Performing Arts

MUSIC MATTERS  

HSC Music Trials:  An Opportunity for Feed-forward

Last Friday August 16 our Music 2 and Extension Music classes sat their practical HSC Trials examinations. With over 20 musical items to present, the afternoon was a flurry of both nerves and success. We are very grateful to our external markers, Mr Ken Leeson and Mr Christian Lillicrap, for giving up their time to provide incredibly detailed feedback to each student.

While our musicians were pleased with their strong results, they will take on board this advice and use it as feed-forward for their external HSC examinations. Our examiners reminded students to really explore the nuance in their playing, to communicate the story of each musical work, to lead their music, watch the balance between instruments and most of all to convey enjoyment in their playing. “Try to think of the HSC as a concert rather than a sterile examination.”

Receiving feedback, especially on one’s personal performance can be a daunting experience. I thank our marking team for being so constructive and our Year 12 musicians for demonstrating such growth mindsets.

Oliver in his Element, Surrounded by Brass!  Recording Major Composition Works

Last Saturday August 17 Oliver Osborne of Year 12 recorded his HSC Mandatory Music Composition.  Oliver has composed a Brass Quintet. Haunting in its melodic lines, this work is a lament to the Indigenous people of Australia and the afflictions caused by white settlement. With incredibly sustained lines across high registers, the work required the big guns of brass to perform it.

Here we see James Blunt, David Sismey, Gareth Lewis, Geoff Power and Oliver Osborne himself performing the Lament for the first time. As you can tell by the photos, the recording went well. We are very grateful to Geoff Power, Stella Talati and all our tutors for nurturing Oliver’s love of brass playing and composition over the years. We are also sincerely grateful to Steve Cummins for recording this work. Once edited Oliver looks forward to premiering his Brass Quintet at our upcoming HSC Showcase. “That is one cool looking quintet!  Thank you for all the work the teachers are doing for Oliver and all the boys at Pius.” Veronica Osborne

No One Ever Complained About Too Much Fun

P & F Trivia Night a Celebration of Community Spirit

While TV screens across the nation were tuned to the Bledisloe Cup, at Pius the game was all Trivia and the winner, our kids. With auctions, raffles, trivia quizzes, shared plates, laughter, ridiculous dress-ups, dance-offs, fashion runways, prizes and live music, what wasn’t to like?  Mr Power (aka Dr Jazz) was on fire cranking up the Senior Jazz Band. As parents entered the hall their hearts and faces lit up to the sound of fantastic live music performed by our Pius students. Cameras came flying out when Johnny B. Goode grabbed the microphone and crooned the crowd.

From start to finish the evening was a celebration of College spirit and goodwill.  Our sincere thanks to the P & F for their massive organisation and hard work.  We are already looking forward to next year’s event and encourage everyone to join in the fun.

College Orchestra News:  SPX Winter Orchestra Workshop

Last Sunday 18 August our College Orchestra enjoyed their second workshop for the year. Mr Primrose-Heaney was very pleased with the level of concentration and effort displayed by all. The day commenced with focused sectionals lead by student leaders. The orchestra then came together to play through their seven current works as a team. Year 12 musicians added strength to the day’s success and all boys enjoyed lunch together in the sunshine.

We thank Mr. Primrose-Heaney for organising this quality learning opportunity. “The boys’ playing really improved over the day. The extra rehearsal time has enabled us to prepare for the upcoming Internal Graduation and Twilight at the Oscars.” To continue on from Sunday’s fun, we look forward to seeing full attendance at Orchestra this Friday at 7.30am.

Doctor Piano Visits Pius:  College Pianos Tuned & Ready for Action

Last week our six College upright pianos and grand piano were diligently tuned by Sydney piano specialist, Ray Clothier.  Ray’s work was immediately appreciated by all our musicians and their directors.  With the HSC just around the corner, we couldn’t be more pleased to have our instruments at correct A440 pitch.

An Afternoon of Piano Bliss:  Ms Waddington’s Piano Studio Concert Sunday August 18

Following Sunday’s Orchestra Workshop we had a delightful afternoon soiree for Ms Waddington’s piano students. Forty-five parents and visitors gathered to support all our piano players. Daniel Halverson of Year 11 did a fantastic job as compere. For every song he introduced, the crowd was guaranteed a composer joke or piano pun! We were so pleased to see the array of repertoire performed and to hear the individual expressive ideas presented by each child. Our sincere thanks to Ms Waddington for her expertise, passion and inspiring piano teaching. Our hearty congratulations to all who performed.  If your son would like to start learning to play a musical instrument, please complete the form below. There is no better way to fire up the brain’s neurons.

St Pius Musicians and Poets:  Song in a Day 2019

On Sunday 4 August, 25 boys from across Years 5-10 participated in a Song Writing Workshop focusing on the topic of Social Justice as members of the Edmund Rice community.  Throughout the day, boys were led in workshops to develop their ideas, create lyrics, and chord charts by the highly sought-after Australian composer, Luke Byrne.  The boys also performed their pieces at the end of the day, showcasing their work to each other.  

Over the next few weeks, boys are going to be recording their parts to create finished music tracks. Please find below some examples of the lyrics created on the day.  Thank you to Mr Balboa, Mr Mulheron, Mr Primrose-Heaney, Mrs Rawle and the Executive Team for their support of this fantastic learning opportunity.  

Music and Meals on Wheels:  Using our talents to make the lives of others brighter…

Congratulations to Mr Primrose-Heaney’s Music class for giving up their time to support Willoughby Meals on Wheels.  In addition to serving lunch, members of the community were treated to the gift of Music. Our sincere thanks to Mr. Pawlak for his leadership of this wonderful social justice initiative.

HSC Showcase – Come and See our Major Works!

Don’t miss seeing and hearing our HSC Art, Drama and Music major works on display on 5 September from 6pm. Everyone welcome, supper provided. Elective Art and Performing Arts students are encouraged to attend.

“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t happened yet.”

- Anne Frank

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