Performing Arts
Music Matters
The Remembrance Day Ceremony was a wonderful reflection on the contributions of those who have served our country in all theatres of conflict, in particular former St Pius X students who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
In keeping with the occasion, live music added great reverence and emotion to the service. We were moved by the stirring tones of bagpipes, played by Mr Allan Watts of the Knox Old Boys Piping Band. The lone piper in full ceremonial dress captured the significance of Remembrance Day for all present.
Year 11 student, Samuel Cummins, excelled in his rendition of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘The Rouse’ on bugle. This is one of the most challenging solo pieces in a trumpeter’s repertoire, which he performed with great skill and poignancy. The Senior Concert Band, directed by Mrs Stella Talati, performed the National Anthem and Ancient Words, joined by the school community in full voice. I thank all our musicians for their fine efforts in marking this special occasion as one to be remembered. Lest we forget.
Performing Arts Festival: Congratulations and thank you to all students who performed as part of the Performing Arts Festival over the past two weeks. Special thanks to the Music and Drama tutors for their work with you throughout the year. It has certainly been wonderful to witness the immense and diverse talents of our Performing Arts students in a solo setting.
Music Ensemble Rehearsals: Students are still expected to attend their rehearsals in Weeks 7 and 8 as normal. Every rehearsal is important!
Please note: Rehearsals for the Senior and Junior Chorales and Senior Jazz Ensemble will continue to the end of term due to ongoing performance commitments. Hired instruments will be collected for servicing at the end of Week 8 unless your son is in the Senior Jazz Ensemble and requires it for the Annual Award Ceremony on Tuesday 5 December. If your son is unsure of his rehearsal and performance commitments, please ask him to speak to his Ensemble Director for further clarification.
Christmas Twilight Concert: Our annual Christmas Twilight Concert is finally here, this Friday, 17 November. This is a great community event with ALL ensembles performing at this concert and everyone singing a couple of well-loved carols to finish. PAPA will be organising a BBQ for performers who will be given some food for afternoon tea and will be able to purchase more if required. Families will also be able to purchase food and drinks. If you are able to help at the BBQ, please read the message from PAPA President, Gabe Donley below.
A message from PAPA: We are looking forward to the upcoming Twilight Christmas Concert on Friday 17 November as a chance to celebrate the wonderful talents of our Performing Arts students within the community and enjoy a carol or two. We are cranking up the BBQ's for the night and looking for volunteers for the event. Please fill in the link below if you're available to help at all. Any help is wonderful. We will be running the BBQ through the concert so bring along family and friends and enjoy the Christmas Spirit concert outside.
Upcoming Performing Arts dates:
- Week 6 – Friday, 17 November – Christmas Twilight Concert 5:00 pm (all ensembles)
- Week 7 - Tuesday 21 November - Junior School Sports Awards - College gym – (Junior School Concert Band)
- Week 8 - Monday 27 November - Year 6 Graduation and Liturgy Oxford Falls campus - (Junior Chorale)
- Week 9 – Monday 4 December - End of Year Thanksgiving Liturgy - Road to Bethlehem (Senior and Junior Chorales)
- Week 9 - Tuesday 5 December - Annual Awards Ceremony (Senior Jazz Ensemble) Oxford Falls campus
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Performing Arts Coordinator
Drama
Drama Night
Please join us on Thursday in the Sarto for our annual Drama Night Showcase. This is where the Elective Drama students get to present their work to the Pius community. Please see poster for details. The event starts at 5:30 pm.
Year 12 Elective Drama Excursion
Next Tuesday, Year 12 HSC students will attend Belvoir Street Theatre to witness the captivating and unyielding 'Master & Margarita' - a fresh adaptation by Artistic Director Eamon Flack. Originally penned by the brilliant Mikhail Bulgakov, a Russian writer, doctor, and playwright, this novel faced years of prohibition in Russia. It seamlessly intertwines searing satire of Soviet life, a religious allegory akin to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust," and an unbridled, fantastical burlesque.
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Coordinator