Performing Arts
Music Matters
Commencement Mass and Academic Awards
A massive thank you and congratulations to the wonderful Mrs Stella Talati and Senior Concert Band who provided music for both the Mass and Academic Awards Assembly yesterday, and to the Junior and Senior Chorale members who led the singing in the Mass. Today was an example of how our gifted young musicians can share their talents to support and embrace the school community as we come together in celebration. A special mention to Luke Sarkissian, Year 12, who was the cantor for the Responsorial Psalm and to Ms Stephanie Gan for her beautiful keyboard playing. I am so proud of our boys and the dedication they have shown to rehearsals in preparation for their performances today. Their efforts were certainly appreciated. A huge thank you also to Mr Stephen Cummins, Mr Brendan Jones and Mr Jordan Molyneux for their assistance in setting up and running the audio equipment.
Drama ensembles
Great news! Our Intermediate Drama Ensemble will begin this week on Thursday at 3.30 pm at the Sarto Centre. Being involved in drama activities and performances is wonderful for encouraging confidence, acquiring new skills and making new friends whilst having a lot of fun! Watch this space for further information regarding Junior Drama Ensemble rehearsals in coming weeks. If your son would like to join a Drama Ensemble, and you haven’t already enrolled, please click here. Students are always welcome to come for a ‘trial’. For any enquiries, please contact our Drama Coordinator, Ms Penny Lindley: plindley@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Vocal Ensemble
In addition to our Senior and Junior Chorale, we have a Vocal Ensemble, a small, auditioned group who mostly sing a cappella (unaccompanied) arrangements of different genres and styles, including barbershop quartet. Any students interested are invited to audition this Wednesday 22 February in Music Room 1 at 3.30 pm. Students must belong to the Junior or Senior Chorale as well.
Encore concert
A reminder that permission slips for all Elective Year 11 and 12 Music students are due back for our HSC ‘Encore’ concert at the Opera House on Monday night 27 February. An email to awesthoff@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au with appropriate details would also suffice. It promises to be an interesting, entertaining and educational night.
Singing teacher
We are in the midst of employing a singing teacher. Interested students should contact Mr Stephen Cummins scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or Mrs Westhoff. Those enrolled will be notified ASAP when lessons are ready to commence.
International musician recognition
A big congratulations to our very own piano and composition tutor, Matt Thomson, who as the keyboard player for the Josh Meader Trio has been selected to showcase at Jazzahead in Bremen, Germany this year. The Sydney-based jazz trio are the only Australian group to be selected for a showcase performance amongst a competitive international field - an applaudable feat!
Of course, everyone is invited to be a member of a music or drama ensemble – it is not too late! It is a great way to improve your skills and be exposed to a variety of repertoire and performance opportunities, in the safety of a group scenario. We have a multitude of ensembles on offer, for all abilities, interests and ages. Please address enquiries to either Mrs Stella Talati stalati@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au or
Mrs Westhoff awesthoff@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Performing Arts Coordinator
Drama Matters
The 39 Steps Production
Rehearsals are going strong as we enter our final 6 weeks before the show. Students and parents involved are asked to keep in touch with u via our Canvas page. Thanks to Felicity Barrett who joined us last Monday for our poster/program costume call. It was so exciting to see the students in their costumes and to stage some photos for our poster. We will share some of these later in the term.
Intermediate Drama Ensemble
Will start this Thursday for 4 weeks. Next term we will be back to every week. Thank you to those parents who have been in touch.
This ensemble is for Years 7, 8 & 9. Everyone welcome. Please register through the Performing Arts office.
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Coordinator