Junior Performing Arts

Co-Curricular Ensembles 2026

Participation in performing arts ensembles offers a wide range of developmental benefits for children. Engagement in ensembles supports the growth of social skills, fosters self-confidence, and encourages the development of technical skills and artistic mastery. Music education contributes to cognitive development by enhancing memory recall and retention of verbal information, while also supporting learning in mathematics and English. Participation in dance promotes significant physical, psychological, and cognitive development. Aside from this, participating in one of our ensembles is fun!

*auditioned ensemble

Contacts 

Information pertaining to our co-curricular groups is regularly posted on the JS Performing Arts HUB. Please make yourself familiar with this page to stay up to date with important information. 

Should you have any queries regarding our ensembles or instrumental tuition please contact us:

• Junior School Performing Arts Coordinator, Mrs Katie Sinclair: ksinclair@kws.nsw.edu.au 
• Performing Arts Administrator, Mrs Sharon Martin: performingarts@kws.nsw.edu.au

Dance Ensembles

This year, we are excited to offer three dance groups at the Junior School. Jitterbugs for Year 1 & 2 students; Upbeats for Year 3 & 4 students and Fusion Beat for Year 5 & 6 students. This program provides a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of performance. Please note the following:

• All students are welcome to join, no matter their level of dance experience, as we strive to create an inclusive, encouraging space where every student can grow and enjoy the art of dance.

   

• By committing to the dance ensemble, your child is expected to attend rehearsals regularly. The two major performance opportunities for our dancers include the Junior School Performing Arts Concert at the end of Term 2 and the Orange Eisteddfod in early Term 3. While dance continues throughout the whole year, after the Eisteddfod, the focus shifts to dance and movement skills. 

• There will be a dance showcase early Term 3 where all dance groups from Year 1 to Year 12 are given an opportunity to perform for friends and family. Date to be finalised. 

• Please note that Jitterbugs and Fusion beat does not continue in Term 4 due summer sporting commitments and end of year activities, however all dance students are given opportunity to attend dance skills on Thursday mornings in Term 4. 

• Students will rehearse in school sports uniform/play based uniform and can dance in either sports shoes or bare feet. Students are welcome to dance in their normal uniform for morning rehearsals. 

• Drop off/pick up will be from the designated Junior School pick-up area. 

• Dancers will receive a costume for their performance, with an estimated cost of approximately $50 per student, which will be charged to your school account. Students will keep these costumes after the Eisteddfod. Stage 3 students are asked to purchase jazz tights and jazz shoes for their performances.  

• Rehearsals will begin in Week 3, once we have finalised numbers. 

   

To secure your child’s position in dance this year, Mrs Chapman will publish a SIGN-UP form in Week 1 communications. 

We look forward to seeing your child flourish through the joy of dance! Any questions, please email Mrs Chapman at lchapman@kws.nsw.edu.au

Music Ensembles

Drop off / Pick-up arrangements for Music ensembles

Morning drop-off is either the Junior School or Allenby Road ‘kiss and go’ zone. Parents are reminded not to use the Music staff car park on Allenby Road. Access for students is via the pedestrian gate.

For afternoon ensembles, students will be required to bring their instrument, a plastic folder for storing music, a pencil and some afternoon tea.  At the completion of rehearsals, students should be picked up from Allenby Road ‘Kiss and Go’ where students will be supervised until 4.40pm. Students are not permitted to go to the Junior School ‘pick-up zone’. 

If your child has another commitment elsewhere in the school after these rehearsals, please notify the Performing Arts office in writing performingarts@kws.nsw.edu.au 

Koristers – Selective Choir

Koristers is an auditioned three-part choir for boys and girls in Years 5-8 who love to sing! This group performs at many events throughout the year and often at community events outside of school. Members are expected to commit to weekly rehearsals and extra rehearsals outside of school days (if/when required). 

All students who were previously in this group are required to re-audition and new members to this group are encouraged to audition. Auditions will be held during lunchtimes in Week 2. Mrs Sinclair will announce details during morning lines. Students will be asked to sing the first verse of the National Anthem and participate in some aural activities. Successful members will be contacted via email before this ensemble commences. For more information or questions, please contact ksinclair@kws.nsw.edu.au

Junior Chamber Ensemble

This group is open by audition to advanced players (AMEB Grade 3+) in Year 5 or 6. Rehearsals will take place during lunchtime (day TBC). Students who are interested in auditioning are asked to sign-up via this link by Friday 6 February. 

Individual Music and Speech & Drama Tuition

Parents will be contacted directly by tutors in week 1 and 2 to organise lesson times. A schedule of ‘what’s on’ in Term 1 will be sent out from the Junior School Office – please read this carefully. It is the responsibility of parents to contact tutors directly if students miss a lesson for any reason. We advise students to write their weekly lesson times in their school diary.

Musicianship Classes

It is highly recommended that students who have reached Grade 2 or 3 on their instrument undertake musicianship lessons.  Musicianship classes are run in small groups at various times throughout the week by well-qualified visiting music tutors. Parents who have expressed an interest in musicianship classes for their child will be contacted by the Performing Arts Office in Week 1 regarding times and commencement of classes. Further information from performingarts@kws.nsw.edu.au