On Tuesday the 26th of July, 2022, Pittwater House held yet another amazing Senior Performing Arts night, filled with Dancers, Actors, and Musicians creating an unforgettable showcase of - performances. From all the TPHS parents, students, and teachers who filled up the audience, to the extremely joyful atmosphere, to the amazing staffing and technical support on the night, to of course the breathtaking performances, the night was an extremely positive one with a lot of positive school memories made for everyone that was involved.
The night commenced at 5:30 with the Intermediate Band, followed by:
Allegro
HSC Dance - Charlotte - Sofia
String Ensemble
Year 10 Music (Tiana)
Year 9 Dance
Contemporary Band - Yr7-8-9
Intermediate Company
Guitar Ensemble
HSC Dance - Lexi W - Hannah
Contemporary Band - Yr8-9
Senior Theatre Sports
After the first Act of the night, the audience was in applause, eager to congratulate every last performer for their amazing performances. As such, a 15 minute break separated Act 1 and the anticipated Act 2, leaving spectators, teachers, parents and students to stretch their legs, grab a snack art one of the many stalls staffed by school volunteers, go to the bathroom, socialise with peers about the tremendous first act, and prepare for the excitement for what was to come.
Year 9 - Music
HSC Dance - Lexi H - Chloe
Year 12 - Music (Sascha)
Year 11 - Drama
HSC Music - Adele - Scarlet
Bass Guitar Ensemble
Contemporary Band - Yr11
Senior Company
Senior Choir
Year 12 - Music (Tony)
And then the performances came to an end with Big Band, yet another outstanding performance by Senior school students!
Another large part of Senior Performing Arts Night is the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. Handed out throughout the night to Year 12’s these awards commemorate students dedication to performing arts at pittwater house. The bronze award was given to students who had contributed to performing arts for 3 years in their time at this school, the silver 4-5 years, and the gold award for 6 years.
Overall, the night was a spectacular show of Pittwater House’s extremely dedicated Performing Arts Programs, allowing students to showcase their extremely hard work, to be enjoyed in a supportive, encouraging, and joyous environment. From many personal experiences of the Pittwater Papers Team, we can say that this was definitely a night to be remembered in our schooling experiences. Huge thanks to the tech crew for keeping the night running, volunteer musicians for supplying our amazing acts with equally amazing accompaniments, parents for filling the audience, students for participating in the night, and most importantly, staff for keeping the night running smoothly!
On the topic of Performing Arts, the assembly following this night the first ever Give It A Show was announced - an award for people who have done well in performing arts, and put on a show, strengthening the Performing Arts temas, ensembles, and troupes that the school has to offer. Make sure to nominate yourself, or your friends if you think they're worthy of a Give It A Show.
Interviews:
Another great part of the night was getting to see some student's hsc dance compositions. We decided to ask one of these students three questions about their approach to create their piece.
Scarlet Cashman - from year 11
What was your inspiration?
I was originally inspired by the process of a storm and focused in on how a singular tree would be affected by that change in weather. The idea of an anxiety attack sprung from the notion of a tree beginning to lose control of its branches as the storm brews, and by the end, it may have lost part of itself. From there I did further research into anxiety and the process was clearly set out in the three sections that can be seen in the dance; beginning to lose control, the peak of panic, and the regaining of control.
Any problems you had to overcome?
In the creation process, I had to constantly refine my movement choices so that the dance clearly communicated the intent I was trying to show. Problems would often come up when I couldn’t think of appropriate choreography and would start to doubt myself and the progress that I had already made. Asking for help from my teachers and asking the other peers in my class to view my dance certainly helped with building that confidence again and developing the dance further.
What advice would you give to future years?
I would advise the upcoming years to get started on the composition component early. This is because the dance HSC comes around very quickly, and you want to optimise the time that you have so that you can perfect the piece before showcasing it. I also found that Improvising became my best friend as the movements came naturally when I was dancing without any restraints on what I had to achieve. However, the most important thing to remember is to allow yourself to enjoy the process of composition. At times it can feel stressful but having a positive attitude will ultimately be showcased in your final work.
We then asked Milla Metski - from year 12 who has been a dedicated member of various Performing Arts ensembles a few questions about her general experience with performing arts throughout her time at Pittwater House.
Looking back, what was your inspiration to join Performing Arts in the first place?
Since I started performing arts before school, I have always had a passion for anything creative. When I joined Pittwater House in year 7, I loved the opportunities and inclusivity of the programs, especially the bands. Although the ensembles were much smaller back then, the connections I was able to make with older students kept me interested in the programs, hoping I could be that too.
My main inspiration to join and continue participating has simply been my enjoyment for being creative. I love being a part of the ensembles which allow myself to engage in things that I usually wouldn’t have been able to do.
Any problems you had to overcome while in the Performing Arts Ensembles (stage fright, nervousness of performing, challenging moments learning an instrument, challenges reading sheet music, etc.)?
Overall, I found learning music quite natural however nervousness is something I have had to deal with constantly. Performing in an ensemble or as a soloist in front of an audience is very nerve-racking, but often after I began performing, the adrenaline took over, allowing me to enjoy the experience.
What qualities, skills, knowledge, expertise, and character strengths have you developed by being in Performing Arts?
Obviously, I have developed skills such as learning to read music and play an instrument from the performing arts but other knowledge such as working as a team or sharing creative ideas have made a big impact. They have not only helped my creative skills but academic and general relationship skills which have now allowed me to do things like leadership which I wouldn’t have done before.
What have you valued most from your time in Performing Arts?
The most valuable things I have received from the performing arts were the relationships and experiences. Through the performing arts I have made friends that I previously wouldn’t have known; in my own year and across years, as well as made strong relationships with the teachers as they guided me through my schooling. The experiences from the performing arts are priceless. Band tour to Bathurst, senior play, major production, performances and concerts have all been unforgettable and I am so sad that this is my final year, meaning I will only be in the audience for all these events.
What advice would you give to future years regarding Performing Arts involvement?
For future year, my only advice is JOIN. I found the performing arts to be helpful for everything I did and I found so much joy in doing it, creating a lifelong love for being creative. I will always encourage students to join the performing arts, no matter what their interests, because I think it is one of the most valuable things I ever did at school.
Any other comments? (Positive experiences in Performing Arts, additional comments, etc.)
All my performing arts experiences have overall been positive. Even when we were being yelled at by Mr Cos or attending rehearsals on Sundays, I always had so much fun.
To conclude we have to acknowledge all the hard work put into this event from Mr Cosentino and all the Performing Arts Staff planning not only the evening yet all the things that came along with it, such as weekend run throughs, or dress rehearsals. Overall thank you all for putting in so much hard work in order to bring this event into reality.
Article by Aidan Fisk And Finlay MacLennan
Where's Ryan: In the stranger things poster.
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