Performing Arts

Music Matters

The 39 Steps – A huge congratulations to Mrs Penny Lindley (Drama Coordinator and Director), Mrs Emma Fryar (Producer), Mr Stephen Cummins (Music Director) and the cast, crew and musicians on the success of their two sold out performances of ‘The 39 Steps’. If you were fortunate enough to see this production, I’m sure you’ll agree there were some standout performances by our talented young actors, featuring brilliant comic timing, fabulous accents and old-fashioned slapstick comedy. Special thanks must go to Mr Brendan Jones (sound) and to Gabe and James Donlevy who so ably led our wonderful team of parents who helped behind the scenes with hair, make up and bumping in and out of the theatre – no mean feat! A big thank you also to the many staff who so generously gave of their time supervising the boys backstage. Bravo!

Anzac Day – Thank you to Mrs Stella Talati and our Senior Concert Band members who so generously provided music at our opening Anzac Day ceremony this morning. Special thanks also to Samuel Cummins (Year 11) for his superb rendition of The Last Post on the bugle. Your contribution gave great poignancy to this event.

Singing lessons – Enrolled students will be contacted soon to begin singing lessons with Mr Richard Butler. Please use this link to enrol in any singing or instrumental private tuition lessons:

https://spxchatswood.formstack.com/forms/application_for_music_tuition

It is never too late to start!

Students who wish to join an ensemble (music or drama) can do so here:

https://spxchatswood.formstack.com/forms/music_ensemble_enrolment_form

College Ensembles information: This term we will be rolling out College Ensemble pages in Canvas. This will allow Ensemble Directors to send announcements to students and parents, as well as file copies of music, recordings and mark assessment.

Upcoming dates: This term will see the first of our workshop and concert series come to fruition, as per the published College calendar. More details will be given closer to each event:

Jazz Workshop Day – Sunday 7 May:

10:00 am - 11:45 am Intermediate Jazz Rehearsal/Senior Jazz Tutorials
11:45 am - 12.15 pm Lunch
12:15 pm - 2:00 pm Senior Jazz Rehearsal/Intermediate Jazz Tutorials

Twilight Concert 1: Friday 26 May - Chamber Music concert – Sarto Centre

Twilight Concert 2: Friday 2 June - Band concert – gymnasium

Sydney Eisteddfod Jazz events - Concourse Theatre

Primary Concert Band – Wednesday 7 June
Senior/Intermediate - Thursday 8 June

Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Performing Arts Coordinator

Drama Matters

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank everyone involved with our wonderful production of The 39 Steps. The students excelled, both on and off the stage, and we had so many people offering their assistance, including supervising, backstage and the bump out. The students were impeccable in their attitude right to the very end.

Two students involved in the production have given their review of the exciting experience of performing in The 39 Steps:

Being part of the Pius drama production of the “The 39 Steps” was an amazing experience for all participants and a fantastic opportunity to meet new peers and gain a closer bond with people we already knew. Working in the production was a fun and social experience and a great chance to improve skills such as acting, organisation, and cooperation. While it was intimidating and a little awkward for some of us younger students when first meeting the older kids, that quickly changed as connection developed, and resulted in a group of young actors and stage crew cooperating amazingly well with each other.

The older students were patient and showed younger students the ropes while also making the play a fun experience that we will cherish. We should also mention the devotion that Ms Linley and Ms Fryar showed, putting many long days into helping the actors develop and create an entertaining production of “The 39 Steps.” Due to the wonderful experience we had and the inclusivity of the staff, cast and crew we will both definitely apply for the next show, and we recommend Pius productions for any aspiring young actors or stage crew at the school.

Harry and Hugo Moran, Year 8

Thank you also to the Year 5 and 6 students and staff who formed the audience for our Dress Rehearsal. It was wonderful to perform in front of a live audience before the evening performances.

Below are two Year 5 students' thoughts on the performance:

Julien V:

My favourite part was when he was shot, but then we found out that he had a book there because I thought it was full of suspense and gave us a shock.

My favourite character was Richard Hannay (the main character) because he was fast, dangerous and was full of action.

Something good I noticed was that the actors were changing scenes really fast and made the most of what they had.

Something I think they could change is making the scenes more obvious to people who aren't very good at interpreting drama.

I enjoyed the play because it was very good in many ways.

Bruno M:

My favourite part was when the girl got murdered because the girl got killed laying on the chair in an awkward way. It was funny when she got dragged through the curtain.

My favourite character was Richard Hannay (main character) because he had the best outfits.

Something good that I noticed was that the actors were using a lot of effects and noise.

Something I think they could change is when the girl died, they should have used strobe lights really fast because it would have made it scary and fun.

I enjoyed it when people started fighting, when they were pulling the people through the curtain when they died and when they used the confetti gun at the end because it gave me a fright.

Drama Ensembles Term 2

Junior Ensemble (Years 5 & 6) will start on Friday Week 1, 28 April
Intermediate Ensemble (Years 7 & 8) will start on Thursday Week 2, 4 May
Senior Ensemble (Years 9-12) will start on Monday Week 2, 1 May

Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Coordinator