Performing Arts
Music Matters
What a weekend it was!
Senior Jazz Band & Comedy Night Success
Our Senior Jazz Band performed brilliantly at the Manly Jazz Festival on Saturday morning, delighting the crowd, and gaining plenty of new fans of all ages, with strong support from family and friends. Congratulations to Patrick Elliott (tenor saxophone), Robert Oner (trombone), Oliver Sudbury (guitar) and Noah Watson (trumpet) on their fabulous solos and special thanks to their ensemble director, Mr Geoff Power, for his incredible leadership of this talented bunch and wonderful, toe-tapping repertoire choices.
Saturday night saw the Sarto Centre transformed into a lively Comedy Club for PAPA’s second Comedy Night. The event, an initiative of our very own SPX parent, comedian Simon Kennedy, was a resounding success. Simon kept the audience entertained as MC with his sharp wit and spot-on Donald Trump impersonation, setting the tone for the evening. Peter Berner, Jackie Loeb, and Michael Cho ensued with a fantastic variety of stand-up acts, keeping the energy high. Perfect weather allowed the crowd to mingle at the outdoor bar, rounding out a truly memorable night. Special thanks to our amazing and dedicated PAPA committee, led by President Mrs Sylvia Ulevik, for their tireless work in bringing this event to life.
Music at our Graduation celebrations
Thank you to our beautiful Junior and Senior choristers for their incredible singing at the Graduation Mass on Tuesday night, that helped to make this such a memorable occasion.
Our Graduation ceremony on Wednesday saw our Intermediate Concert Band providing ceremonial music, with entertainment provided by our Year 12 HSC Music soloists, Patrick Elliott (tenor saxophone), Jorge Gomez de Membrillera Perez (guitar) and Aiden Perez (drums) who demonstrated their hard work, virtuosic skills and musicality to the College community. Our drumline was remarkable in leading out the Graduating class of 2025 through the Junior School guard of honour, to round out the Graduation Ceremony.
Encore success!
Congratulations to our Music 1 guitarist, Jorge Gomez de Membrillera Perez on being nominated for ‘Encore’ the HSC Music showcase concert next year.
Performing Arts Cultural Tour – UK and Austria, 2026
I’m delighted to share that, thanks to the strong interest from our Performing Arts community, our 2026 Performing Arts Cultural Tour now has the numbers to proceed! Confirmation emails have been sent to all relevant participants.
If you have any further questions or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to: awesthoff@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or mdodd@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
SSO Excursion – Year 9 & 10 Elective Music
Our Year 9 and 10 Elective Music students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the Sydney Opera House today to see the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The program featured a critique and performance of the music of renowned Japanese film composer Joe Hisaishi. Joe Hisaishi (born Mamoru Fujisawa) is celebrated as one of the most influential film composers of our time. He is best known for his long-standing collaboration with Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, composing beloved scores for films such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
The highlight of the concert was a performance of Hisaishi’s iconic 'Merry-Go-Round of Life', the main theme from Howl’s Moving Castle. Students were able to experience how the orchestra’s sections interact to create colour and texture, and gain insight into the composer’s techniques for storytelling through music.
This experience not only deepened students’ understanding of film music and orchestration, but also inspired them to think about the role music plays in shaping narrative and emotion and supports the Year 10 Elective Music topic of Narratives.
Year 9 Elective Drama performance
I had the pleasure of watching selected scenes from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ being performed for an assessment by the Year 9 Drama class for a small audience of Year 7 students. The students effectively portrayed the famous characters from the play and seemingly handled the Shakespearean language with ease, keeping their energetic audience engaged. Well done to the students, and thank you for an enjoyable performance. Congratulations also goes to Ms Penny Lindley for her work with the students.
Term 4: PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
PRIVATE TUITION STUDIO CONCERTS AND DRAMA ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE
I wish you and your family an enjoyable holiday break and look forward to sharing more exciting Performing Arts opportunities with our students next term.
