The Arts
MUSIC
Strike A Chord Coaching
Recently, students Lucie, Amelia and Anh participated in the Strike A Chord Coaching Program presented by Musica Viva Australia.
As part of the program, the students worked with Helen Ayres, receiving specialised coaching on their performance of “Rondo” from a work by Mozart.
The coaching session provided valuable musical insight and performance feedback as the ensemble prepares their submission for the 2026 Strike A Chord competition. Congratulations to the students on this exciting opportunity and their continued dedication to music performance.
Article by Suriya Down | Senior Leader | Director of Music and The Arts
SACE Music
Music students performed during school time in front of their peers for their first performance assessment. The concert showcased the hard work, dedication, and talent of all students involved.
Students committed many hours rehearsing after school and during lunch times to prepare for the performance.
Their teamwork, encouragement, and support for one another created a positive and environment that contributed to a very successful assessment.
Congratulations to all students involved for their excellent performances and commitment throughout the rehearsal process. The Music department is very proud of the effort and musicianship displayed by everyone on the day.
Article by Sarah Horne | Music Teacher
School Choir
APHS Choir is a welcoming and supportive group open to all students, regardless of previous singing experience. The choir performs a variety of music, including pop songs, musical theatre favourites, and other hits, giving students the opportunity to explore different styles of music.
Through rehearsals, students develop skills in group singing, performance confidence, teamwork, and encouraging one another in a positive environment. Choir rehearsals are filled with energy, fun and collaboration as students work together towards shared goals.
The choir is currently rehearsing for its first performance in term 2, and students are excited to showcase the hard work and enthusiasm they have brought to rehearsals so far.
New members are always welcome, simply see Ms Horne or email sarah.horne23@schools.sa.edu.au
DANCE
Aerobics
Students at Aberfoyle Park High School are invited to get active, have fun and build their confidence with the launch of Aerobics, starting Wednesday lunchtime in the Performing Arts Centre with Ms. Donovan.
Ms. Donovan has been competing in aerobics for 17 years and most recently has represent Australia in Portugal at the end of last term. As our new dance teacher, we are excited for what she has brought to The Arts at the school.
The Aerobics Club is open to all students, and is a great opportunity to move, learn new routines, improve fitness, and connect with others in a positive and energetic environment. Whether students have experience in dance and fitness or simply want to give something new a try, everyone is welcome to join.
We look forward to seeing students in the Performing Arts Centre each Wednesday lunchtime.
Article by Suriya Down | Senior Leader | Director of Music and The Arts
DRAMA
Yr 9 Drama - Commedia dell’Arte Workshops
Our year 9 Drama students recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in a series of workshops with renowned practitioner, Andrew Crupi, as they prepare for their upcoming production, Pantalone Throws a Fit.
Students explored the lively and highly physical world of Commedia dell’arte through character movement, improvisation, exaggerated expressions, slapstick comedy, and traditional lazzi (comic routines). Andrew guided students in developing bold characterisation and ensemble performance skills, helping them bring the classic stock characters of Commedia to life.
The workshops provided valuable insight into the historical origins and performance conventions of this unique theatrical style while also encouraging students to take creative risks and build confidence in performance. The energy and enthusiasm shown by students throughout the sessions has been fantastic, and audiences can look forward to plenty of humour, chaos, and comic buffoonery when Pantalone Throws a Fit hits the stage later this term.
Article by Jo Jaensch | Drama Teacher
The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland
Aberfoyle Park High School’s SACE Drama students recently brought The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland to life in a vibrant and imaginative production that transformed the Performing Arts Centre into a world of chaos, curiosity, and creativity.
The performance challenged audiences to look beyond the familiar Wonderland story, exploring themes of identity, perspective, and truth through energetic performances and inventive staging. Students demonstrated outstanding commitment throughout the rehearsal process, both on stage and behind the scenes.
The production also showcased the incredible work of the school tech crew, led by Ms. Jaensch, whose efforts in lighting, sound, staging and backstage management helped create an engaging theatrical experience for audiences.
Article by Suriya Down | Senior Leader | Director of Music and The Arts
VISUAL ART
Year 8 Art Students Explore Depth and Storytelling Through Stop-Motion
Our Year 8 Art students have recently been exploring the concept of depth in creative and innovative ways. By utilising tools such as depth of field photography and strategic subject placement, students crafted engaging stop-motion still frames using simple objects to create a strong sense of scale and perspective.
As part of their project, students experimented with lighting—incorporating both natural and artificial sources—to add mood and dimension to their scenes. This careful approach to lighting enhanced the overall depth and atmosphere of their compositions.
A particularly thoughtful aspect of their work included the deliberate placement and body language of mannequins within each frame. Students used these elements to hint at future actions, supporting a compelling narrative and encouraging viewers to consider what might happen next.
This project has not only fostered technical skill development but also challenged students to think critically about visual storytelling and narrative construction. Their creativity and attention to detail have resulted in outstanding work, which we are proud to showcase within the school community.
Celebrating artistic technique in Year 9: Imprimatura Acrylic Paintings
At Aberfoyle Park High School, our Year 9 Visual Arts students have recently explored an exciting classical painting technique called Imprimatura. This method begins with applying an initial stain of colour—typically an earth tone such as burnt umber or raw sienna—onto a pristine white canvas.
By creating a transparent, toned ground, students gain a subtle base on which to build their work, allowing some of the initial underpainting to shine through in the finished piece.
Our budding artists approached the technique with enthusiasm and creativity. For full-colour examples, congratulations go to Charlie B, Ana N and Jazlyn B. Their artworks beautifully demonstrate how careful layering of acrylic paint can enhance both depth and luminosity.
For underpainting examples, Charlie B and Suchit B expertly captured the essence of the imprimatura process, highlighting how the earth-toned base interacts with later colour additions.
This project showcases our students’ skill and understanding of painting traditions, while encouraging their creativity and personal expression.