Solomon H
Year 8 (Visual Arts) Ms Chang
Selected Year 8 classes have been introduced to the Unit of Work: Colour and Imagination. As part of this unit, students studied the artist Wassily Kandinsky, who had a condition called synaesthesia — the ability to experience hearing sounds and seeing colours. Kandinsky translated these sensory experiences into abstract paintings. Inspired by his work, the students explored the connection between colour, shape, and music, creating their own interpretations. Below are a few outstanding examples of their paintings.
Artworks from left to right: Timothy T, Alan Jin, Dean K, Luke W, WeiLiang D, Brian M, Felix S, Len C
Music Ensembles
Now that the dust has settled on our Pirates of Penzance musical, our Music Ensemble program continues with regular rehearsals and performances planned.'
Sydney Eisteddfod -CONGRATULATIONS..... 1st place to Epping Boys High School – Senior Vocal Ensemble at Sydney Eisteddfod.
Senior Vocal Ensemble performed on 11 May under the direction of Melissa Kenny. They were declared the winners of their event and the adjudicator’s comments were highly positive. Senior Percussion Ensemble and Stage Band will be performing at the end of May and we look forward to hearing great things about their performances.
Adjudicators Comments:
"An admirable tone from these singers, and an engaged performance. The fact that such a solid and well produced tone could come from a small number of singers speaks volumes for the excellent guidance these young singers have received. The tuning was good and the diction also excellent. The sound filled the room and allowed the music to shine. Each piece was performed stylistically and an ease of communication. The tuning in the acapella moments was also very impressive."
Year 12 Music Ties
Year 12 students who have been part of the Music Ensemble Program during their school years have recently been presented with their Music Ties, a recognition of their commitment to the Music Program. They are to be congratulated for continuing to participate in the ensembles despite the rigours of their HSC studies. These students are Socrates A, Samit G, Andrew K, Jeremy L, Lochlann N, Andrey S, Oliver T, Nathan T, Viktor W, Fergus W, Annan Y, Jaden Y and Matthew Z.
Grandparents’ Day
This event is a special one on the school calendar. We have Year 7 students playing in a variety of ensembles and many of them will be showcased on Grandparents’ Day. We look forward to performances by Concert Band, Jazz Band, Junior and Senior Guitar Ensemble, Junior Vocal Ensemble, Junior Percussion Ensemble and String Orchestra.
Michael Tabrett – Music Teacher
Past HSC Visual Arts Showcase - Where are they now?
Che-Huai (White) Lin – Visual Arts class of 2025
White’s body of work, Year 12 in Watercolour portrays his fellow HSC students, capturing the nuanced emotions and shared experiences of their final year of school. Through subtle brushwork, soft blending and expressive colour, the portraits transform ordinary moments of student life into intimate and emotionally resonant images. Ranging from saturated yellows to subdued greens, deep blues and soft pinks, the colour palette creates a dreamlike atmosphere that emphasises mood, connection and memory. The work serves as both a personal and collective reflection on the emotional complexity, growth and endurance of the HSC journey. White’s body of work comprised of twelve watercolour portraits.
White is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software Engineering) at the University of NSW.
Year 12 in Watercolour
2025
Painting
Louise Whalley
Head Teacher CAPA
