Performing Arts
Music Matters
Welcome new members of staff
I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome our new member of the Music teaching faculty, Mr Andrew Saar. Mr Saar brings with him experience in Catholic boys’ education, as well as being a singer, trombonist, rugby and cricket player and coach. In addition to classroom teaching, Mr Saar will also be taking over the role of Coordinator of Music Ensembles from Mrs Stella Talati, who so kindly held this position last year. I would like to thank Mrs Talati for the wonderful job she did in organising our Music Ensembles program, despite only being at school two days per week. Mrs Talati continues at the College as a private instrumental tutor and conductor of many of our ensembles.
Performing Arts/Cocurricular Administrative Assistant: Ms Merryn Dodd. We are thrilled to have Ms Merryn Dodd on board as our Administrative Assistant. Ms Dodd will be based in the Music office and will be working Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. Her email is sperformingarts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
Singing teacher
We are delighted to have Mr Joshua Oxley join us as a private singing tutor. Mr Oxley will be teaching students from Years 5 – 12 a variety of contemporary, musical theatre and classical genre pieces. If your son really loves singing, I encourage him to sign up for lessons via Clipboard.
Clipboard
As you might be aware, the College has introduced a new program to manage cocurricular choices called Clipboard. In order for your son to be enrolled in private music tuition as well as all drama and music ensemble/s you will need to use the Clipboard app. This is for ALL students who wish to be involved in the Performing Arts program (even those who have previously had private lessons at the College). This is also where you pay the Performing Arts levy ($350). It is envisaged that all private tuition students are involved in the ensemble program and students are encouraged to be involved in more than one ensemble. For instructions on how to use clipboard, please use this link.
Performing Arts Parent Information evening
Parents and carers are invited to attend an information evening concerning all things Performing Arts at the College. This will be held in the Band Room on Monday 12 February commencing at 6:00 pm. This will give parents an opportunity to ask questions and meet some of our private music tutors and ensemble directors.
This meeting will be followed by the Performing Arts Parents Association (PAPA) AGM. Parents are warmly encouraged to attend and support our amazing Performing Arts community!
Private Tuition lessons
These will generally start in Week 2 and your child will be contacted directly by their tutor. Private tuition fees are paid directly to the tutor. All students (including those who have previously had lessons at the school) will need to apply or reapply for lessons via Clipboard. Those students who are continuing lessons will remain with their current teacher.
Hired instruments
Students who are hiring an instrument from the school and have applied via Clipboard will be given their instrument in their first lesson with their private tutor. All instruments were serviced over the holidays.
Ensemble rehearsals will commence in Week 2. Students will be contacted by their ensemble director. Rehearsals are as follows:
Drama Ensembles Information
Students from the Intermediate and Senior Drama Ensembles are invited to take part in a short 6 week course to upskill your improvisational skills, explore the world of improv and unleash your creativity through spontaneous scenes, character development, and teamwork.
Gain essential skills like quick thinking, adaptability, and effective communication. No prior experience required. Join us for a transformative journey of self-discovery and laughter. Get ready to think on your feet and embrace the magic of improv!
The experienced and highly successful tutor Daniel Cordeaux will be teaching this unit and Ms Lindley will support him during this time. Daniel is best known for his appearances in Thank God You're Here. In 2001 Daniel was invited to join the Australian Improv team in the Montreal International Just For Laughs festival where they won the Improv World Cup.
Term 1, Weeks 2-7
Senior Ensemble: Monday 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm (Sarto Centre) – Years 9-12
Intermediate Ensemble: Thursday 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm (Sarto Centre) Years 7-8
Junior Drama Ensemble is designed specifically for students in Years 5 and 6. Come along and have some fun! Sarto Centre, Friday 7:30 am.
To be involved in the Drama ensembles, please use Clipboard to pay your Performing Arts levy and select the appropriate ensemble for your son’s age.
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Performing Arts Coordinator
Drama
Intermediate & Senior Drama Ensembles
Students from the Senior Drama Ensembles are invited to take part in a short 6 week course to upskill your improvisational skills, explore the world of improv and unleash your creativity through spontaneous scenes, character development, and teamwork.
Gain essential skills like quick thinking, adaptability, and effective communication. No prior experience required. Join us for a transformative journey of self-discovery and laughter. Get ready to think on your feet and embrace the magic of improv!
The experienced and highly successful tutor Daniel Cordeaux will be teaching this unit and Ms Lindley will support him during this time. Daniel is best known for his appearances in Thank God You're Here. In 2001 Daniel was invited to join the Australian Improv team in the Montreal International Just For Laughs festival where they won the Improv World Cup.
Term 1, Week 2-7
Senior Ensemble: Monday 3.30-4.30 (Sarto Centre) – Years 9-12
Intermediate Ensemble: Thursday 3.30-4.30 (Sarto Centre) Years 7-8
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Coordinator