Performing Arts

Performing Arts  Matters

This week our Concert and Jazz bands have been competing in the Sydney Eisteddfod LIVE for the first time in 3 years. It has been great to once again be in the atmosphere of performing live with and against other schools. At the time of writing this our concert bands have completed their performances with the students receiving creditable adjudications with many positive comments.

We will complete our participation with the Jazz bands on Wednesday evening. Many thanks to our Ensemble Directors, David Sismey, Laura Power, Stella Talati and Geoff Power for their efforts with the boys this year. Thanks also to Mr Primrose-Heaney for his support of the bands during this time.

It has been a busy but productive and rewarding term. I want to thank everyone for any part they played in this term's activities and look forward to rest of the year. 

Earlier this term I asked about expressions of interest in a Musical Theatre Ensemble. I have had good response from students regarding this ensemble and will be holding a meeting next week regarding this ensemble and would ask that anyone who is interested get in contact with me ASAP for details.

Mr Anthony Timmins - Performing Arts Coordinator

Drama Matters

Year 9 Performances

Year 9 have been working hard on their solo performances – learning about acting techniques and creating a credible performance on stage. This also included working out the world of the play and how it can be transposed onto the stage in the Sarto  Centre with minimal props and costume. Students have learnt their speeches and created a character at breakneck speed. One activity which really helped is called Before Time and was created by the theatre practitioner Stanislavski. Before Time asks students to consider what has happened to the character minutes before they come on stage – this helps in two ways. It focuses the actor on the life of the character in a practical way. By doing this the actor becomes more relaxed and is therefore able to focus on the speech with truth and act in the moment. We were lucky to once again have an audience who were witness to the substantial performances on show. All very different, each showcasing the students talents and capabilities. 

Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Teacher