Performing Arts
DRAMA MATTERS
Goodbye Year 12 2019
It was lovely to see all of the Year 12 students relaxing and having fun at their Year 12 Formal. It was a beautiful venue, big enough to include students, staff and parents. The Year 12’s certainly know how to dance and we did “cut a rug” … meaning to ‘dance energetically or in an accomplished way’. I wish them all the best in their future careers.
Sam Schyvens
A big congratulations to Sam Schvyens from the Drama class of 2019. Since finishing his HSC exams he has been busy auditioning for various Drama Schools in Sydney. I am pleased to say that Sam has been offered a place at the Australian Film, Theatre and Television School (AFTT). He was asked to perform two short contrasting monologues from a list given by the school. About AFTT:
- A groundbreaking collaboration between two of Australia’s longest standing private institutions – the Actors College of Theatre & Television (ACTT) and the International Film School Sydney (IFSS) – AFTT is Australia’s most immersive contemporary creative arts academy.
- AFTT is founded on passion, adventure and creative excellence, and we ask our students to be fearless in pursuit of their dreams. We pride ourselves on the unlimited creative and collaborative opportunities that exist for our students and staff to push their creativity to its limit.
- Our top-tier industry-relevant training includes cinematography, acting, stage management, live production, performance, screenwriting, directing, producing and more. We are adaptive, innovative and flexible, with courses designed to take full advantage of the rapid and ongoing advancements in new media technology.
Not only is Sam an outstanding member of the 2019 Drama cohort he also assisted in many Twilight Concerts, was part of the Drama Ensemble for many years, in various plays with St Pius and Mercy College, and studied Entertainment at TAFE. Sam is an actor of sophisticated skills. He is proactive and passionate about his craft. We congratulate him and look forward to hearing his news.
Save the date: ST PIUS X DRAMA NIGHT
Thursday 28 November
Sarto Centre 6pm
Students will perform extracts from their performance work from the past semester. We hope you can join us.
Year 7 Drama – Elevator Scenes (Selected scenes only)
Year 9 Drama – Scenes from the Tempest and selected monologues
Year 10 Drama – Duologues and Monologues
Year 11 Drama – Monologues
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Teacher
MUSIC MATTERS
Twilight at Christmas – Helping Out With Drought
Friday November 29, 5 pm at Chatswood – Bring Your Family
We are looking forward to seeing all our families at the Twilight at Christmas Concert next Friday November 29 at 5pm. With wonderful music, dance, drama, face painting, carols by candlelight plus a visit from Santa and his elves, there will be magic for all ages. In addition to our fantastic BBQ dinner, Bar COCO will be selling coffees and gelato. This might just be more fun than Christmas Day itself!
Check Out Our Yummy Christmas Menu…
PAPA BBQ Volunteers - Have you signed up for a small shift at the Twilight BBQ?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A8VYEXRQWpR7aL42VdKyx-u2aBMAeTfblyjM1zLYEb4/edit?usp=sharing
Sydney Youth Orchestra Summer School
St Pius Musicians Take Your Playing Up a Notch!
Each year the Sydney Youth Orchestra runs a week-long Summer School in January. This is open to all school-aged children. The program is run by expert conductors and instructors and allows students to develop their music performance and creativity skills. There is an HSC preparatory program for older students, facilitated by leading NSW music educators and experienced HSC markers.
Dates: Monday 6 – Friday 10 January 2020
Times: 9:00AM – 3:00PM | HSC 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Location: Santa Sabina College, Strathfield & Sydney Conservatorium of Music (Friday only)
Register: https://syo.com.au/programs/syo-open-holiday-programs/2020-summer-school/
Registration closes on Friday December 6
For more information:
St Pius Singers Invited to Perform in “The Magic of Christmas” with Willoughby Symphony
Sunday December 8, 2pm at the Chatswood Concourse
Willoughby Symphony has invited all St Pius College singers to perform in “The Magic of Christmas”, a celebratory concert at the Concourse to be held on Sunday December 8 at 2pm. Under the acclaimed conductor, Simon Kenway, our choirs along with the Willoughby Symphony and special guest soloists from Pacific Opera will perform glorious Christmas music to welcome in the festive season.
This is the first time in the history of our College that we have been invited to collaborate professionally with Willoughby Symphony. We hope lots of boys will take part in this exciting project. A permission form will be released soon. Pius musicians and singers strongly encouraged to take part.
Revenge of the Piano
St Pius Performing Arts Festival Continues…
Congratulations to all our College pianists who performed elegantly at last Thursday’s Piano Recital Evening. There was a wonderful sense of excitement in the band room as piano players from Years 5 to 11 gathered to perform their favourite pieces. Special thanks goes to Daniel Halverson of Year 11 who was so skilful and humourous in his role as MC. Sincere thanks to our College keyboard teachers, Ms Stephanie Gan, Ms Stella Waddington and Ms Amanda Suwondo for teaching and inspiring so many piano students in our College.
“Thank you so much for all of your hard work with our sons this year - it really showed in both their individual pieces and duets last night. We are very blessed and truly grateful to have such a wonderful music program at the school.” Anne Casey (parent)
Attached is the program of all our terrific keyboard performers. Well done boys. We love what you do, keep on playing!
In Great Shape for 2020
New Enrolments Rush to Join Our Performing Arts Program
Last Saturday we held an audition day for students who are new to St Pius X College in 2020. We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of young performers joining our school. We even had parents bringing their instruments along. Golly, one father even kindly offered to tune all our ukuleles. While his son thrashed out some wicked sounds on the saxophone, this lovely pa tuned our ukes in preparation for Monday morning.
Our sincere thanks to Mr Primrose-Heaney, Mr David Sismey and Mr Geoff Power for facilitating the audition day. When asked to describe how they felt after the Audition Day, Mr Power jumped in keenly to say, “I’ve got one word… EXCITED!”
If your son did not get to audition last Saturday, please do not lose a single minute of sleep. When all our new students arrive in 2020, we will group them into their correct levels for bands. Our rule is everyone gets a seat in a band and no student is left out. Every child should learn to make music!
AMEB Success for St Pius X College
Trumpet, the Instrument for Intelligent People
Outstanding results continue to come in for Mr David Sismey’s brass students. This week we celebrate the following boys on their fantastic AMEB Examination results:
Reilly Bois 2nd Grade Trumpet A Honours
Daniel Carroll 2nd Grade Trumpet B Credit
Anthony Elliott 5th Grade Trumpet B+ Credit
Jonah Gonzales 5th Grade Trumpet B+ Credit
Harrison Hooper 2nd Grade Trumpet A Honours
Well done boys, stay on your feet and keep playing the trumpet!
Performing Arts Calendar
Instrumental Tuition in 2020
Does your son want to begin Private Tuition on an Instrument? Perhaps he would like to be tutored in Digital Music Production, or have Private Composition Lessons? Please complete the Attached Application Form and return to the Performing Arts Department at your earliest convenience.<