Performing Arts
DRAMA MATTERS
DRAMA SHOWCASE
When: Thursday 28 November
Where: Sarto Centre
What: From 6pm-7pm
We hope you can pop to the Sarto Centre on Thursday night to see some funny and exciting Drama performances. It is always wonderful to see how the students flourish when they have an audience to present their work to. It is especially useful for the development and growth of their creativity, focus and confidence. In our Year 7 classes this week we have been evaluating the performances of the “Elevator Scene” which were performed in class to other Year 7 students. Many students were amazed at how they forgot their lines or another actor stepped in and improvised when the scene went differently to what had been planned and rehearsed. This is all vital experience for our young actors. They get to support and collaborate “in the moment” and learn on their feet. Drama is not about regurgitating what has previously been learnt, but instead the aim is to truly see and hear one another on stage and respond and react truthfully. In that moment nothing else matters and the audience, actor and this creativity that is the work coalesce together. It is truly empowering for each actor. We can learn from our mistakes as much as our successes.
Year 7
Students will perform their “Elevator scene”. A short play designed around a group of strangers who meet in an elevator. The tension builds when the lift breaks down and each character must choose how they will respond.
Year 9
Scenes from “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare and an assortment of short monologues.
Year 10
Two physical scenes influenced by the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. The play is set in Salem and explores the witch trials which occurred at the time of the first settlers. However, they are really an allegory of persecution in 1950s America. Students will also present a series of short monologues.
Year 11
A series of monologues developed by the student from a full length play. Each student has devised and developed the journey of their character using a range of theatrical techniques. Play are from “Angels in America” by Tony Krushner, “Arturo Ui“ by Brecht and “Ghosts” by Henrik Ibsen.
“I can take any empty space and call it a bare stage. A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all is for an act of theatre to be engaged.”
Peter Brook “An Empty Space”
Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Teacher
MUSIC MATTERS
'Song in a Day' Recordings Released
Congratulations Year 8 and Year 10 on Your Debut Songs
This year as part of the “Song in a Day” composition project, Mr Primrose-Heaney invited boys to write and record their own songs. Last week two of the groups recorded their songs in Mr Cummins’ recording studio.
“I wanted to thank everyone for their support of the “Song in a Day” project that we created for the Edmund Rice Social Justice Program. Attached is the link to our recordings by Year 8 and Year 10 as masterfully recording and mixed by Stephen Cummins. We do hope you enjoy this little preview!” (Mr Primrose-Heaney)
Here are the mix-down files of the recordings of the 2 song-in-a-day compositions:
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AlCtSsl6mgImg21q6oPwPTYsBWKF?e=xpqVQd
Tom Hopkins, a Pianist of DISTINCTION
AMEB Success Continues for Pius Musicians…
Our hearty congratulations to Tom Hopkins of Year 10 who just sat his Grade 6 Piano for Leisure Examination. The examiners were thrilled by what they heard and awarded Tom with an A Grade (Distinction). Keep up the beautiful playing Tom, you can be proud of your hard work and progress.
I Play the Clarinet, What’s Your Super Power?
Pius Clarinet and Saxophone AMEB Results
Mr Andrews and Miss Power are very happy woodwind teachers and share the following success of their pupils:
Braith Boccanfuso (Year 9) B Credit, Saxophone Grade 3
Matthew Moore (Year 8) B+ High Credit, Clarinet Grade 2
Jon Hartry (Year 7) A Honours, Clarinet Grade 3
Michael Krizan (Year 7) A Honours, Clarinet Grade 2
David Smith (Year 5) A Honours, Clarinet Grade 2
Well done superstars. We hope you start learning new songs over Christmas.
It's not what's under the tree that matters, it's who's gathered around it!
Twilight at Christmas – Helping Out With Drought
Friday November 29, 5 pm at Chatswood – Bring Your Family
We are looking forward to seeing all our families at the Twilight at Christmas Concert this Friday November 29 at 5pm. With wonderful music, dance, drama, face painting, carols by candlelight plus a visit from Santa and his elves, there will be magic for all ages. In addition to our fantastic BBQ dinner, Bar COCO will be selling coffees and gelato. This might just be more fun than Christmas Day itself!
Twilight Menu
Can you sing and flip sausages? Of course you can! Please add your name to the list of BBQ Fairies here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A8VYEXRQWpR7aL42VdKyx-u2aBMAeTfblyjM1zLYEb4/edit?usp=sharing
St Pius Singers Invited to Perform in “The Magic of Christmas” with Willoughby Symphony
Sunday December 8, 2pm at the Chatswood Concourse
Our students have been invited to perform in the Magic of Christmas Concert with Willoughby Symphony on Sunday December 8, 2pm at the Concourse Chatswood. Our choristers will join the Willoughby Choir, Willoughby Symphony Orchestra plus guest soloists from Pacific Opera. This is an opportunity too good to turn down! You don’t have to be in the Pius choir to take part in this special event – all Pius musicians should come along. The repertoire is festive, celebratory and not too difficult.
What: Magic of Christmas Concert with Willoughby Symphony
Why: Experience of performing stunning choral music with professionals in a terrific venue close
to home. Participation is free for Pius Musicians. Networking with professional musicians
across Sydney and the ACT
Wear: Summer uniform (blazer for concert) polished shoes
When: Rehearsal Sunday December 8th 8.45am – 12noon
(meet Mrs Waters at Ground Floor Box Office near lifts)
Concert Sunday December 8th 2pm – 4pm Concourse Concert Hall
(collect your child from the ground floor Box Office)
Where: Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall
Pack: Water bottle, snacks, book to read, $15 for lunch (or pack own lunch)
Parking: St Pius College Yard enter via Kirk St or 3 hour parking in Concourse
Please complete the attached permission slip and return to Mrs Waters as soon as convenient. All boys will have their names in the program and it should be a wonderful showcase of community talent and collaboration.
Performing Arts Festival
Parents Enjoy Hearing their Boys Perform
Well done to all our Pius musicians who performed at last week’s fantastic Studio Concerts:
Mr Lewandowski’s Percussion Studio Concert
Miss Power’s Woodwind Studio Concert
Mr Talati’s Percussion Studio Concert
Our sincere thanks to our tutors for their expert teaching and passion. Our massive thanks to all the Performing Arts parents who came along to hear their sons play.
Year 5 Percussion Workshop
When I Get Mad I Beat My Drum