Performing Arts
Drama Matters
I hope some of you will take the time to go to the theatre over the break. I can recommend the following shows. They have excellent reviews and I have friends who have seen both shows and agree that they are definitely worth buying tickets to. I have booked my tickets and can’t wait to get back into the theatre. So let’s all support the Arts Industry this Summer: Pippin the Musical at the Lyric Theatre and The Picture of Dorian Gray at Sydney Theatre Company.
Intermediate Drama Group
This week we have our third Ensemble performance to share. “Murder Aboard” is the story of a detective who wins a trip onto a large cruise liner (pre-Covid!!) only to encounter a murder he must solve. Actors and writers are: Isaac D, Jack F, Luke M, Anthony P, Christian W.
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Teacher
Music Matters
As I reflect on the year 2020 I make the following observations. Firstly how resilient our students have been when faced with some serious challenges. From lessons online to restricted rehearsals and a lack of performing in front of “live” audiences. We have, however, been able to record performances and as these have shown we have built up a formidable array of recordings from our Ensembles. As restrictions ease towards Christmas and beyond I hope to reinstate our performance schedule. Speaking to our Ensemble Directors there is positivity in the air. We are looking to continue to create ways to extend our students and push the boundaries of our performances.
There is and always has been a strong Ensemble Program at St Pius and the aim is to grow the program even more. Extending the numbers of students who are exposed to music at SPX and adding a more diverse range of instruments and experiences will help us achieve these goals.
There is also thought going into more collaborative ventures with Drama and Music.
We are looking to extend our senior students by giving them platforms to perform exciting and challenging works in more formal settings.
In the classroom our teaching serves two purposes. Diverse and interesting lessons focussing on skills and an elective program that challenges students to achieve. 2021 offers these opportunities.
To introduce this I aim to present a new concert in Term 1 featuring our bands. The current conditions make me hopeful that we can have meaningful numbers of parents on site to make this viable. The bands have been working hard in 2020 and this would allow you to witness how their repertoire has developed. I am challenging Ensemble Directors as to their repertoire choice and there will be a focus on Australian works in 2021.
The pandemic has changed many things that we took for granted and have forced a new way of doing things. Change gives way to opportunity and who can say which way this will manifest itself. Performances may be a mixture of live and streamed, regular video presentations in Woodchatta may give a platform to see groups develop. What I can say is there is a calendar of performances planned in 2021 and I hope that there will be some surety around eisteddfods etc as well.
Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and that we enjoy the company of friends and family. Thank you for welcoming me back to SPX and I’m excited to be able to show you my plans for the Performing Arts both in and outside the classroom. Thank you to the Performing Arts staff who have been able to pivot and adjust this year and were able to create some meaningful experiences for students this year. They certainly deserve a break. Lastly thank you to all our families who have supported Performing Arts this year and to our students who have continued to grow as performers even without an audience.
Best Wishes and Merry Christmas.
PS Be sure to look out for new videos below from our Senior Groups and from the Performing Arts Festival in this week's edition.
Mr Anthony Timmins - Performing Arts Coordinator
Performing Arts Festival
Usually in Term 4 we would hold a series of “studio” concerts featuring all students who receive instrumental and vocal tuition at St Pius X College. The restrictions in place prevented these concerts from happening this year, however, the music tutors have filmed their students in their lessons throughout this term to create “virtual performances.” A sample of these performances can be found on the school website. Tutors will share your son’s filmed performance directly with you. The videos (linked below) are password protected and the password can be found on the Portal.
Mr Stephen Cummins - Tuition Program Coordinator
Online Performances
This week's online performances are from our Drama Ensemble and Senior Concert Band and the Performing Arts Festival. The videos (linked below) are password protected and the password can be found on the Portal.
Mr Anthony Timmins - Performing Arts Coordinator