Performing Arts
Music Matters
It was wonderful to have so many new parents attend our Performing Arts Information Evening on Tuesday night. The evening provided an excellent opportunity for us to share the exciting range of activities and programs available to students in the Performing Arts Department. Parents had the chance to meet our passionate and dedicated teachers, learn about the various performance opportunities, and gain insights into how these programs help foster creativity, teamwork, and confidence in students. It was encouraging to see such a positive turnout and enthusiasm from the families, and we're excited to see how their involvement will enrich the experience of our students this year.
Ensembles and Private Music Tuition information on Clipboard: Clipboard addresses the requirements of Private Tuition lessons, Instrument Hire and Ensemble participation including:
Lesson costings
What to do if your child is absent
Instrument Loan Hire information terms and costings
Cancellation policy
Performing Arts Levy
Music Ensemble news: It’s only Week 3 and some of our ensembles have already been busy performing!
Commencement Mass: Congratulations and thank you to our Junior Chorale, Senior Chorale and Senior Concert Band Ensembles for providing magnificent music at our Commencement Mass yesterday. Your efforts made this event very special.
High Achievers’ Assembly: Our Senior Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr Geoff Power, played superbly at The Concourse last week to celebrate our 2024 HSC high achievers.
Rehearsals are now well under way, with most ensembles now rehearsing busily for performances or ‘open rehearsals’ at Open Day. Information regarding Open Day performance times and venues will be made soon in Woodchatta.
Should your son be interested in joining a particular ensemble, he is welcome to come and try it out during the advertised rehearsal time. The Ensemble Director will then be able to determine if that ensemble is the best fit for him. Ensemble enrolment is via Clipboard, where you can select the ensemble of interest, and the Ensemble Director will place your son in the relevant ensemble.
Students who are new to their instrument may need a few lessons before being able to join an ensemble. Their private tutor will be able to guide them with this.
For more information regarding ensembles, please contact Mr Andrew Saar, Coordinator of Music Ensembles: asaar@stpiusxnsw.edu.au
Here is an explanation of some of our ensembles:
Live Music Production Crew: this ensemble focuses on developing students’ skills in lighting and sound production, along with stage management skills and is open to all students from Years 7 – 12. The crew meets with Mr Jones every Thursday afternoon from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm with the ultimate goal of setting up and providing awesome lighting and mixing fabulous sound for our concerts and drama productions. If your son would like to come and try it out, please get him to meet Mr Jones outside the music classroom at 3:30 pm on Thursday.
Digital Music Ensembles: this is where our students (maximum of 10 per ensemble) use Music Technology, such as GarageBand, Cubase and Ableton Lite, to compose music. Private lessons in Digital Music are not a requirement to attend this ensemble. Lessons take place at lunchtimes (Junior on Tuesday, Senior on Wednesdays and Intermediate on Thursdays) in the Digital Music Lab near the IT department and Junior School Library.
PAPA AGM: It was fantastic to see new parents eager to join our PAPA (Performing Arts Parents Association) family! The AGM last Tuesday night was incredibly productive, filled with creative energy and a wealth of ideas. Most of our meetings are held online, and parents mainly provide support by organising food for our musicians and drama students before concerts and performances. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to our PAPA President, Mrs Sylvia Ulevik, at: papaparents@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Music Tuition
New enrolments for private music tuition are being allocated and your assigned tutor should contact you this week. Exception: piano – we are waiting for our tutors’ availability/ability to take on the number of students who have enrolled. Please wait until next week when we should have this finalised. Due to the unprecedented demand for piano lessons we will soon be interviewing for another piano teacher.
We are also about to start singing lessons with a new teacher in the coming weeks.
Reminders:
All students to take their diaries with them to each music lesson. The tutor will sign the 'Out Of Class' page.
Please carefully place your instrument in the instrument storeroom. Students are to keep this area neat and tidy.
Parents, if your son is absent from school and it happens to be on their music lesson day, please let your tutor know directly prior to the start of school.
Mr Stephen Cummins - Music Tuition Program Coordinator
Drama Matters
Oliver Twist Rehearsals
Students should continue to prepare for each rehearsal by doing their accent work, learning lines and thinking deeply about the motivations and intentions of their character. It is useful to speak the lines out loud and aim to learn the cues too. Please contact Ms Lindley if you will be absent for any rehearsals.
Oliver Twist Rehearsal Schedule
Upcoming rehearsals
Upcoming events:
Oliver Twist Rehearsals: Ongoing – please check the schedule.
Wednesday 12 February: 7:00 pm OnSTAGE @The Seymour Centre for Years 10 & 12 Elective Drama
Thursday 20 February: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm is the start of the Intermediate Drama Ensemble. Please register your son on Clipboard.
Wednesday 19 March: Periods 2-6 Picnic at Hanging Rock @Sydney Theatre Company at The Drama Theatre, Opera House for Years 9-12 Elective Drama
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama