Performing Arts
Music Matters
Founders’ Day Mass – Friday 8 May
Our Celebration Orchestra and Celebration Choir provided beautiful music for this significant occasion on the College calendar. Their performances added a wonderful sense of reverence and celebration to the Mass. Thank you to all our talented students and dedicated staff who worked together so enthusiastically to make this such a memorable and meaningful event for our College community.
Founder’s Day Entertainment
Congratulations also to our Student Band, coordinated by Year 11 Music student Noah Watson and featuring talented performers from Years 10 and 11, who provided outstanding entertainment during the lip sync battles. Their spirited performances of the classic Eye of the Tiger and Bruno Mars’ I Just Might brought great energy and excitement to the event. A special congratulations to Year 10 Music students PJ Keledjian for his impressive vocals and Ollie Sudbury for his outstanding guitar solo. The band performed with confidence and flair, keeping the crowd thoroughly entertained throughout.
Twilight Concerts: Please read this following information closely
This Friday - Friday 15 May – Big Bands Bonanza Concert
College gym, 5:00 pm featuring all large ensembles including:
Junior, Intermediate and Senior Jazz and Concert bands,
Rock ensemble
All percussion ensembles (Junior, Intermediate and Senior)
- Drumline
Please note:
All students involved in this performance will be provided with a BBQ afternoon tea by our wonderful PAPA, with food for sale for visitors until the commencement of the concert.
The Performing Arts Tour students will be holding a bake stall after school.
Parking will be available on school grounds.
Next Week - Friday 22 May – Pius ‘Unplugged’ – Chamber Music Concert
Sarto Centre (cnr Daisy and Anderson Streets), 7:00 pm, features:
String Ensemble and String Quartet
Junior and Senior Chorales
All Guitar Ensembles (Junior, Intermediate and Senior)
Brass Quintet
Bass Guitar Ensemble
Year 12 HSC Music soloists
Please note, as this concert commences at 7:00 pm, there is NO after-school supervision or food provided for students on this day.
Students should be at the Sarto by 6:30 pm in readiness to start the concert at 7:00 pm.
Students performing in this concert will need to take their instruments to the Sarto straight after school.
The main foyer and gates to the school grounds for parking will be open until 7:00 pm at which time they will be locked. Gates open automatically upon approach when leaving.
All students are expected to wear full winter uniform for these performances.
Rehearsal workshop dates for your diaries:
Intermediate Concert Band Workshop – Sunday 14 June – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Senior Concert Band Workshop – Sunday 21 June – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Eisteddfod events at The Concourse – parents welcome
Junior Concert Band – Wednesday 27 May – 9:30 am
Intermediate Concert Band – Wednesday 27 May – 3:30 pm
Senior Concert Band – Wednesday 27 May – 5:45 pm
Junior Jazz Band – Friday 29 May – 1:00 pm
Intermediate Jazz Band – Friday 29 May – 5:45 pm
Senior Jazz Band – Friday 29 May - 3:00 pm
Parents have been emailed details for the above by their Ensemble Director.
Training Band
Our Training Band had a great first rehearsal yesterday! There are still opportunities for students to take advantage of our Endangered instruments program, with free hire and lessons (during Training Band) available on the following instruments:
Flute
Clarinet
Please contact Mr Andrew Saar: asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au for more information and to sign up.
Please note: Bass guitar players have been given an instrument to practice on at home but will need their own lead and amp for home practice if they want to amplify their instrument.
Performing Arts Cultural Tour
Thank you to everyone involved in tomorrow afternoon’s bake sale.
Final Tour Meeting date:
Wednesday 10 June, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Band Room
We ask that all touring students and at least one parent/guardian attend this important meeting where final tour details and tour merchandise will be given.
A reminder that the final (4th) instalment is due by Friday 22 May. Thank you to the families who have already made payment.
The Concert Club - Concert #2 – Thursday 30 July 7:00 pm (Term 3)
We are pleased to offer a second Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) concert to our Concert Club line up.
Students will travel independently to and from the Opera House and will be supervised by staff members throughout the concert. Dress is smart casual. Meeting point is at the Cloakroom (to the left of the internal stairs on level 1) at 6:30 pm.
Tickets are available at the heavily subsidised price of just $20 – an incredible opportunity to experience outstanding music in one of the most famous concert venues in the world.
Concert #2 program: Notes from the SSO:
Sheku Kanneh-Mason catapulted to stardom after his performance at the royal wedding of Harry and Meghan. But it’s his superb musicianship that has led him to work with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors, including our own Chief Conductor Simone Young.
Now it is Sydney’s turn to experience this young star, performing Elgar’s beloved Cello Concerto.
Celebrated globally as a leading interpreter of the music of Richard Strauss, Simone Young is in her element demonstrating her mastery of the vast An Alpine Symphony. Experience the power of this evocative ascent, from majestic daybreak to triumphant summit, complete with a thunderous storm.
This special event brings together two extraordinary artists for one of the highlights of our season. Tickets won’t last long.
https://www.sydneysymphony.com/events/simone-young-sheku-kanneh-mason
Secure your ticket via Clipboard:
Activity Selection → Performing Arts 2026 → Concert Club #2
Performing Arts Dates Term 2:
As always, please check the Performing Arts section of Woodchatta each week and feel free to reach out to our helpful Performing Arts staff if you have further enquiries:
Cocurricular / Performing Arts Admin assistant: Ms Merryn Dodd,
Private Tuition Coordinator: Mr Stephen Cummins, scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Ensembles Program Coordinator: Mr Andrew Saar, asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Leader of Learning, Drama: Ms Penny Lindley, plindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Head of Performing Arts: Mrs Annabel Westhoff, awesthoff@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Year 10: Production Elements - Costume
This term, Year 10 Drama students are exploring the Elements of Production, including props, costume, set, lighting and sound technologies. This unit is designed to give students hands-on experience in making, acting and experimenting with design and technology, helping them develop an appreciation for the many creative aspects of drama beyond acting alone.
As part of the unit, students designed and created costumes for a hero and their faithful servant, as well as a villain and their evil or foolish accomplice. Using only black bin liners and masking tape, students produced original and imaginative costumes suited to their characters. As you can see, there was plenty of creativity and fun throughout the process!
Upcoming events
Monday 18 May: No Senior Drama Ensemble due to staff meeting.
Wednesday 20 May at 9:00 am: Shock Therapy Arts will visit the school and perform the play 'The Stones' for the whole of Year 8.
Friday 22 May: Drama NSW Conference: Standing Strong. Ms Lindley will attend this event which includes workshops, performances and research lectures.
Friday 5 June: No Junior Drama Ensemble due to Staff Formation Day - no school.
Monday 8 June: No Senior Drama Ensemble due to King’s Birthday holiday.
Thursday 11 June: No Intermediate Drama Ensemble due to staff meeting.
Sunday 14 June: EXTRA Senior Drama Ensemble Rehearsals for The Club 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday 25 June: No Intermediate Drama Ensemble due to Parent/Teacher meetings.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama
From PAPA
Calling for volunteers! Big Bands Bonanza Concert - next Friday 15 May
Next Friday 15 May is the school's Big Bands Bonanza Concert and the Performing Arts Parents' Association (PAPA) needs your help.
Did you know?
PAPA feeds all performers on the night. That's prepping 260 sausages and rolls for 130 students! There will also be a small amount to sell to audience members on the night. Students should BYO water bottles as no drinks will be provided.
We need you!
We are calling for 12+ volunteers to help (from 2.30pm) to set up and cook the BBQ, serve the food and sell the remainder before the concert. 1 hour slots available.
Sign up here and support our Performing Arts students - https://shorturl.at/j1zH8
Who is performing?
All large ensembles including Junior, Intermediate and Senior Jazz and Concert bands, Rock ensemble, all percussion ensembles (Junior, Intermediate and Senior) and Drumline.
Look forward to seeing you next Friday!
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President - papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au