Performing Arts

Music Matters

A huge congratulations to our talented students and dedicated staff for their outstanding performances at last Friday night’s annual Chamber Music Concert, held in the Sarto Centre.

The evening featured our ‘unplugged’ ensembles performing to a full house and was a true celebration of musical excellence. Highlights included performances by the Junior and Senior Chorales, with stunning solos by Year 6 students Lewis Park and Vinnie Abbattista. Audiences were also treated to performances by our Guitar and Bass Guitar Ensembles, Brass Quintet, String Ensemble, and Orchestra, along with fabulous Year 12 solos by Patrick Elliott (tenor saxophone) and Jorge de Membrillera Perez (acoustic guitar).

Our MCs, Performing Arts Captain, Patrick Elliott and Drama Vice Captain, Jonty Cortis-Jones, did an outstanding job keeping the audience engaged and entertained while the stage was reset between performances. Thank you to everyone who contributed to make it such a memorable evening!

The Sydney Eisteddfod commenced this week with some superb performances by our Junior, Intermediate and Senior Jazz Ensembles at The Concourse.

Congratulations to our Senior Jazz Ensemble who received a Highly Commended in their section this week.

The remainder of our ensembles are competing next week. All invited.

Junior Concert Band – Tuesday June 10, 9:00 am – 11:30 am, The Concourse (it is envisaged we will be on later in the program).
Junior Jazz, Sydney Eisteddfod - Tuesday 10 June, 7:30 pm, The Concourse
Intermediate Concert Band (ICB), Sydney Eisteddfod Wednesday 11 June, 4:00 pm, The Concourse

Elective Music Showcase: Please note this concert has been postponed to next term (date tba) due to the early finish for students that day, as well a clash with assessment preparations for some of our senior students. A new date will be advised early next term. Keep practicing!

HSC Major Works Day: Last Friday, our Music 1, Music 2, and Music Extension students took part in an intensive performance workshop, alongside their accompanists, as part of their preparation for the upcoming Trial HSC examinations in August.

This valuable session provided students with the opportunity to refine their repertoire, receive targeted feedback, and strengthen their collaborative performance skills in a supportive, professional environment. The workshop not only helped students polish their technical execution and musical interpretation, but also build confidence in performing under examination conditions.

We commend our Year 12 Music students for their focus, dedication, and musical growth, and thank our accompanists and staff for their expert guidance and support throughout the day.

Rotary Music Scholarship: Our representative at the Gordon Waterhouse Memorial Music Scholarship sponsored by the Chatswood/Roseville Rotary Club is our Performing Arts Captain, Patrick Elliott. Patrick will be performing two contrasting works on Tenor Saxophone. All are invited to come and support Patrick on Thursday 12 June, 7:00 pm Zenith Centre.

SPX Performing Arts - dates for your diaries:

Term 2:

Junior Concert Band – Tuesday 10 June 9:00 am, The Concourse
Junior Jazz - Sydney Eisteddfod - Tuesday 10 June 7:30 pm, The Concourse
Intermediate Concert Band (ICB) - Sydney Eisteddfod - Wednesday June 11, 4:00 pm, The Concourse
Rotary Music Scholarship Concert – Thursday 12 June, 7:00 pm, Zenith Centre
Intermediate Concert Band workshop - Sunday 22 June - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
ICB - NSW State Band Championships (time TBC) - Sunday 24 August

Term 3:

Elective Music Showcase – date tba
HSC Music Trials – Friday 8 August
PAPA Comedy Fundraiser – 20 September

Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts

Drama Matters

Year 7 Drama

All Year 7 students taking Drama this semester have been busy writing and performing their adverts for products that don’t exist. This major assessment task has sparked an incredible amount of creativity and teamwork among the students. I have been thoroughly impressed with the collaborative spirit and group work demonstrated as they brought their imaginative concepts to life. From quirky gadgets to whimsical food items, the range of ideas has been nothing short of inspiring.

It's a joy to witness the collaboration and creativity on display, with each group showcasing their unique vision and flair. The performances not only highlight the students' dramatic skills but also their ability to think outside the box.

Year 9 Drama

Extra sessions are available for the rehearsal of the upcoming Commedia Performance Assessment:

Week 6 – Wednesday lunch

Week 7 – Wednesday after school, Thursday lunch.

Upcoming Drama events

Week 7 will be the final Intermediate Ensemble session this term: 12 June

Next term we will start working towards our showcase which is part of the Performing Arts Week. Extra sessions later in the year will be to prepare for these performances.

Week 6 will be the final Senior Drama Ensemble session this term: 2 June

This is due to King’s Birthday & Staff Meeting falling on our Monday session times. Next term we will start working towards our showcase which is part of the Performing Arts Week. Extra sessions later in the year will be to prepare for these performances.

Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama