Performing Arts
Music Matters
As always, our musicians play an incredibly important role in supporting all official College events and Masses.
This was highlighted this week with the Year 12 Farewell celebrations. Congratulations and thank you to Mr Geoff Power and the Intermediate Jazz Band members who performed so wonderfully at The Concourse for the Year 12 Farewell yesterday and to our Year 12 soloists – singers Jacob Chang and Henrik Hogg for their beautiful rendition of Bizet’s famous ‘Pearl Fishers’ duet; Christian Henderson for wowing audiences with his technically agile piano fingers in his rendition of Chopin’s ‘Etude’ Op.25 no. 12; Cameron Pfeiffer on marimba for his flashy performance of the piece aptly named ‘Flash’ by Australian composer Matthew Hindson; and Callum Skinner for demonstrating a variety of extended bass guitar techniques in his performance of Jaco Pastorius’ ‘Portrait of Tracy’. The talent of all these musicians helped to make this special event even more special. A big thank you also to Ms Penny Lindley and Mr Brendan Jones for their efficient stage-management behind the scenes.
In more graduation news, special thanks to our Junior and Senior Chorale members who sang so beautifully at the Graduation Mass this morning, with the assistance of our cantor, teacher and past student Mr Ryan Balboa and our accompanist Ms Stephanie Gan.
The Intermediate Jazz Band's performance at the Forestville RSL last Wednesday night was a fantastic toe-tapping event, and much enjoyed by all who attended. This Saturday sees the Senior Jazz Band playing at the Manly Jazz Festival from 11:00 am – 11:45 am, again directed by the wonderful Mr Geoff Power. We hope you can join us!
HSC Music students
Congratulations to our HSC Music students who have now completed the practical component of their HSC with only a short Aural test remaining during the examination block for Music 1 and Music 2 students, with Music Extension now fully complete. The students were extremely happy with their performances last week. Well done!
Holiday Practice!
Please encourage your son to maintain his instrumental practicing regime during the holidays. There has been much research into the importance of practice facilitating muscle memory and for reed and brass players, which also ensures his embouchure (mouth) stays strong. We have some wonderful performances coming up in Term 4, including a Twilight Concert, studio concerts during Performing Arts Festival Week and other fabulous performance opportunities, so it is vital your son stays musically fit.
Private Hire Instrument collection
Please note that all instruments hired through the college for private home use through the hire agreement will be collected at the end of Term 4 to enable servicing. Should you be considering buying or leasing your own instrument this is the perfect opportunity to do so – what a Christmas present! However, should you wish to continue hiring an instrument through the school next year, you can do so by signing a new loan agreement at the start of 2024. Please contact Mrs Stella Talati STalati@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au should you require further information.
Goodbye, farewell and thank you
Our lovely Performing Arts assistant, Mrs Marilyn McHugh is leaving us tomorrow for some much-needed rest. We would like to thank her for the wonderful support she has given our staff, students and parents over the past six years. Should you need to contact the Performing Arts department next term, please ring the school office or email sperformingarts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
On behalf of the Performing Arts Department, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a relaxing holiday break and look forward to sharing more fabulous Music and Drama events with you next term.
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Performing Arts Coordinator
Drama
Double Figures: A hilarious Improvisation Activity in Year 7
In the world of Year 7, creativity knows no bounds, and the students have recently been working on a funny improvisation activity called: Double Figures. This exercise required pairs of students to combine their talents. One student assumed the role of the body and did all the talking, while their partner took control of the arms and focused on expressive gesture. Each duo was tasked with rehearsing a monologue as an expert on one of the five eccentric topics: snail racing, cactus growing, staring contests, aliens and Christmas tree decorating. Students then worked in two pairs to place their expert in an imaginary talk show. Please see photos below.
Students will also write a paragraph analysing the effectiveness of the Double Figures activity. Understanding how collaboration, creativity and improvisation can come together to create an original characterisation is a valuable learning experience.
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Coordinator