Music and Performing Arts Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Music and Performing Arts

Music News

As we reach the middle of Term 2, we are continuing to see students engaging in aspects of music outside the curriculum. We will continue to update you with what is happening in Music Curriculum. This week we are letting you in on what we are doing in the Junior School.

What’s happening in the Music classes in Junior School for Term 2? 

The focus for the weekly Music classes in Junior School for Term 2 is preparing performance items for stage. All students will perform at The Junior Performing Arts Evening – Thursday 20 June 2024

Kindergarten Music: In addition to singing and movement activities, students learn simple ta/ti-ti patterns and rests in music. They identify simple stick notation from rhythm cards and play ostination body percussion and non-pitched percussion instruments.

Year 1 Music: Students use movement to respond to music and will develop their aural skills by identifying features including pitch, beat, tone colour and dynamics. Students learn and rehearse repertoire for their performance song.

Year 2 Music: This includes opportunities for students to improve ensemble skills playing a range of percussion instruments in whole class performance activities, as well as preparing an item for the Junior School Performing Arts Night.

Year 3 Music: Students will identify how pitch moves, that different pitches make up a melody, and pitches can go together to form harmony.

Year 3 Band: Students learn simple repertoire and increase their knowledge of notation, and their instrument. Work in their small tutor group as well as the large ensemble.

Year 4 Music: Students further develop their understanding of rhythmic values by identifying known note values and patterns within scores and identify more complex rhythmic values.

Year 4 Band: Students perform more complex repertoire to consolidate their understanding of their own instrument and the contribution they make to group music making. They recognise rhythmic and pitch notation, rests, elementary score conventions, and play their instruments proficiently. There is an emphasis on working in the whole ensemble: following conductor cues, giving attention to dynamics and expressive techniques, and maintaining a uniform, steady beat. They hone their skills to play repertoire of a complete work for performances at School events.

Year 5 Music rotations in Performing Arts: Students collaborate as a group to learn repertoire, adapted from contemporary songs, for the mini musical. They participate in vocal warmups and exercises to prepare for singing activities and learn the importance of vocal projection and stage position to maximise sound production for their performance. Opportunities for individuals, both vocal and instrumental, are auditioned for and performed, allowing students to identify with the role of soloist and/or ensemble in the performance. 

Year 6 Music rotations in Performing Arts: Students collaborate as a group to learn repertoire for the mini musical. They learn the importance of vocal projection and stage position to maximise sound production for their performance. Opportunities are given in the musical for vocal soloists, as well as small vocal groups, to encourage students that wish to develop their confidence and solo stage experience.

Curriculum Questions

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 

Performing Arts News

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

Junior Performing Arts Night – Thursday 20 June 2024

Our Junior School Ensembles and classes are preparing for our annual Junior Performing Arts Evening on Thursday 20 June 2024. As we progress towards this event, please ensure that all students prioritise their attendance at rehearsals every week. Junior Drama, Vocal Ensemble, Junior Dance Company and Junior Band will all be performing at this night.

Music Ensembles

This week, our Senior Concert Band performed at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival. In the coming weeks the following ensembles will be performing: the Orchestra 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. 

Please ensure that all members of the ensembles are in attendance at all rehearsals leading up to these events.

K to 12 Music Festival

This week we will be holding our annual K to 12 Music Festival 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. We are looking forward to seeing you all shine and showcase what you have been working on this year.

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. The night will start at 6:00pm with doors opening from 5:30pm.

HICES Music Festival and Jazz Academy

This year, we have had a significant number of students audition for the 2024 HICES Music Festival and Jazz Academy. Established in 1988, the HICES Music Festival is a collaborative musical celebration that annually brings together over 400 musicians from HICES schools across New South Wales. The festival provides our music students with an enriching opportunity to perform diverse repertoire and collaborate with peers from across the State.

We have been fortunate to have a large representation from Pittwater House at the festival each year. We wish our students well in their selection for the 2024 festival.

Student Achievements

Please let us know about any Performing Arts students' achievements, as we would like to share these with our School community.

Performing Arts Ensemble Canvas Page

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