Music and Performing Arts Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Music and Performing Arts

The Junior School students are preparing for the annual Junior School Performing Arts Night in Week 8 (Thursday 20 June). Information regarding this event was shared at the end of Term 1 in HouseNews - Issue 05. 

Subject Selection for Years 9 and 11 will take place in Week 6 of this term. If your child has an interest in Music, please make an appointment with Mr Cosentino to discuss how music will look in your child’s academic program.

This term we will continue from Term 1 sharing with you what is happening in curriculum Music. This week we are letting you in on what we are doing in the Senior School.

What’s happening in the Stage 4 Mandatory and Stage 5 Elective Music classes in the Senior School for Term 2? 

Stage 4 Mandatory Music

Year 7 Music: Students will delve into the concepts of pitch, dynamics, and expressive techniques. Through this exploration, students will develop the ability to perform various musical pieces by singing, playing instruments, and moving to the rhythm. They will also engage in musical composition and arrangements, either individually or collaboratively, while experimenting with different forms of musical notation. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to improvise both independently and in group settings, organizing their musical ideas into simple compositions. Through listening exercises and analysis of diverse repertoire, students will identify and comprehend how musical concepts are employed and manipulated. They will further refine their ability to respond to the nuances present in the music they encounter.

Year 8 Music: Students will explore the intricacies of song writing within the realm of Popular music, focusing on composition techniques such as melodic construction, lyric experimentation, and scale/chord construction. Through hands-on activities and collaboration, they will develop the skills necessary to craft modern pop songs, including the recognition of key elements like 'hooks'. Utilizing technology and musical resources, students will create original compositions and share their ideas with peers. The curriculum will emphasize understanding fundamental music concepts such as structure, pitch, tone colour, and dynamic and expressive techniques, relating them to their ongoing musical studies. Through performance and listening exercises, students will broaden their understanding and appreciation of Popular music. Set tasks and assessments will provide opportunities for students to showcase their songwriting abilities. Ultimately, the unit aims to empower students to express themselves creatively through songwriting in the contemporary music landscape.

Stage 5 Elective Music:

Year 9 Music: Students will learn about the development of orchestral music, with a particular focus on structure and tone colour, examining some key repertoire from the Baroque through to the Romantic Periods. Students will be able to recognise different forms used throughout the three periods of music, including Ground Bass/Passacaglia; Aria and Recitative; Fugues and imitative music; Sonata form; Theme and Variation; Concerto; Lieder song forms – strophic and through-composed. They will also gain an understanding of instrumentation used throughout the three periods, including orchestral; string quartet; solo instrumental; choral and art song.

Year 10 Music: Students will delve into the world of theatre music, exploring Opera, Rock Opera, and Musical/Music Theatre. It integrates performance, composition, and listening, emphasizing pitch and duration. Students analyse melody, harmony, and rhythm to understand how these elements create the expressive power of theatre music. Through practical activities like performing, composing, and listening to professional recordings, they refine their skills and gain confidence. Additionally, students explore the historical and cultural contexts of theatre music, understanding its evolution and influence. Overall, this unit provides a comprehensive exploration of theatre music in a concise and engaging manner, fostering students' musical knowledge and appreciation.

Curriculum Questions - Music

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: david.cosentino@tphs.nsw.edu.au 

Term 2 is an exciting time for the Performing Arts. Throughout this term, our musical ensembles, dance companies, and theatre sports teams will be participating in several events.

Over the Break!

A large number of our music students performed across the Northern Beaches at several events, starting at 5am at Manly Dam, moving to Brookvale Bus Depot, then to Manly Corso, and concluding the day at the Collaroy Beach Club Sunset service. We received many positive remarks from all these events. Congratulations to all students involved.

Senior Theatre Sports

In Week 1, our Intermediate and Senior Theatre Sports teams represented Pittwater House for the first time at the Impro Australia Schools Theatresports Competition at Linfield Learning Village. Congratulations to the Intermediate team: Gracie H (C10), Tom (G9), Tully (C10) and Liam (G10); Senior team: Yarra (C12), Revelle (C12), and Remy (G12), accompanied and coached by drama teacher Ms Wenman.

Dance Companies

Throughout this term, we will witness our Dance Companies performing at various showcases and competitions. Our Junior Company will be performing at our Junior Performing Arts Night and on Friday 28 June, at the annual Ravenswood Showcase.

Music Ensembles

Our music ensembles will also be very busy. Our Senior School music ensembles will be performing at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival, with the Senior Concert Band on Tuesday 28 May, at the Orchestra and String Ensemble on Saturday 1 June, and the Big Band and Stage Band on Sunday 16 June.

Our Junior School Vocal Ensemble will be performing at the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod on Thursday 6 June. We are very excited to announce that the Eisteddfod will be held at Pittwater House this year in our Great Hall.

K to 12 Music Festival

Our annual K to 12 Music Festival will be held in Week 5 on Wednesday 29 May and Thursday 30 May. The Music Festival offers an opportunity for students across the school to perform for their families and friends. Applications close this coming Monday 20 May. Fill in the online application form at this link.

HSC Drama/Music Showcase Nights

In Week 7, our annual HSC Drama/Music Showcase nights will be held on Wednesday 12 June and Thursday 13 June. On these nights we will not only be showcasing our HSC Drama and Music students, but our Elective students from Years 9 to 11. This night will start at 6pm with doors opening from 5:30pm.

Performing Arts Ensemble Canvas Page

The Performing Arts Ensembles have a dedicated Canvas Page where communications regarding rehearsals and performances is 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