Performing Arts
Music Matters
Congratulations and thank you to all performers and Ensemble Directors involved in last Friday’s Big Bands Bonanza Twilight Concert. The evening was a wonderful celebration of the talent, dedication and hard work of our music students across all ensembles, including the Jazz and Concert Bands, Percussion Ensembles, Rock Ensemble and Drumline.
We thank our Ensemble Directors for their ongoing commitment and guidance in preparing such an outstanding showcase of music-making and extend our appreciation to the wider St Pius X community for their wonderful support of our performers. We also sincerely thank our PAPA parents, who go above and beyond in providing refreshments for students, and the College Maintenance team for their invaluable assistance in setting up for the concert.
Friday 22 May – Pius ‘Unplugged’ – Chamber Music Concert
Sarto Centre (cnr Daisy and Anderson Streets), 7:00 pm, features:
String Ensemble and String Quartet
Junior and Senior Chorales
All Guitar Ensembles (Junior, Intermediate and Senior)
Brass Quintet
Bass Guitar Ensemble
Year 12 HSC Music soloists
Please note, as this concert commences at 7:00 pm, there is NO after-school supervision or food provided for students on this day.
Students performing in this concert will need to take their instruments to the Sarto straight after school.
All performers are expected at the Sarto by 6:30 pm, with the exception of the brass quintet who are required at 6:20 pm for a soundcheck.
Sound Checks:
6:20 pm - Brass Quintet
6:30 pm - Junior and Senior Chorales and String Quintet
6:40 pm - String Ensemble
The main foyer and gates to the school grounds for parking will be open until 7:00 pm at which time they will be locked. Gates open automatically upon approach when leaving.
Please be aware that there will be debating students and families walking around the school grounds as you are driving in.
All students are expected to wear full winter uniform for these performances.
Rehearsal workshop dates for your diaries:
Intermediate Concert Band Workshop – Sunday 14 June – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Senior Concert Band Workshop – Sunday 21 June – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE THERE HAVE BEEN SOME RECENT CHANGES TO EISTEDDFOD COMPETITION TIMES
Eisteddfod events at The Concourse – parents welcome
Junior Concert Band – Wednesday 27 May – 11:00 am
Intermediate Concert Band – Wednesday 27 May – 3:30 pm
Senior Concert Band – Wednesday 27 May – 5:15 pm
Junior Jazz Band – Friday 29 May – 1:30 pm
Intermediate Jazz Band – Friday 29 May – 5:45 pm
Senior Jazz Band – Friday 29 May - 3:15 pm
Parents have been emailed details for the above by their Ensemble Director.
Performing Arts Cultural Tour
ETA Visa - for Australian passport holders into the UK. Please make sure this is done with adequate time before departure. https://www.gov.uk/eta
Note: digital fingerprint access is done at Vienna airport for entry into Austria/Germany
Final (4th) instalment is due by this Friday 22 May via Clipboard.
Save the Date: Final Tour Meeting
Wednesday 10 June, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm in the Band Room
Please ensure one parent and the touring student are present at this meeting. This is where we will give detailed information regarding our travel plans, packing requirements and suggestions, accommodation etc. The students will also receive their tour apparel at this time.
Performing Arts Dates Term 2:
As always, please check the Performing Arts section of Woodchatta each week and feel free to reach out to our helpful Performing Arts staff if you have further enquiries:
Cocurricular / Performing Arts Admin assistant: Ms Merryn Dodd,
Private Tuition Coordinator: Mr Stephen Cummins, scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Ensembles Program Coordinator: Mr Andrew Saar, asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Leader of Learning, Drama: Ms Penny Lindley, plindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Head of Performing Arts: Mrs Annabel Westhoff, awesthoff@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Year 8 Shock Therapy Arts Performance
On Wednesday morning students from Year 8 watched a live performance called 'The Stones' presented by Shock Therapy Arts. Since its premiere in 1996 the show has been performed over 2,000 times worldwide and translated in over 30 countries.
This award-winning play about youth crime and punishment continues to engage, enthral and excite audiences as Shock Therapy Arts puts their signature stamp on this timeless work. Students were highly engaged throughout the performance, responding strongly to the emotional intensity, humour and powerful themes explored in the play. Many students were captivated by the interactive courtroom-style ending, which encouraged them to think critically about responsibility, consequences and decision-making.
At the end of the performance, students were given the opportunity to take part in a Q & A with the two actors, Hayden and Sam. They asked thoughtful and insightful questions about the play itself, the social justice issues it explored, as well as acting techniques and the process of creating characters. I was extremely impressed by the students’ maturity, engagement, and focus throughout the event.
I would like to thank PAPA (Performing Arts Parents Association) for their support and payment of this event. It is incredibly important for young people to have access to live storytelling.
Upcoming events
Friday 22 May: Drama NSW Conference: Standing Strong. Ms Lindley will attend this event which includes workshops, performances and research lectures.
Friday 5 June: No Junior Drama Ensemble due to Staff Formation Day.
Monday 8 June: No Senior Drama Ensemble due to King’s Birthday holiday.
Thursday 11 June: No Intermediate Drama Ensemble due to staff meeting.
Sunday 14 June: EXTRA Senior Drama Ensemble Rehearsals for The Club 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday 25 June: No Intermediate Drama Ensemble due to Parent/Teacher meetings.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama
From PAPA
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday 17 October 2026
PAPA Comedy Night Annual Fundraiser. More details to come.
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President - papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au