Performing Arts 

Drama Matters

Year 7 Drama

Year 7 have taken part in an assortment of tasks this term. They have been learning about the Elements of Drama, which are the building blocks of creating dramatic theatre. This includes the use of focus, tension, creating levels and effective ways of using the stage space. We have also covered the correct way to improvise – offer, accept, extend and don’t block! We are starting to work towards our assessment for next term which is exploring the theatrical style of Melodrama. Here the students are taking inspiration from an actor’s handbook from the 1900s. They have worked in pairs to ‘sculpt’ each other into the precise emotion from the picture. Some excellent efforts here!

Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Teacher

Music Matters

Great news for our bands! The NSW Chief Health Officer has given some advice regarding music in schools. Her advice, supported by Mr Couani, is that we can resume our bands and orchestras with certain conditions regarding spacing of woodwind instruments. We have measured all our spaces and believe with some modification to band seating arrangements that we can satisfy the distancing regulations. This means band rehearsals will commence Week 1 Term 4. 

It is hoped that we will resume arrangements for our virtual concert with a Christmas theme. We may also be able to record what was planned for our Term 3 concert and release separate items. This is a fantastic result for our bands. Unfortunately Choir is still off limits at this time but plans are afoot to see what can be done in this area.

We will also reschedule auditions in Term 4 now that some restrictions have been lifted. 

Please watch emails and this space for details.

Last Friday we presented a pen and certificate to all our Year 12’s who have been involved in Performing Arts during their time at the College. Mr Couani presented the students on behalf of Odette Shahady the President of PAPA. The boys were thanked for their involvement and were certainly excited with their presentation. I called these boys artists when asking them to come forward and they truly are. They were the ones who entertained us with their performances or challenged us to think or told us stories which is what all great artists do. I ask those boys to continue their craft as they move on from SPX. Join a band or form one. Join a Musical Society or the Drama Club at uni. There are many ways to continue your Performing Arts journey. Thank you to the boys and thank you to all the teachers who have supported you on this journey.

Mr Anthony Timmins - Performing Arts Coordinator