Performing Arts
Music Matters
Ms Penny Lindley (Leader of Learning, Drama) and I will be travelling to the UK and Europe later this week as recipients of the James’ Fellowship. This prestigious Fellowship is awarded annually to two staff members for professional development and is generously funded by Old Boy of the College, Mr Bill James and his wife, Elizabeth.
During our time overseas, we will attend a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts, as well as visit significant historical and cultural sites. The purpose of this trip is to inform and inspire the development of a St Pius X College Performing Arts Cultural Tour, which we plan to offer to our Music and Drama Cocurricular and Curriculum students during the June/July holidays in 2026.
We look forward to sharing more details about this exciting opportunity for your son/s next term!
Should you have any Performing Arts enquiries before the end of term, please direct them as follows:
General Performing Arts Enquiries: Ms Merryn Dodd
SPerformingArts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Private Tuition enquiries: Mr Stephen Cummins
Cocurricular Music Ensemble enquiries: Mr Andrew Saar
Elective Music Showcase – New date
Please note that the Elective Music Showcase will now take place on Friday, 8 August at 5:00 pm in the Band Room. We look forward to an enjoyable evening as our Years 9–11 Elective Music students present their performance repertoire in both solo and group settings. It promises to be a wonderful celebration of their hard work and musical growth.
All are welcome to attend and support our talented students!
Rotary Music Scholarship: Congratulations to our Year 12 SPX representative, Patrick Elliott, on his fabulous tenor saxophone performance last week, receiving an unofficial 2nd place, amidst an exceptionally high level of competition.
Well done, Patrick – a wonderful achievement and a testament to your talent and dedication!
Private Tuition reminders:
New enrolments for instrumental and singing lessons are possible at any time via Clipboard. Please also email Mr Cummins if you have done this, as we don’t receive notifications through Clipboard of new enrolments. He will then contact you with tutor information. scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Cancellations: A reminder that 3 school weeks' notice is a minimum requirement to cancel lessons.
SPX Performing Arts - dates for your diaries
Term 2:
- Intermediate Concert Band workshop - Sunday 22 June, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Please bring your own lunch
Term 3:
- HSC Music ensemble rehearsals - Sunday 27 July
- HSC Music Trials – Friday 8 August, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Elective Music Showcase – Friday 8 August, 5:00 pm, Band Room
- ICB - NSW State Band Championships (time TBC) - Sunday 24 August
- HSC Major works showcase: Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Snaps, Stage & Stories – Thursday 29 August – all welcome
- Father's Day Mass and Breakfast - Friday 5 September
- ‘Farewell to Seniors’ Twilight Concert – Friday 5 September
- PAPA Comedy Fundraiser – Saturday 20 September
- Elective Music SSO excursion (Years 9 – 11) Sydney Opera House - Thursday 25 September
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Year 9 Commedia Performances
Year 9 have been working hard all term on their physical comedy techniques. Commedia dell’arte is a theatrical form which began in Italy and even influenced Shakespeare. Students have completed workshops, skits and gags in order to learn and improvise the stock characters and scenarios . This type of comedy influenced the Marx Brothers and the creators of The Simpsons and Modern Family. Students devised their own extended scenes in response to selected titles and have all developed their physical and dynamic acting skills.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama