Performing Arts
Music Matters
Band Room access
Please note, there will be NO access to the Band Room from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Friday, 8 August (Week 3) due to the HSC Music Trials. Students can leave their instruments in the Music staff office if required during this time.
Elective Music Performance Showcase
Friday 8 August, Band Room, 5:00 pm
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Elective Music Performance Showcase, where our talented elective music students from Years 9 – 11 will take the stage.
This concert is an important milestone in each student’s musical journey. It provides a platform to build performance confidence, explore a diverse range of repertoire, and gain valuable experience in a supportive, live setting. It also serves as a source of inspiration for future musical goals, both within the classroom and beyond.
Families, friends, and members of the College community are warmly encouraged to attend and support these developing musicians as they share the results of their hard work and creativity.
The College grounds will be open for parking.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Drumline Competition
We wish our Drumline, under the guidance of Mr Ian Talati, the best of luck as they compete at the Australian Drumline Championships this weekend.
From PAPA
SAVE THE DATE – PAPA’s annual fundraiser Comedy Night, 20 September
In the lead up to PAPA’s annual fundraising event, we’ll be sharing jokes of the week in each Woodchatta. We guarantee our special guest star performers on the night will be much better than these!
Q. What do you call cheese that isn't yours?
A. Nacho cheese.
PAPA meeting last Tuesday
It was lovely to see some new faces and the existing PAPA Committee at our meeting on Tuesday night. We discussed our plans for the Comedy Night annual fundraiser, the two remaining Twilight Concerts for this year, the HSC Performing Arts Showcase “Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Snaps, Stage and Stories” and other upcoming events.
It’s not too late to join in the fun and support our Performing Arts young men – contact details are below.
Mrs Sylvia Ulevik - PAPA President
(papaparents@pandf.spx.nsw.edu.au)
Australian Youth Orchestra auditions
Applications are now open for the Australian Youth Orchestra’s 2026 programs, offering life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 12–30. From school-aged musicians to emerging professionals, AYO provides world-class training in orchestral performance, composition, sound production, arts administration, and music journalism.
In 2026, participants could:
Perform at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl or Darwin Entertainment Centre
Join the National Music Camp in Adelaide, curated by Monica Curro (MSO)
Take part in new international opportunities for high school musicians
Work with leading conductors, tutors, and industry professionals
Want more information? See the attached resource kit
🎻 Strings applications close: 25 August 2025
🎺 All other instruments: 27 August 2025
💻 Apply online: www.ayo.com.au
Important Performing Arts dates this term:
Australian Music Composition workshop day – Thursday 31 July, All Year 11 Elective Music students, MLC Burwood, 8:15 am – 3:15 pm
Australian Drumline Competition - Sunday 3 August, 10:00 am, PLC Croydon
HSC Music Trials – Friday 8 August, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Elective Music Showcase – Friday 8 August, 5:00 pm, Band Room
Feast of the Assumption Mass – Friday 15 August – Junior and Senior Chorales - tbc
Celebration of Learning Years 7 – 10 Monday 18 August – The Concourse – Intermediate Concert Band
NSW State Band Championships (time TBC) - Sunday 24 August - Intermediate Concert Band
HSC Major works showcase: Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Snaps, Stage and Stories – Thursday 28 August – all welcome
Father's Day Mass and Breakfast - Friday 5 September
‘Farewell to Seniors’ Twilight Concert – Friday 5 September
Manly Jazz Festival – Senior Jazz Band - Saturday 20 September, 10:00 am - 10:45 am (1st band on the Jazz Stars of The Future stage).
PAPA Comedy Fundraiser – Saturday 20 September
Elective Music SSO excursion (Years 9 – 11) Sydney Opera House - Thursday 25 September
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
HSC Drama Trial Examination
Well done to the 2025 Drama cohort for the final preparations that took place over the weekend and for completing all their internal Drama assessments. Thank you to Noah Watson in Year 10 who supported the exam by taking on the role of lighting operator and stage manager. We are waiting for NESA to give us the date for the upcoming practical examinations which will take place after the retreats. This exam includes both Individual Projects and the Group Performance.
The 39 Steps at Sydney Opera House
Dear families if you are looking for a fun production to take your family to then I can recommend The 39 Steps at the Opera House. It is the same version I used for our 2023 School production, but this is with just four actors. It will be an inspiring and hilarious performance running from 8 - 20 August.
Upcoming Drama events:
Thursday 29 August: Splinters, Splashes, Sounds, Snaps, Stage & Stories – The HSC Drama class will present their practical examination performances at this event.
Wednesday 10 September: The Talented Mr Ripley at Sydney Theatre Company for Year 9 & 10 Elective Drama.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama