Performing Arts
Music Matters
Wow!
We were thrilled to welcome the exceptionally talented multi-instrumentalist, Mr James Morrison, to the College for an unforgettable day of music, inspiration, and storytelling. James generously shared his vast musical knowledge, passion, and engaging anecdotes with our students and staff, creating a truly memorable experience for all involved.
Our Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Jazz Ensembles, along with their directors, had the unique opportunity to participate in workshops led by James. Following this, his quartet conducted a masterclass open to all interested musicians, offering further insight into the world of jazz and performance.
That evening, jazz enthusiasts gathered for a sensational concert. James performed alongside our Jazz Ensembles before taking the stage with his own Quartet - which includes his exceptionally gifted sons, William on guitar and Harry on double bass - for a dynamic second-half performance. The entire event was uplifting, inspiring, and thoroughly entertaining.
We extend our sincere thanks to PAPA for their generous financial support, which made the concert possible. Their contribution also included catering for our performers and community, as well as funding a new bass amp and covering half the cost of a new jazz drum kit. This kit made its debut during the concert, played by the James Morrison Quartet’s drummer, Tim Firth, who complimented it as an excellent instrument.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to our Rock Band Ensemble and combined Percussion Ensemble for providing fantastic pre-show and interval entertainment. Our MCs, Performing Arts Captain Patrick Elliott and Vice-Captain Robbie Oner did an excellent job in hosting the evening.
Finally, a special thank you to our dedicated maintenance and live production crews, whose behind-the-scenes efforts were essential to the success of the evening.
But it doesn’t stop there!
A great selection of photos from the day and evening concert are attached:
This Friday, our Chamber Music Concert, commencing at 7:00 pm in the Sarto, will see us showcase our ‘unplugged’ ensembles including our Junior and Senior Chorales, all Guitar Ensembles and Bass Guitar, Brass Quintet, String Ensemble, Orchestra and Year 12 soloists.
Please note there will be NO after-school supervision or food supplied before this concert as it is a later start. The concert will run for approximately one hour. Out of respect for all performers, we kindly ask that everyone remain for the duration of the event.
Performers are required at the Sarto by 6:30 pm in full College uniform.
Students are asked to take their instruments up to the Sarto straight after school.
No ticket required for admission. All welcome.
- Unfortunately, no parking on the school grounds will be available on the night.
The Sydney Eisteddfod commences next week at The Concourse, with many of our ensembles competing. Please check your email from the relevant ensemble director with further details. All welcome.
Intermediate Jazz - Sydney Eisteddfod Monday 2 June, 6:30 pm, The Concourse
Senior Jazz - Sydney Eisteddfod Tuesday 3 June, 3:00 pm, The Concourse
Junior Concert Band – Tuesday 10 June, 9:00 am – 11:00 am The Concourse
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 Students Take the Stage!
You're Invited: Sounds of Tomorrow – Elective Music Showcase
Families, friends, and fellow students are warmly invited to an evening of outstanding musical talent as our Years 9 to 11 Elective Music students take the stage for the Sounds of Tomorrow showcase. Join us in the Band Room on Monday, 16 June, for a dynamic program of solo and ensemble performances that celebrate the creativity, skill, and dedication of our young musicians.
Each student will present either a solo or group piece, offering a rich variety of musical styles and expression. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our passionate performers and enjoy an entertaining night of live music. They also need an audience to experience nerves as a performer!
We hope you can join us.
Headphones for Students
We kindly request that all Music students in Years 5 – 12 have a pair of inexpensive wired earbud headphones, which are easily available at supermarkets and service stations (for example, from Coles, as shown in the image below). These headphones should be kept in their pencil cases and will be used for music composition and listening analysis activities. Thank you for your support!
Important Performing Arts dates for your diary
Term 2
HSC Major Works Day - Friday 30 May - Music 1, Music 2 and Music Extension students
Chamber Music Concert - 'Pius Unplugged' - Friday 30 May, 7:00 pm, Sarto Centre (featuring our chorales, guitar ensembles, strings, orchestra and Year 12 soloists)
- Intermediate Jazz - Sydney Eisteddfod - Monday 2 June 2025, 6:30 pm
- Senior Jazz - Sydney Eisteddfod -Tuesday 3 June 3:00 pm, The Concourse
- Junior Concert Band – Tuesday 10th June 9:00 am, The Concourse
Junior Jazz - Sydney Eisteddfod - Tuesday 10 June 7:30 pm, The Concourse
Intermediate Concert Band - Sydney Eisteddfod - Wednesday 11 June 4:00 pm – time, The Concourse
'Sounds of Tomorrow: Elective Music Showcase' (Years 9 - 11 Elective Music students) - Monday 16 June, Years 9 - 11 Elective Music students. All welcome.
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
PAPA Comedy Fundraiser – 20 September
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
From PAPA
Thank you to our James Morrison concert volunteers
A big thank you to our PAPA volunteers and committee members for their support and time before and during last Friday’s 'An Evening with James Morrison' concert.
The event was a great success and much is owed to our wonderful Performing Arts community. We are also grateful to Mrs Annabel Westhoff, Mr Andrew Saar and the entire Performing Arts staff for their hard work to plan and coordinate the day and concert - what a phenomenal effort!
Did you know? PAPA also supported the concert by:
· Providing afternoon tea and BBQ dinner for all musicians, crew and staff
· Contributing 50% of the cost of a brand-new drum kit
· Paying 100% for a new bass amplifier especially purchased for the event
· Covering the entire cost of renting lighting equipment for the evening.
Next term we have our Annual Fundraiser Comedy Night on 20 September, so save the date and get in touch if you’d like to be involved.
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President (papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au)
Drama Matters
Year 7 Drama
All Year 7 students taking Drama this semester will perform their adverts in Week 5. I am available at lunchtime this week for extra rehearsals for those groups who need it. Meet at the veranda with your group and your lunch. If anyone from your group is away, you will either perform during the next lesson or at lunchtime when all your group are at school.
Upcoming Drama events:
Year 7 Making an Ad! Practical Assessments: Week 5
HSC Drama: Major Works Day: Friday 30 May
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama