St Pius X College Newsletter

Performing Arts

Music Matters

Congratulations to Year 12 Music 2/Music Extension student, Eliot Sanders, who has been given early entry into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to study a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Composition. Eliot submitted a portfolio of his works and attended an interview to be offered a position in this prestigious institution. 

 

Thank you:

  • to Mr Geoff Power and the Intermediate Jazz Band for their wonderful performance at the ‘Celebration of Learning’ Assembly at The Concourse last Friday, and to Mr Andrew Saar, Coordinator of Music Ensembles, for his behind-the-scenes organisation of music for the event.
  • to the Senior Chorale who led the singing at the Assumption Mass for Years 7,10 and 11 this morning. We are very grateful for your contribution at this important Feast Day celebration. 

In the Junior School Music classrooms: Our Year 5 students are currently working on honing their singing skills and will be performing at a concert early next term for parents and Year 6 students, where each class will sing a song, before performing a work together! More information on this to come soon.

 

Ensemble reminders: 

  • All students learning an instrument (or voice) either within or outside the College are able to be members of our College ensembles. 
  • All students are asked to be ready to play before 7:30 am kick off for each rehearsal (not arrive at 7:30 am!) as we lose valuable time in setting up otherwise
  • We also offer cocurricular activities in live production (audio and sound engineering and stage management), composition (digital music production) and drama (acting) as part of our comprehensive ensemble program
  • Many of these ensembles are still able to be joined mid-year. Please contact the Music Department for more information.
  • Please continue to check Clipboard for updates on ensemble rehearsals and note if your son is going to be absent for any reason. Thank you so much to the many parents that already do this – you make the administration process at our end so much smoother!

HSC dates:

NESA have released our HSC Music and Drama Performance examination dates as follows:

Music 1: Wednesday 11 September – from 9:00 am – Band Room

Music 2: Thursday 12 September  – from 1:00 pm – Band Room

Drama: Thursday 5 September from 8:30 am – Sarto Centre

 

Upcoming performance dates Term 3

  • Friday 23 Aug - Extra Rehearsal - Intermediate Concert Band, 3:10 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday 25 Aug - State Band Championships - Intermediate Concert Band (8:00 am - for 9:00 am performance, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith).  All welcome
  • Thursday 29 Aug – Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Stage and Stories HSC performance (one piece per student).  Band Room. All welcome
  • Friday 30 Aug - Father's Day Mass and Breakfast - (ensembles tbc)
  • Friday 6 Sept – ‘Farewell to Seniors’ Twilight Concert.  5:00 pm.  College Gym.  All welcome
  • Sunday 8 Sept – HSC Music performance rehearsal – full program
  • Tuesday 10 Sept – Cocurricular Colour Awards Ceremony– ensembles tba
  • Wednesday 11 Sept - HSC Music 1 Performance examination from 9:00 am
  • Thursday 12 Sept - HSC Music 2 and Extension Performance examination from 1:00 pm
  • Wednesday 18 September - Forestville RSL Concert - Intermediate Jazz Band. All welcome
  • Saturday 21 Sept - Manly Jazz Festival - Senior Jazz Ensemble.  10:00 am - 10:45 am (1st band on the Jazz Stars of the Future stage).  All welcome
  • Tuesday 24 Sept - Year 12 College Farewell.  The Concourse.
  • Wednesday 25 Sept  – Year 12 Graduation Mass

Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts

Drama Matters

Celebration of Learning

Thank you to those students who performed their energetic scene from The Proper Mechanicals. A play based around Shakespeare’s clowns from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was impressive how the students remembered their lines from last term. Two students are also to be commended for stepping in at the very last minute so a special thank you to them too. 

 

Oliver Twist Auditions

These auditions are open to any student from Year 7-11. You do not need to be studying Drama to take part in the audition. Please contact Ms Lindley so she can give you a piece of text to prepare. Choose either Friday or Monday to audition – you do not need to attend both! The Drama Department is also looking for stage managers, lighting operators and helpers. 

Please also see the audition poster on display around the college.

 

What to expect at the audition? Make sure you have prepared your script well. There are lots of students auditioning for the main roles so if you want to be taken seriously then prepare. Being in a production is also about working and collaborating with your peers so you will be asked to take part in some group exercises. Make sure you are mature and listening at all times. The director is also looking at your general behaviour and how you work with others. For further information please contact Ms Lindley on PLindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au

 

Upcoming dates:

  • Friday 16 OR Monday 19 August: Oliver Twist auditions for male roles.  This is a 90-minute audition and you will need to stay throughout. 
  • Friday 23 OR Sunday 25 August: Oliver Twist auditions for female roles
  • Thursday 5 September 8:30 am: HSC Drama Practical Examination
  • Thursday 5 September: Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Stage and Stories: HSC Drama students will perform their Major Work performances

Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama