Performing Arts
Music Matters
Bishop’s Mass:
I am immensely proud of our musicians, comprised of members from our Senior Concert Band, College Orchestra, and Drumline, along with the Junior and Senior Chorales, who truly outdid themselves this week, providing magnificent music for the Bishop’s Mass on Tuesday.
Our processional hymn, Awesome God, was a powerful entrance heralded by our synchronized drumline, who marched down the red carpet to lead the Bishop into the Mass. Their performance created an inspiring atmosphere and perfectly set the tone for this significant occasion. Mr Ryan Balboa delivered a truly moving rendition as cantor, while Mrs Talati’s performance on our newly donated electric violin, generously gifted by a PAPA grandparent, was a wonderful highlight.
As always, our students sang the recessional hymn, Ancient Words, with heartfelt enthusiasm, no doubt all of Chatwood could hear us! In fact, many residents were seen watching from their balconies, drawn in by the spirit of the celebration.
The dedication and talent of our musicians was evident as they worked tirelessly to deliver such outstanding music for this unique mass. A special thank you goes to some key members of our Music Department who made this all possible, including Mr Andrew Saar, Mrs Stella Talati, Mr Ian Talati, Mrs Stephanie Gan, and our audio engineers Mr Brendan Jones and Mr Stephen Cummins, whose expertise made our playing sound even more remarkable outdoors!
Congratulations to our Senior Jazz Ensemble, under the guidance of their director, Mr Geoff Power, who performed with great skill and finesse at the Forestville RSL last night. Their performance was certainly enjoyed by the crowd!
Changes to timetable, Term 2:
Due to the College trailing a new timetable in Term 2, (as outlined by Ms Elizabeth Watson earlier in Woodchatta), students with lunchtime rehearsals will be allowed to leave tPeriod 4 classes 10 minutes early (unless doing an assessment) to allow them ample time to eat, get their instruments and rehearse. The longer recess will allow students to eat their main meal earlier.
The following ensembles will be affected:
Mondays: College String Ensemble, Intermediate Guitar Ensemble
Tuesdays: Jnr Digital Music
Wednesdays: Junior Percussion, Junior Guitar Ensemble
Thursdays: Senior Percussion, Senior Guitar, Intermediate Digital Music
Fridays: Intermediate Percussion, Bass Guitar Ensemble
Junior School students will receive information about how this will work for them before the start of next term.
College Drama production: Oliver Twist tickets are now on sale!
Oliver Twist: there are still tickets available for the College’s production of the classic play, Oliver Twist. Performances are week 1 next term on 30 April, 1 May, 2 May, at 7:00 pm in the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood. Our Drama Coordinator, Ms Penny Lindley, with assistance from Mr Andrew Saar and Mr Stephen Cummins (music) have worked with a talented cast from SPX, Mercy College and Loreto Normanhurst. They have been working tirelessly to produce an entertaining and thoughtful rendition of this classic. Our last production sold out, so don’t miss out! All tickets are a very reasonable $30.
An Evening of Jazz with James Morrison
Tickets are selling fast to see this legendary Australian Jazz icon at St Pius X College!
James will be working with our jazz ensemble students throughout the day on Friday 23 May, followed by a masterclass with his quartet for all our interested musicians after school.
This day will culminate in a special concert that evening, where James will be performing with our jazz ensembles as well as his own quartet and will also include performances by our concert bands. An email has been sent to Performing Arts families detailing which students will be performing and therefore won’t require a ticket. We hope you can join us for this extraordinary event!
Tickets can be purchased at:
or using the QR code:
Singing opportunity:
Elevate Eisteddfod is a vibrant new event designed to inspire and support performers of all levels—and we’d love to see St Pius X College represented.
Elevate Eisteddfod will take place on Sunday, 8 June at Balgowlah RSL. The event offers a fantastic platform for singers to showcase their talent, receive professional feedback from industry experts, and compete for impressive trophies and prizes.
There are two performance categories to choose from:
Contemporary Performance
Artist’s Choice
With age divisions including:
10 and under
11–15
16–18
19–40 and over
Their mission is to create a positive, inclusive space where performers can grow, express themselves, and shine. They focus on personal progress and artistic development rather than traditional competition, celebrating the idea that the only competition is with oneself.
