The new Dance Studio
A newly fitted out purpose built Performing Arts space has been unveiled to students this term.
“The new Performing Arts space is better than we could have imagined,” says Ms Kate Picone, Leader of Learning Creative and Performing Arts. “On Friday last week, the last day of the school holidays, I came in to have a look and I just stood there in wonder. I must admit I was a bit teary!” Ms Picone said.
We had been in our previous space for over 20 years and it had aged so in this new space I am very excited at what we will be able to do and how it will improve the students' learning for many years to come.
The new Performing Arts space is located on level 3 of the Sr Barbara McDonough Building and encompasses a Drama Studio, a Dance Studio, two Music classrooms, 10 music practice rooms, a changing room and storage facilities. “Kudos to the architects who really worked with us and listened to what we wanted and how we wanted to use the space,” Ms Picone said. “We went back and forth with the design a few times but the architects and builders have done a fantastic job. The Performing Arts Team would also like to thank Ms Refalo for her commitment and involvement in this project. Her attention to detail was greatly appreciated. Without her drive, vision and insistence we may not have achieved such a fabulous space.”
The new Drama Studio
The new Drama Studio is a professional working space for the students. It is square shaped with high ceilings so the students will be able to perform realistic performances. The studio can be turned into complete blackout and has the lighting and sound technology to allow students to perform their practical work at a professional standard.
The new Dance Studio is an aesthetically stunning space as it features the former atrium ceiling. There is a wonderful sense of light and space in the studio and it features a high quality sound system. The high end sprung floor is designed for dancers and is of a professional standard. The ballet barres are fixed so there is no wobble and the full length mirrors can be covered as needed.
Year 7 students during their Music class this week in the new spaces.
Both the Drama and Dance Studios have access to a changing room and a storage facility for props and costumes.
The Music area features two main learning spaces and 10 practice rooms. The practice rooms are located off both classrooms and come in a range of sizes allowing either a single student with a piano to practise or a small group. All rooms are sound proofed. The learning spaces have furniture which is easy to move and each room has a built in sound box so plugging in microphones, instruments, etc is very easy. The rooms feature high end interactive screens and high quality speakers. “There is a real sense of space and quietness with all the other sounds of the school muted out,” says Ms Picone. ”Students are already commenting on how clearly they can hear the music.” There is an outside balcony which offers additional breakout space if needed.
One of the new Music learning spaces
The feedback from students has been one of much excitement. “The students have been blown away,” said Ms Picone. “It has been like Christmas morning, they walk in and their eyes are like saucers, they can’t look everywhere fast enough.”
It is due to be an exciting and busy end of year for the Performing Arts Department. The Performing Arts Night is coming up on Wednesday, 27th November, which is the first time since Covid that an evening performance has been held. The upcoming retirement farewell for teacher Ms Fernandes, retiring after 50 years, will have Music students performing. There are also many Captivate events this term with Dance students taking part in one and the school rock band competing in the upcoming ‘Battle of the Bands’.
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27 Aug 2024
Catherine McAuley School Tours
Register for our upcoming school tours to discover what we offer.18 Nov 2024
Term 4 Parent Representative Council meeting
We warmly invite all parents and carers from CSPD schools to join us for this informative and engaging session. Let’s connect, share, and wrap up the year together!