Performing Arts Faculty
Celebrating the Performing Arts
Drama, Dance and Music students have been immersed in celebrating the performing arts this term with a performance schedule that would rattle even the most seasoned tourers.
Four Dance ensemble competitions, HSC Trials and Exams for Music, Dance and Drama, Dance Showcase, HICES Music Camp and Festival, Music Excursion to Opera House and Senior Performing Arts Evening were all on the dance card for Term 3.
This is just one term’s activities. Here is an abridged version of how the term unfolded.
Dance
We are very proud of the Year 11 Accelerated dance class for completing their final HSC Dance exams in August, with their final works having been performed in a celebratory showcase for family and friends. This marks the completion of 80% of the HSC Course. Congratulations to all.
The final festival performances saw the finish of a successful dance season for the co-curricular dance ensembles resulting in accolades and awards.
Year 12 student, Hannah, choreographed an energetic jazz routine for the Senior Company A jazz group. They were awarded 2nd and 3rd Place and achieved high praise from the adjudicators, with marks of 90+. “Their precision in execution of unison work, demonstrating exceptional teamwork. A strong performance in a large section against older troupes.”
Senior Company B were awarded 1st Place, 2nd Place and Highly Commended for their ethereal interpretation of a haunting melody deserved of such technically challenging choreography. In addition to their placings, in a large section of high calibre troupes, this group was also awarded one of the top FIVE overall prizes for the competition, receiving ‘Most Technical Troupe’.
Not to be outdone by our Senior Students, the Junior Company (Years 4 – 6) rose to the occasion, achieving two 1st placings. Performing to the inspiring song, Rise Up, with the message of perseverance, hope and courage, our youngest performance troupe proudly displayed these attributes from rehearsals through to their final performance.
The Senior Troupes gave their final performances at our Senior Performing Arts Night to rousing applause.
Congratulations to the performers, choreographers and group mangers – Miss Eaton, Mrs Tamatea, Mrs Colless, Ms Campling and Hannah (C12) – on a successful dance season.
Auditions for the 2024 Company’s are being held in Week 3 of Term 4. Refer to the Parent App for more information.
Music
The highlight for our music students this term was HICES Music Festival which included a 4 day camp. Thirty instrumental and vocal students successfully auditioned and represented the School at the annual event- which brings together over 400 musicians from across NSW HICES schools. The event culminates in a gala event held at the Sydney Town Hall.
Our Year 12s completed their HSC music trials and practical examinations, with a huge sigh of relief for students and teachers. All the students were please with their performances and are now prepping for their music written exams.
It was a thrill for students to meet Vincent Gardner, renowned jazz educator and member of the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra who were touring Australia. Elective Music classes and Years 7 and 8 Big Band members were privileged to attend a performance of this legendary band.
Earlier in the term, Years 5 and 6 had the opportunity to see live musical theatre in action at a breathtaking performance of 'Beauty and the Beast'. Excursions such as these open the students’ eyes and ears to the importance of performing arts.
Drama
Term 3 has been a successful one for the Elective Drama students at Pittwater House as well as the after school Senior Drama Ensemble.
This term, the Year 12 Elective Drama class performed their final HSC practical examinations which included individual monologues and group performances. Some students created costumes designs, a design: promotion and program or wrote an original script for their individual project.
This year we had two group pieces that included ‘Queen Anne’s Greed’, a tale of four pirates going on a search for the elusive Treasure Island, a commentary on greed and selfishness in our world today, and a second piece titled ‘Troglodyte Turnover’ an exploration of the sins of humankind.
Congratulations to Year 12 on completing your practical drama component of the course and for all your hard work. We are very proud of each of you.
Our Years 9 and 11 Elective Drama classes went to a performance of ‘Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - A Musical Thriller. This is a wonderful cultural experience to see live theatre and, one that also helps in informing their craft of performance.
'Sweeny Todd was an incredible experience for myself and my peers. We all really enjoyed the acting, music and overall experience of it. It has cemented our thoughts of taking drama in years to come.'
Gracie – Year 9 Drama
The Senior Drama Ensemble channelled their inner-comedian to develop works with inspiration from comedic scrips from legendary Monty Python. Sketch comedy was utilised to learn comedic timing and to create diverse characters to entertain, while building on their performance skills of characterisation.
The Year 11 Elective Drama class performed a wonderful rendition of the sketch ‘Secret Service Dentist’
Well done to all students who performed.