This is a wonderful opportunity for singers to gain performance experience, build confidence, and receive valuable feedback to help elevate their vocal journey.
To register or for more information, please visit: www.elevateeisteddfod.com.au
We hope to see our talented vocalists at the Elevate Eisteddfod stage!
Important Performing Arts dates for your diary
Term 2
Oliver Twist College drama production – 30 April, 1 May, 2 May, 7:00 pm, at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood - tickets on sale now
- Jazz Workshop Day - SPX, Sunday 4 May:
- Intermediate Jazz - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Junior Jazz - 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
James Morrison Workshop Day - Masterclass and Concert - 23 May
Chamber Music Concert - Friday 30 May, 7:00 pm, Sarto Centre
Junior Jazz - Sydney Eisteddfod Tuesday 10 June 6:30 pm – time tbc
Intermediate Concert Band (ICB) - Sydney Eisteddfod - Wednesday 11 June 4:00 pm – time tbc
Elective Music Performance Evening - SPX - Monday 16 June
Intermediate Concert Band workshop - Sunday 22 June - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
ICB - NSW State Band Championships (time TBC) - Sunday 24 August
Term 3
PAPA Comedy Fundraiser – 20 September
I wish you and your families a restful and enjoyable Easter break. Hopefully there will be a lot of instrumental practice in your household during the holidays, as Term 2 promises to be an even busier one for the Performing Arts!
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
From PAPA
Final call for volunteers: Oliver Twist drama production
‘Please, sir, I want some more.’
Are you a backstage guru? A wannabe hair and make-up artist? A parent/carer with access to a truck and/or ute?
Final call for 15+ volunteers to support the SPX production over rehearsal and performance dates (30 April, 1 May and 2 May).
Volunteer here - https://rb.gy/65juk7
Any time you can spare would be greatly appreciated!
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President
Drama Matters
Oliver Twist
Students have been working hard in Week 11 to bring all aspects of Oliver Twist together. It is wonderful to see them develop their stage presence and characters. There is still much hard work to continue, and students are encouraged to read all the scenes they are in during the holidays.
Next Term Schedule
Crew Students: Please meet me at the Sarto on Monday, 28 April, at 8:00 am. We will head to the Zenith Theatre together. Please remember to bring lunch. You will be assisting with the bump in of the set, costumes and allocating changing rooms.
All Other Students: Please meet on the veranda at 8:30 am on Tuesday, 29 April. Students will be at the theatre all day until 5:00 pm. The same schedule applies for Wednesday, with an evening show afterwards. PAPA will provide pizza on this day.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
Upcoming rehearsals
Holiday Rehearsals
Oliver Twist Bump In & Performances Term 2
Intermediate Drama Ensemble
I am excited to share pictures from the hilarious plays that our students have written over the past few weeks. A huge congratulations to all involved! It has been wonderful to watch each student develop their skills and showcase their creativity. Your hard work and dedication truly shine through in these performances. Ex-student Michael Krizan also participated and was impressed by the acting skills of the students.
Year 7 Double Figures
All students in Year 7 participate in a semester of Drama classes where they learn to think critically about drama and have the opportunity to be creative and collaborate with their peers. All of which are lifelong learning skills. One activity which I would like to share to you is called Double Figures and it works so well because it encompasses the aspects just mentioned. Students create one character with two people, and they then write about how successful they and their peers were when performing it. Particular attention is given to the gestures used and how the students together listen and work together during the performance.
Upcoming events:
Oliver Twist Rehearsals: Ongoing – please check the schedule. ALL CAST rehearsals from now on. Tickets are ON SALE. Friday 2 May is SOLD OUT! Week 11 rehearsals finish at 6:00 pm.
Oliver Twist: Holiday Rehearsals and pre-Zenith Dress Rehearsals: 24 April - 27 April ALL CAST, crew and musicians on certain days. Students will rehearse with costumes and props so this will be a very exciting time.
Oliver Twist Performances: 30 April & 1 and 2 May all at 7:00 pm.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama