Music and Performing Arts Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Music and Performing Arts

Music News

As subject selection evenings have just passed, the music team wishes to seize this opportunity to offer an insight into Music at Stage 6:

Why choose Elective Music in Stage 6?

Stage 6 Music offers an advanced exploration into musical concepts, welcoming passionate musicians. The HSC courses delve into in-depth theory, history, performance, composition, and analysis, fostering analytical thinking, creativity, cultural literacy, and professional discipline. Beyond developing technical skills, Stage 6 Music uses music as a universal language for connecting with others, managing stress, and expressing emotions. It serves as a pathway to personal growth and professional success, equipping students for potential careers in music or a lifelong engagement with the musical arts.

Quotes from Stage 5 Music Students:

Stage 6 Music has been an eye-opening journey. It’s not just about mastering an instrument; it’s about understanding the history, and its emotional power. This course has deepened my appreciation for music and given me the confidence to pursue my passion in ways I never thought possible.

Stage 6 Music has transformed my understanding of composition. Creating original pieces has become my favourite part of the course. I love experimenting with different musical elements and seeing my ideas come to life. Music 2 has not only enhanced my technical skills but also sparked a passion for composing that I never knew I had.

Stage 6 Music has reignited my love for performance. The course's emphasis on live playing and presentation has pushed me to new heights, allowing me to refine my skills and gain confidence on stage. Each performance opportunity has been a chance to connect with audiences and express my passion for music. I’ve discovered a profound joy in bringing music to life through performance.

Continuing with our description of what is happening in music from K to 12, this week we are letting you in on what we are doing in the Senior School.

What’s happening in the Stage 6 Elective Music classes in the Senior School for Term 2? 

Stage 6 Music: 

Year 11 Music 2: Music of the Baroque Period was the focus of Term 2, with a revision of instrumentation and characteristics from the genre and an exploration of musical features. Students explored melodic and rhythmic motives, common Baroque dance suite forms, and the use of ornamentation in works by Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. The students completed a composition and accompanying portfolio to support their learning. Regular activities in sight singing, melodic dictation and aural exercises were also given throughout the semester to increase skills in these areas.

Year 12 Music 1: Throughout this term students are developing their understanding of the concepts of music through the completion of composition, performance, listening and musicology tasks. The students are guided to understand how to analyse the concepts of music in depth. The focus on their chosen topic encourages students to explore the potential and capabilities of their own instrument and others in relation to their chosen topic. The topic will also encourage greater awareness in the preparation of performance pieces, and to develop general knowledge and recognition of instruments within a wide range of musical styles.

Year 12 Music 2: Throughout this term students are revising all their knowledge and scores experienced during the past 2 units of work. The topics being revised are Music of the Last 25 Years (Australian Focus) (Mandatory) and Students Own Choice. The students will be bringing their own works that they will be presenting in performance to analysis during this unit of work. This will allow the students to have a deeper understanding of their own works and give them another option when answering the extended response question in their written examination.

Year 12 Music Extension: Throughout this term the Music Extension students are continuing to embark on a journey of musical exploration and development tailored to their individual strengths. Performance Majors are refining their ensemble and solo performances, honing their skills and musical expression. Composition Majors are continuing to develop either two contrasting compositions or musical movements, furthering their exploration of composition techniques and styles. Musicology Majors are refining their analytical prowess, delving deeper into the complexities of musical works through comprehensive research. With a shared passion for music, these students are continuing to engage in rigorous study, artistic expression, and scholarly inquiry throughout the term, fostering growth and creativity in their musical endeavours.

Curriculum Questions

If you have questions about curriculum or how we can support your child’s journey at Pittwater House through music. Please feel free to contact Mr David Cosentino on: david.cosentino@tphs.nsw.edu.au 

Performing Arts News

Congratulations to our Junior School Vocal Ensemble who performed at the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod on Thursday 6 June. They performed exceptionally well and were awarded 1st place in a very competitive section. Well done to all the students in the ensemble, and the director Mrs Colless, and manger by Ms Leong. 

Junior Performing Arts Night – Thursday 20 June 2024

Our Junior School Ensembles and classes are preparing for our annual Junior Performing Arts Evening on Thursday 20 June 2024. As we progress towards this event, please ensure that all students prioritise their attendance at rehearsals every week. Junior Drama, Vocal Ensemble, Junior Dance Company and Junior Band will all be performing at this night.

Music Ensembles

This week, our Big Band and Stage Band will perform on Sunday 16 June at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival at Harbord Public School. We wish them all the best and look forward to their fantastic performance!

Please ensure that all members of the ensembles are in attendance at all rehearsals leading up to these events.

HICES Music Festival and Jazz Academy

This year, we have had a significant number of students audition for the 2024 HICES Music Festival and Jazz Academy. Established in 1988, the HICES Music Festival is a collaborative musical celebration that annually brings together over 400 musicians from HICES schools across New South Wales. The festival provides our music students with an enriching opportunity to perform diverse repertoire and collaborate with peers from across the state.

We have been fortunate to have a large representation from Pittwater House at this festival each year. We wish our students well in their selection for the 2024 festival.

Student Achievements

Please let us know about any Performing Arts students' achievements, as we would like to share these with our School community.

Performing Arts Ensemble Canvas Page

The Performing Arts Ensembles have a dedicated Canvas Page where communications regarding rehearsals and performances are posted. It is important that students/families have access to this page to keep up to date. Invitations have been sent multiple times to families.  If you do not have access to this canvas page, please let your ensemble manager know at the next rehearsal.

Private Music Tuition 

We have a group of private tutors who are experienced teachers and achieve great results.  If you are interested in having Private Music Lessons at Pittwater House during the school day, please email fill in the private tuition form on: https://forms.office.com/r/GhQghpAhvs

Enrichment Opportunities 

We are looking for students to perform in our Senior School Assemblies. If your child is interested in performing, please email your child’s interest to: performingarts@tphs.nsw.edu.au