Performing Arts
St Pius X College Chatswood
Music Matters
Congratulations are in order!
Performing Arts Festival
Our Performing Arts Festival was a wonderful celebration of the talent, dedication and musical achievements of our students, featuring an impressive array of solo performances from our pianists, percussionists, vocalists, guitarists, string, woodwind, and brass players, from Years 5 - 11.
Congratulations to all students who participated and shared their musical talents with such enthusiasm and confidence. A special thank you also goes to our dedicated tutors, Mr Benjamin He, Mrs Stephanie Gan, Mr Geoff Power, Mr Pawel Lewandowski, Mr Matt Thomson, Miss Leah Berry, Mr Shane Cranney, Mr Stephen Cummins, Dr JB Smith, Ms Nicole Kim, Mr Tony Wheeler, Miss Laura Power, Mr David Sismey and Mr Alex Butler, whose expertise, encouragement and ongoing support were instrumental in preparing students for their performances.
Well done to everyone involved in making the festival such a success!
Investiture Ceremony – A Celebration of Musical Talent
Monday’s Investiture Ceremony at The Concourse was made even more memorable by the wonderful contributions of our talented musicians.
The Intermediate Jazz Band, under the direction of Ms Laura Power, provided a vibrant musical atmosphere, while Year 11 Music students Rafael de Membrillera Perez (guitar, Music 1) and Hugo Moran (piano, Music 2) impressed audiences with their solo performances. Both were accompanied by classmates Noah Watson (bass guitar) and Ethan Parsons (drums), with a special guest appearance by Mr Andrew Saar playing piano for Rafael’s Santana performance. Please see the links to their performances below.
Congratulations to all our performers. Their outstanding musicianship, confidence and dedication added a special touch to this significant College occasion. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented the College and shared their talents with our community.
Entertainment at our Orientation Days
A special thank you to Ms Laura Power and the Intermediate Concert and Junior Jazz Bands for providing such wonderful musical entertainment at our two Orientation Days for incoming Year 5 and Year 7 students over the past fortnight. Their lively performances created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, setting a wonderful tone for our newest members of the College community and offering them a fantastic first taste of the vibrant Performing Arts opportunities that await them at St Pius X!
Junior School Takes Centre Stage!
November promises to be an exciting month for Performing Arts at the College, with our Junior School musicians and actors preparing to entertain audiences through a series of special performances. All parents and families welcome.
Junior School Concert – Friday 6 November, 1:30 pm
Our Years 5 and 6 students will take centre stage in the College Gym, presenting a lively celebration of their musical learning and achievements throughout the semester. The afternoon will also feature performances by our Junior Concert Band, Junior Chorale and Junior Guitar Ensemble, showcasing the enthusiasm, developing skills and musical talents of our youngest performers.
Junior School Drama – Friday 13 November
The spotlight then shifts to our budding actors as the Junior School Drama Ensemble presents The Missing Masterpiece in the Sarto Centre. The students will perform for their Junior School peers and teachers, with parents warmly invited to attend either the 2:00 pm (Year 5) or 2:30 pm (Year 6) performance, or both! This entertaining production promises to highlight the creativity, teamwork and growing confidence of our young actors.
Christmas Twilight Concert – Friday 20 November, 5:00 pm
Our Performing Arts calendar will culminate in one of the most anticipated events of the year – the Christmas Twilight Concert! Featuring performances from all our ensembles, this festive celebration brings our College community together for an evening of wonderful music, Christmas carols and holiday cheer. Be sure to save the date and invite your family and friends!
We look forward to celebrating the hard work, enthusiasm and achievements of all our Music Ensemble performers as they share their talents with the College community. What a wonderful way to bring another vibrant year of Performing Arts to a close!
Private Tuition Reminders
Students currently undertaking private instrumental or vocal tuition at the College do not need to reapply for lessons in 2027, as enrolments will automatically roll over.
If your son will not be continuing with his tutor next year, please ensure that three weeks’ written notice is provided to the tutor before the end of term, in accordance with College policy and to assist with 2027 planning.
Clipboard will open in the coming weeks for new lesson applications for 2027.
For any private tuition enquiries, please contact your son’s tutor directly or Mr Stephen Cummins, Coordinator of Private Tuition, at scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
Instrument hire
Please note: As we have been maintaining the servicing of our instruments regularly, students using hired instruments may keep their instruments over the summer holidays unless:
They are not renewing their hire in 2027
The instrument has an issue and requires servicing.
For all other enquiries, please contact Ms Merryn Dodd, Performing Arts Administration Assistant, at sperformingarts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.
Important Performing Arts Dates for Term 4
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Treasure Island
We have now created a pub and the docks for our rehearsals in the Sarto Centre. Students are taking responsibility for their roles, and we are starting to see characters emerge during the rehearsals. Actors should practice their chosen accent – Hagrid from Harry Potter or a Posh English or Irish are good ones to choose.
For upcoming rehearsals please see the schedule below:
For the costume call all actors should bring blue jeans, a striped t-shirt (any colours), bandana or any other pirate like clothes.
The following characters will have a hired costume: Jim, Mrs Hawkins, Long John Silver, Trelawney, Dr Livesey, Ben Gunn, Billy Bones.
Red Ruth – please bring a blouse and maybe a long skirt if you have one plus character shoes/boots
Mr Joyce – please bring a white shirt and black jeans or trousers.
If you are unsure, please contact myself, plindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or Mr Serone bserone@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au via email.
Drama Elective Showcase
The Drama students were impressive in their acting, concentration and attitude throughout the rehearsal process and performance on Friday evening. Thank you to all parents, carers, staff and students who attended and supported the Showcase. It was wonderful for the students to have the opportunity to share their work from the year.
Performing in front of an older audience, rather than just their peers, is a valuable learning experience for our students. Each student impressed me with their commitment to refining and adjusting their performances right up until the final moments. Their dedication, willingness to improve and enthusiasm for their work were evident throughout the evening. Congratulations to all involved on an excellent Showcase!
Key Dates:
- Friday 6 November: Treasure Island Photo Shoot. Please see costume ideas
- Tuesday 1 December: ALL CAST final rehearsal
- Monday 7 December: ALL CREW meeting
- 21 & 22 January from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama