Performing Arts

Music Matters

Staff Movements

We would like to take this moment to farewell three of our exceptional music tutors.

Mrs Stella Talati, our highly respected Senior Concert Band, College Orchestra and Strings Ensemble Director, as well as a gifted private tutor in orchestral strings, concludes her many years of dedicated service to the College. She leaves alongside her husband, Mr Ian Talati, our long-standing percussion and drumline ensemble director and teacher, who has similarly contributed over two decades of commitment to St Pius X College. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both Stella and Ian for their remarkable contribution to the Performing Arts department and wish them every happiness in their new endeavours.

We also farewell Mr Benjamin Blunt, trumpet tutor and Old Boy of the College, who is departing to pursue wider performance opportunities. We sincerely thank him for his excellent service, expert musicianship, and the valuable experiences he has provided to his students.

We are currently interviewing prospective tutors and are excited by the expertise, enthusiasm and fresh direction these musicians may offer our students. These appointments will be announced in the new year.

End-of-Year Celebrations

Congratulations to our Junior and Senior Chorale members, and to all the musicians and actors involved in Tuesday's Road to Bethlehem Liturgy. Special thanks also to Mr Geoff Power and the Intermediate Jazz Band for their outstanding performance at the Academic Awards Ceremony.

Our Performing Arts Tour Raffle has been drawn! Please check your email to see if you were the lucky winner of the $500 prize. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative through the purchase of tickets.

Clipboard Enrolments for Private Tuition and Ensembles

‘Performing Arts 2026’ enrolments are now open on Clipboard for all ensembles, new private tuition applications and instrument hire.

A 2025 Wrap-Up

My sincere thanks go to our incredible Performing Arts staff - our classroom music and drama teachers, ensemble directors and private tutors - for their tireless work throughout the year. Their passion and expertise inspire our boys to grow as actors and musicians, and to embrace the wide range of high-quality performance opportunities on offer.

I would also like to acknowledge our enthusiastic PAPA team, led by Mrs Sylvia Ulevik, for the constant encouragement and joy they bring to our faculty and students.

Finally, thank you to you, our parents, for supporting your son on his performing arts journey. The early morning ensemble rehearsals, home practice reminders and private lessons require commitment, but the rewards are truly worthwhile!

Wishing you and your families a joyful, restful and music-filled Christmas and New Year. We look forward to another wonderful year of music and drama ahead.

Looking ahead to 2026: Term 1, 2025:

• Week 3, Monday 9 February, 6:00 pm - Performing Arts Information evening in the Band Room, followed by the PAPA AGM at 7:00 pm. All welcome.

Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts