Performing Arts
Music Matters
Performing Arts Cultural Tour – Bon Voyage!
As you read this, I will be en route to London alongside Mr Matt Stearn and Mr Andrew Saar, accompanying 28 enthusiastic Performing Arts students from Years 9 – 12 on our inaugural PA Cultural Tour to the United Kingdom and Austria.
This exciting educational experience is packed with extraordinary opportunities, including attending world-class West End musicals and plays, participating in theatre workshops, visiting the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, and experiencing orchestral performances in the great musical centres of Vienna and Salzburg. Students will also explore a range of significant historical and cultural landmarks, including the Royal Albert Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Schönbrunn Palace, Hallstatt, Mozart’s birthplace, and the historic Eagle’s Nest in Bavaria – just to name a few!
The tour has been carefully designed to inspire our Performing Arts students through exposure to some of the world's finest artistic, musical and theatrical traditions. It promises to be an unforgettable experience that will broaden their cultural horizons, deepen their appreciation of the performing arts, and create lasting memories and friendships for years to come. Please use this link to follow our itinerary: Vamoos
A tour of this magnitude does not eventuate without the support of key personnel in addition to our touring staff, whose contributions have been invaluable behind the scenes: Ms Merryn Dodd, Ms Lisa Sutton, Mr Wayne Wheatley, Mr Lachlan Skeen, Ms Felicity Barrett, Ms Eve Klammer and Mr Daniel McGowan. We also thank the families who gave generously of their time (and baking talents!) to create fundraising opportunities for our touring students. We extend our gratitude to Mr Michael Ronchetti for his unwavering support of the Performing Arts.
Elective Music Showcase
This was a spectacular evening showcasing the talent, dedication and musical growth of our Elective Music students from Years 9 – 11. The concert commenced in Our Lady of Dolours Church with a captivating pipe organ recital by Year 11 Music 2 student Marko Fry, who performed J.S. Bach’s celebrated chorale Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 645) with remarkable skill and maturity.
Following this special opening performance, the audience moved to the Band Room where students presented a diverse and entertaining program of solo and ensemble performances spanning a range of styles and instruments. The enthusiasm and support shown by both performers and audience members created a wonderful atmosphere of celebration and encouragement.
Events such as the Elective Music Showcase provide an important platform for students to develop their confidence as performers, share their achievements with the school community and gain valuable experience in preparation for future musical pursuits. Congratulations to all performers on their outstanding efforts, and sincere thanks to Mr Steve Cummins and Mr Aleks Petkovic for their professional accompaniment and parents and friends who attended for their ongoing support of our students.
Band workshops
Special thanks to Mr Geoff Power and Miss Laura Power for generously holding the College Concert Band and Jazz Workshops over the past two weekends. These intensive rehearsals, supported by a team of outstanding guest workshop musicians, provided our students with invaluable opportunities to refine their ensemble skills, develop their musicianship and gain insights from experienced performers and educators. The enthusiasm, expertise and dedication of all involved contributed greatly to the success of the workshops and helped inspire our young musicians to continue striving for excellence.
Special thanks to our PAPA committee members and parent volunteers who assisted in providing the lunchtime BBQ for all involved. Your efforts were gratefully received!
Drumline at Rugby Supporters’ Day
Our Drumline delivered a powerful and energetic performance as they led the 1st XV onto the field at Rugby Supporters’ Day. Their anthemic rhythms and commanding presence created an electric atmosphere, building excitement among players, families and supporters alike. The ensemble performed with precision, confidence and professionalism, showcasing both their musical skill and school spirit. Their contribution added a memorable sense of occasion to the day and demonstrated the important role the Performing Arts play in supporting the broader life of the College.
The Concert Club - Concert #2 – Thursday, 30 July 7:00 pm, Sydney Opera House. Book your tickets now!
We are pleased to offer a second Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) concert to our Concert Club line up and have a limited number of free tickets available for our Performing Arts students, courtesy of PAPA.
This concert features renowned cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who catapulted to stardom after his performance at the royal wedding of Harry and Meghan. However, it’s his superb musicianship that has led him to work with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors, including the SSO’s own Chief Conductor Simone Young.
Students will travel independently to and from the Opera House and will be supervised by staff members throughout the concert. Dress is smart casual. Meeting point is at the Cloakroom (to the left of the internal stairs on level 1) at 6.30pm.
Concert #2 program: https://www.sydneysymphony.com/events/simone-young-sheku-kanneh-mason
Secure your free student ticket via Clipboard: Activity Selection → Performing Arts 2026 → Concert Club #2
Some dates for your diaries Term 3:
- The Concert Club - Concert #2 – Thursday, 30 July 7:00 pm
- Year 11 Australian Music Composition Workshop @ MLC – Friday 31 July
- Drumline Competition – 2 August – more details to come
Intermediate Concert Band:
Friday 21 August - informal practise performance for the State Band Championships - 3:15 pm
Sunday 23 August - NSW State Band Championship times TBC
Term 3 Performing Arts dates overview - more dates for your diaries.
As always, please check the Performing Arts section of Woodchatta each week and feel free to reach out to our helpful Performing Arts staff if you have further enquiries:
Cocurricular / Performing Arts Admin assistant: Ms Merryn Dodd,
Private Tuition Coordinator: Mr Stephen Cummins, scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Ensembles Program Coordinator: Mr Andrew Saar, asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Leader of Learning, Drama: Ms Penny Lindley, plindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Head of Performing Arts: Mrs Annabel Westhoff, awesthoff@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
TREASURE ISLAND
Information session: Friday 24 July at 3:20 pm in the Sarto Centre (Week 1, Term 3)
We will also be seeking backstage crew members and musicians to be involved in the production. Students will be given a draft rehearsal schedule and a short monologue to learn. This is an opportunity for students to ask questions.
Students currently in Years 7–11 are eligible to audition and participate in the play.
Audition Dates (CHOOSE ONE SESSION TO ATTEND)
Friday 14 August, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday 16 August, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Students will be provided with a short monologue to prepare and will also participate in a workshop involving drama activities and performance exercises inspired by the style and themes of the play.
Upcoming DRAMA events for Term 3:
(Week 1) Thursday 23 July: Intermediate Drama Ensemble will rehearse their Melodrama scenes.
(Week 1) Friday 24 July at 3:20 pm: Information session in Sarto Centre for the play: Treasure Island.
(Week 2) Wednesday 29 July at 12:00 noon: Elective Drama students go to STC Wharf 1 to see Bennelong in London.
(Week 3) Sunday 9 August 10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Intermediate Drama Ensemble will rehearse their scenes. Each group will be given a timeslot.
(Week 4) Thursday 13 August 5:00 pm: Intermediate & Senior Drama Ensemble Showcase. All students involved should stay behind after school to rehearse. Ms Lindley will send home an email regarding costume that can be brought from home to wear.
(Week 4) Friday 14 August 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Treasure Island audition #1
(Week 4) Sunday 16 August 10:00 am - 11:30 am: Treasure Island audition #2
(Week 9) Wednesday 16 September 10:00 am: Elective Drama students go to Belvoir Street Theatre to see The Book of Everything.
(Week 10) Monday 21 September 3:20 pm - 5:00 pm: Treasure Island cast meet up, workshop and costume measurements taken.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama
From PAPA
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday 17 October 2026
PAPA Comedy Night Annual Fundraiser. More details to come.
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President - papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au