Performing Arts
Music Matters
Ensemble news:
Fees: Please note, all students enrolled for a Music Ensemble will soon be charged the annual ensemble fee of $270 via Trybooking. Please note this cocurricular activity fee is charged per student, not per ensemble and covers the costs of the ensemble directors, accompanists and music purchases.
Ensemble records are now being finalised, so it is important that if your child is no longer in an ensemble to let the ensemble director know in writing to avoid the fee being charged.
NO Rock Band Ensemble rehearsal this week. Mr Jones looks forward to seeing everyone in Week 7.
Junior Drama Ensemble – exciting news, this ensemble will commence next Friday 17 March. See Drama News below for more information.
Ensemble spotlight: Each week we are going to focus on an ensemble. This week we are drawing attention to the Digital Music Ensembles. These take place at lunchtimes from 1:00 pm (Tuesdays Years 5 – 6, Wednesdays Seniors and Thursdays Intermediate) and are run by Mr Stephen Cummins (scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au), in our specialised Digital Music Mac lab (down near the uniform shop). These ensembles allow students to digitally compose and produce music, using music software including Garageband, Logic Pro and Abelton Live.
Performing Arts Captains: Ms Penny Lindley and I interviewed some enthusiastic, talented and very well qualified Year 12 students for these roles which will be announced at the Cocurricular Assembly on Friday 17 March.
Open Day, Saturday 18 March: please see the schedule below to see when your child’s music commitments are on Open Day and let your ensemble director know of any issues. This event is an important part of your son’s ensemble commitment. This year, we are embracing an open rehearsal/performance format, rather than an official concert. It will be lovely to have music floating around the school for our guests and give them an insight into the variety of music ensembles we have on offer here at St Pius and how our music rehearsal process works. All students are to be in full summer uniform (blazers not required).
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Performing Arts Coordinator
Drama Matters
Junior Ensemble News
Introducing Elodie Westhoff, our new Junior Drama Ensemble Director. Elodie has recently completed her Stage & Screen Diploma at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art, and we are thrilled to have her join our Performing Arts Team at the college. Elodie is starting her career as an actress and has worked with young people in her capacity as Drama Captain in her school in Queensland. She has won numerous drama awards and performed the lead role in numerous plays, musicals, short films and commercials. Elodie is a real all-rounder, a singer, dancer and dramatic actress. She will be running the Junior Ensemble on Friday mornings in the Drama Room from 7:30 am – 8:30 am.
We are thrilled to have such an accomplished performer join our ranks. She takes over from the talented Sam Schyvens (ex-student) who worked with our students for the past two years. Junior Drama will begin next Friday (week 7).
Year 11 Drama Workshop
Today students in the elective Year 11 Drama class are working with Emily from Clockfire Education. Emily trained at the École Internationale De Theatre Jacques Lecoq School set up by the internationally renowned Jacques Lecoq, our practitioner for the term. The workshop is particularly tailored to our students who will be exploring physical storytelling, satire and the Bouffon style.
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Coordinator
39 Steps Drama Production 2023
The 39 Steps SPX Drama Production rehearsals are well underway, with over 30 cast and crew spending every Monday and Friday afternoon and all day on Sundays, preparing for two exceptional performances on the 4th and 6th April at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood. In conjunction with key actors from Mercy College, the work is progressing apace! The recent heat has proven a challenge but with plenty of drinks and treats, nothing has slowed them down yet!
Originally conceived as a book by John Buchan, The 39 Steps was made into a hit British thriller by Alfred Hitchcock. Part farce, part spy drama, part murder mystery this play has it all!
Directed by Ms Penny Lindley and Produced by Mrs Emma Fryar, with collaboration from the Music Department, the show is sure to provide a great night of entertainment.
It certainly has been wonderful seeing the boys thrive in this fun filled environment, gaining confidence, building friendships across the year groups and exploring their creative voice!
Tickets will go on sale shortly and there will be Trybooking links in upcoming issues of Woodchatta and on Canvas.
Mrs Emma Fryar - SPX Drama Production Convenor