Term 4 Performing Arts dates:
Thursday 30 October – Year 5 2026 Orientation (before school) – Junior Jazz (TBC)
Thursday 30 October - Senior Leaders Investiture at The Concourse – Senior Concert Band – 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friday 31 October – Junior School Concert in the Gym – Junior Concert Band, Junior Chorale and Junior Guitar Ensemble – Period 5 and 6
Tuesday 4 November – Year 7 Orientation before school – Intermediate Concert Band (TBC)
Tuesday 11 November – Remembrance Day Assembly – Senior Concert Band – 11:00 am-12:00 noon
Friday 21 November - Christmas Twilight Concert – All Concert Bands, All Jazz Bands, All Percussion Ensembles, Orchestra, Guitar Ensembles, Choirs, Rock Ensemble, Bass Ensemble – More information to come – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 2 December – Road to Bethlehem – Ensembles TBC
Wednesday 3 December – End of Year Awards Assembly – Senior Jazz Band (TBC)
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Drama Blue Co-Curricular Award
John Badger-Rahme recently received his Drama Blue Co-Curricular Award from Mr Ronchetti in his office. John has been a positive influence throughout his time in the Senior Ensemble and during the Oliver Twist production. His calm nature and spirit of gratitude will be greatly missed. We hope that both John and Jason Kristiano (Year 12 student) will return to support the Drama Ensembles in the future.
Year 9 Performances
Over the past four weeks, Year 9 Drama students have been working diligently on selected scenes from Romeo and Juliet. They have shown creativity and determination in tackling the challenges of Shakespeare’s language and uncovering their characters’ intentions. Their performances for the Year 7 and Year 8 audience were met with great focus and respect from the younger students. Each Year 9 student should feel proud of their achievements so far. Parents will have the opportunity to see this work, along with other performances, at our annual Drama Showcase on Thursday 20 November.
Year 7 Double Figures
Year 7 Drama students have been developing their Double Figures characters, a fun and creative activity that also informs their Drama Theory work. A Double Figures character is performed by two students: one provides the body and voice, while the other (hidden behind) supplies the arms. Working together, they bring one character to life. Students were challenged to act as “experts” on quirky topics such as staring competitions, snail racing, bell ringing, and aliens. They were then interviewed in character, producing hilarious and inventive improvisations. Please enjoy the photos of students showcasing their chosen topics. This activity is always a highlight for Year 7 Drama, encouraging teamwork, quick thinking, and plenty of laughter.
Oliver Twist Reunion
Last Friday, we held a successful Oliver Twist reunion in the old Drama Room. It was heartwarming to see students reconnect with their peers and share some well-deserved downtime. A highlight of the event was a hilarious award show created by John Badger-Rahme, with categories voted on by the cast and crew. Alongside traditional awards such as “Best Actor” and “Best Costume,” there were light-hearted categories like “Most Missed Cues,” “Funniest Duo,” and “Clumsiest Actor.” Students thoroughly enjoyed the celebration, and the event provided a positive experience for all involved emphasising how true friendships are formed through the arts and extra-curricular experiences.
Year 9 & 10 Excursion letter (Term 4)
In Week 1 next term Elective Drama students will head to the Wharf (ATYP) to see a performance by Canberra Youth Theatre. The excursion letter can be downloaded here for parents to sign.
Upcoming Drama events:
Thursday 16 October: Year 9 & 10 Drama Excursion to atyp to see Canberra Youth Theatre perform Work, But This Time Like You Mean It.
Thursday 30 October: Junior, Intermediate & Senior Drama performances from 5:00 pm (part of the Performing Arts Weeks) in the Sarto Centre.
Thursday 20 November: Drama Ensemble Showcase, a selection of performances from students studying Drama from 2025
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama
From PAPA
It's a wrap! PAPA Comedy Night hits new highs
A record number of guests enjoyed an evening of fun and laughter at last Saturday's PAPA Comedy Night annual fundrasier.
SPX parent and PAPA Committee member, Simon Kennedy, MC'd the event which featured other professional comedians Peter Berner, Jackie Loeb and Michael Cho.
The success of the evening wouldn't have been possible without the support of the following:
SPX Maintenance team, Mr Stephen Cummins, Ms Felicity Barrett, Ms Annabel Westhoff, Ms Janelle Arena and Ms Merryn Dodd.
We also thank Tom's Cellars, an SPX family business, who suppied the drinks.
Finally, thank you to the fabulous PAPA committee members for all their efforts.
An impressive $2,400+ has been raised to help upgrade school sound and stage equipment.
Thank you to all who attended and/or donated; we'll be back again next year.
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President