Performing Arts

Music Matters

Performing Arts Festival

Congratulations to all those who performed in our studio recitals over the past two weeks, showcasing the talents and hard work of our private tuition students. This is always a special occasion on our busy Performing Arts calendar, as it allows our students to demonstrate their efforts as a soloist in the comfort of a smaller audience.

Our Performing Arts Festival concludes tonight with the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Drama Ensembles performing their plays in the Sarto Centre, commencing at 5:00 pm. Parking will be available in the playground. Congratulations to our dedicated and inspiring music tutors and ensemble leaders for the incredible work they do with our students.

Thank you for our Junior Jazz (Year 5 Orientation day) and our Senior Concert Band (Senior Leaders Investiture) and to Ms Laura Power and Mrs Stella Talati for supporting these two important College events by providing entertainment and ceremonial music this morning.

Performing Arts Captains 2026

Last week, Ms Lindley and I interviewed some exceptional young men who were interested in becoming part of our Performing Arts leadership team. All were incredibly positive about their time in either music or drama (or both), have been actively engaged in our Performing Arts program throughout their time at the College and are keen to promote the Performing Arts program through a range of new initiatives.

After much deliberation, the following positions were announced at yesterday’s assembly:

Performing Arts Captain: Aiden Lindsay

Vice Captain – Music: Connor Staude

Vice Captain – Drama: Angus Gibson

Due to wet weather, these students will be bestowed their badges by Mr Ronchetti at next week’s assembly. We wish these students every success in their roles and know they will be supported by an incredible team of Year 11/12 peers.

Tomorrow sees our inaugural Junior School Concert, which will see every student in the Junior School perform in some capacity, demonstrating our Music classroom work during this semester. Parents were emailed an invitation last week. It is being held at 1:30 pm in the College gym. All welcome.

Private Tuition reminders

Students currently enrolled in private instrumental or vocal lessons at the College do not need to reapply for 2026 as enrolments will automatically roll over.

If your son will not be continuing lessons next year, please ensure that 3 weeks’ written notice is provided to his tutor before the end of term, in accordance with College policy and to assist with planning for 2026.

Applications for new private lessons in 2026 will open on Clipboard in the coming weeks.

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

Students who have hired instruments are reminded to return them to their tutor or the Music Office after their final lesson or ensemble rehearsal for the term.

For all other enquiries, please contact Ms Merryn Dodd, Performing Arts Administration Assistant, at sperformingarts@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au.

PAPA news

Christmas Twilight Concert - Friday 21 November

We are calling for 15+ volunteers to help from 2:30 pm to set up and cook the BBQ, as well as serve before and during the concert. 1 hour slots available!

Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President

(papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au)

Term 4 Performing Arts important dates for your diary

Drama Cocurricular Showcase – Thursday 30 October - Junior, Intermediate and Senior Drama Ensembles, Sarto Centre, 5:00 pm. Car park will be open for parking. Please use entrance via Kirk St
Thursday 30 October – Year 5 Orientation before school – Junior Jazz
Thursday 30 October – Senior Leaders Investiture at The Concourse – Senior Concert Band – 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (morning rehearsal as usual to set up and rehearse)
Friday 31 October – Junior School Concert in the Gym – Junior Concert Band, Junior Chorale and Junior Guitar Ensemble and all of Years 5 and 6 students – 1:30 pm, College gym
Tuesday 4 November – Year 7 Orientation before school – Intermediate Concert Band (TBC)
Tuesday 11 November – Remembrance Day Assembly – Senior Concert Band – 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Friday 21 November – Year 6 Graduation at Oxford Falls – Junior Chorale
Friday 21 November – Christmas Twilight Concert – All Concert Bands, all Jazz Bands, all Percussion Ensembles, Orchestra, Guitar Ensembles, Choirs, Rock Ensemble, Bass Ensemble – more information to come – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 2 December – Road to Bethlehem – Ensembles TBC
Wednesday 3 December – End of Year Awards assembly – Senior Jazz Band (TBC)

Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts

Drama Matters

Cocurricular Performance & Rehearsals

The Junior, Intermediate & Senior Ensembles are ready to perform, and the show is looking excellent. We hope you will be able to join us for the show.

Students involved in the show should head to the Sarto immediately after school, where they will be provided with pizza and a drink before changing into their costumes. A brief technical rehearsal will take place for each ensemble prior to the show.

Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to help! If you are available to assist, please contact me.

Upcoming Drama events

Thursday 30 October: Junior, Intermediate & Senior Drama performances starting at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm (part of the Performing Arts Week) in the Sarto Centre
Wednesday 5 November: HSC Drama Written Examination
Thursday 20 November: Drama Showcase, a selection of performances from students studying Drama in 2025 starting at 5:00 pm

Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama