Performing Arts

7.1 Philosophy 7.1.1 Communication with Parents and Students 7.1.2 School of Performing Arts Uniform 7.1.3 Access Control Cards 7.2 Instrumental and Vocal Tuition 7.2.1 Instrumental/Vocal Music Program 7.2.2 Enrolment Procedures/Fee Structure 7.2.3 Beginner Ensemble Program 7.2.4 Theory Program ​7.3 Instrument Hire and Storage7.3.1 Instrument Hire 7.3.2 Storage of Instruments 7.4 Co-Curricular Activities 7.4.1 Band and String Co-curricular Program 7.4.2 Choral and Vocal Program 7.4.3 Cheer Program 7.4.4 Dance Program 7.4.5 Drama Program 7.4.6 Commitment to JPC Ensembles 7.5 Student Responsibilities 7.6 Absences from Lessons/Co-curricular 7.6.1 Policy on Lesson Absences 7.6.2 Policy on Co-curricular Absences 7.6.3 Acceptable Reasons for Absence 7.7 Co-curricular Colours Criteria 7.8 Forms

7.1 Philosophy

John Paul College (JPC) is a national leader in the Performing Arts. Dedicated to excellence, the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) offers a comprehensive performance program including instrumental, choral, dance, drama and cheer. Our ensemble program is a year long commitment for all private instrumental, vocal and co-curricular ensembles. With the expectation that private lesson students will attend ensemble rehearsals throughout the year

Performing Arts is an integral part of everyday College life where music, dance and drama play a key role in the curriculum.

The highly qualified specialist teachers are dedicated to inspiring students to achieve the highest levels in the classroom and the instrumental and vocal tuition program. In addition, the College runs a highly successful co-curricular program from Prep to Year Twelve.

Performing Arts at JPC has three main teaching areas: classroom, instrumental and vocal tuition, and the co-curricular program.

All instrumental and vocal lessons occur in the Dame Joan (DJ) Sutherland Music Centre and Boomerang Building, purpose-built facilities that include classrooms, individual rehearsal studios, a dance studio and a music recording facility. The Stephen Bean Theatre also provides a dedicated intimate auditorium for performances. Co-curricular rehearsals occur in several venues across the school, including the Stephen Bean Theatre, academic classrooms, Boomerang Building, DJ Studios and the Coleman Centre.

Participation in such a diverse and active performance program instils qualities of cooperation, perseverance and teamwork. The intellectual benefits of performance are extensive, with many participants in the performance program achieving a high level of Academic Excellence.

7.1.1 Communication with Parents and Students

JPConnect is the central location for all information about SOPA. Every student and parent within the program is responsible for checking this site weekly to ensure they remain informed of the most recent information. All parents' timetables, rehearsal and event schedules, and letters will be uploaded to JPConnect in co-curricular Performing Arts schedule/documents or emailed to families.

7.1.2 School of Performing Arts Uniform

Cheer and dance co-curricular students are required to purchase a Performing Arts polo shirt and training attire specific to their co-curricular. The shirt can be purchased from the JPC Retail Centre. Each director of the ensembles will notify the students what they must wear for rehearsals and specific performances.

7.1.3 Access Control Cards

Access Control Cards are reviewed annually and are issued to parents subject to the following conditions:

1. The boom gate pass allows for drop off and pick up of students and instruments only, not parking. Once inside the boom gate, parents are not permitted to park.
2. Boom gate passes are to be used only on days specified (e.g. when a student is bringing the instrument/s to school). Passes are not be used for general access at any other time.
3. Access cards are active between 6:00am and 8:00am and between 3:30pm and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday only.
4. If a parent needs to park their vehicle for some other reason (e.g. picking up other children) they must exit the inner campus area and park in either the Markwell or Chatswood Rd car park.
5. Parents who are granted the use of a boom gate pass, must supply details of the vehicles to be used for pickup and drop off in this area.
6. Boom gate passes are to be used only by the person to whom they were issued and are not to be given or loaned to others. Lost boom gate passes must be reported to the College immediately.
7. Access Control cards may only be issued to parents of students who play the larger instruments as outlined below:
1. Senior Students:   Tuba, Baritone Saxophone and Double Bass
2. Primary Students:    Tuba, Euphonium, Baritone Horn, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Cello, Double Bass, Bass Clarinet, Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar
   

7.2 Instrumental and Vocal Tuition

7.2.1 Instrumental/Vocal Music Program

Students may enrol to join the instrumental/vocal music program to learn an instrument. Instrumental /vocal teachers can offer advice on the student's suitability to learn each instrument, especially regarding physical attributes.

The School of Performing Arts offers instrumental/Vocal tuition as follows:

• PianoFrom  Prep
• StringsFrom  Prep
• GuitarFrom Year 2
• Band Instruments From Year 4
• VocalFrom  Year 4

JPC offers an ensemble-based program whereby students learning vocal, string, or band instruments must participate in a band, orchestra or ensemble.

For students to be eligible to enrol in the vocal tuition program, they will be required to be a JPC choir member.

If piano students in years 7-12 are not members of any ensemble on piano or a secondary instrument, they are required to participate in either:

• Concert Choir; or

• Percussion ensemble on a tuned percussion instrument (xylophone, vibraphone, marimba or glockenspiel); or

• Accompaniment roles with choirs, bands or instrumental recitals.

Piano students in years 1-6 are encouraged to participate in one of JPC's primary choir offerings.​

 To be eligible to participate in an instrumental ensemble, students will be required to enrol in the instrumental tuition program at the College on the relevant instrument to the ensemble. Teachers will assist and guide students to the most appropriate ensemble at the commencement of tuition.

7.2.2 Enrolment Procedures/Fee Structure

Enrolling in Instrumental/Vocal Tuition

Parents must complete a Performing Arts Enrolment Form. Students may choose either beginner group or private lessons. Students enrolling in a vocal lesson must be a member of a College choir before enrolling in lessons.

Lessons are primarily conducted during school hours and occur on a fixed day. Lessons are scheduled to rotate each week. Students are to be released from their academic class 5 minutes before their lesson commences. Primary students are only allocated 30-minute private lessons unless a longer lesson time is requested by the parent/guardian. Senior students from Year 7 are required to have either 40 or 60-minute private lessons. Students in Years Prep - 2 are escorted to and from their instrumental lesson by Performing Arts staff.

Priority will be given to Year 12 students if they wish to have an out of school lesson time. If possible, the teachers will try and accommodate other year levels if there are any vacancies in these timeslots.

Parents are not permitted to sit in on lessons or ensembles. Under special circumstances, permission may be given for a parent to attend a lesson. A written request must be sent to the appropriate co-ordinator seeking approval for this to occur.

Examinations

Students who wish to sit an AMEB/ABRSM/TRINITY exam must be enrolled in private lessons.

Students sitting exams who require an accompanist will need to complete the required accompanist request form and will be invoiced privately by the accompanist for any rehearsals required and for their time in the exam.

If a child withdraws before an exam after it has been booked, the entry fee is non-refundable. If a child withdraws for medical reasons, a medical certificate will be required. The College can then lodge a claim on the student's behalf to the relevant examination board for a refund. Please note that the relevant examination board will only refund a percentage of the entry fee even when a medical certificate is supplied.

Year 12 students who achieve a pass in an exam ranked at the highest level for that discipline will be acknowledged at the Valedictory Assembly. This acknowledgement will also extend to being named on the Performing Arts Honor Roll in the DJ Sutherland Music Centre.

Discontinuation of Instrumental/Vocal Tuition

Students cannot commence or withdraw from Instrumental/Vocal tuition without completing an Enrolment form or Withdrawal from Music Lesson form, signed by their parent/guardian.

Enrolments may be cancelled at the end of each term provided a Withdrawal from Music Lessons form has been completed and submitted by the date listed below:

28 January 2025        for withdrawal at the end of Term 1, 2025
23 April 2025             for withdrawal at the end of Term 2, 2025
15 July 2025               for withdrawal at the end of Term 3, 2025
7 October 2025          for withdrawal at the end of Term 4, 2025

A charge, equivalent to the amount of lessons charged in the term, will be incurred if insufficient notice is given.

A student is enrolled until their parent/guardian withdraws them. Parents need not re-enrol their child/ren at the end of each Year as they are automatically re-enrolled.

Normal lesson charges will apply if a student fails to attend a scheduled lesson or does not provide the required 24 hours' notice.

A student's absence from a beginner group lesson cannot be credited or rescheduled.

Fee Structure

Vocal and instrumental tuition fees are levied in advance each term through the school accounts.

Term One music fee tuition accounts are sent out as a separate account mid-term at the beginning of each school year. Terms 2, 3 and 4 music fee accounts are sent out with your school fee account.

Please click here to visit our Performing Arts fees.

7.2.3 Beginner Ensemble Program

The Beginner Ensemble Program acts as an extension to traditional classroom music teaching practices. This innovative program encourages students from Year 2 - 3 (Beginner Strings) and Year 4 - 6 (Beginner Band) to participate in group music tuition, allowing students to explore the exciting world of music-making with their peers. The Beginner Ensemble Program is a full-year commitment. If a student withdraws before the end of the year, no credit will be issued for the fees charged for this program.

 Beginner Strings students (Years 2 - 3)

 The Beginner Strings Program is designed to introduce students to orchestral string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). It runs for one year only and is open to students who have no prior string instrument experience.

• Students receive 30-minute paired lessons with their tutor (two students per lesson).
• Enrolment information is provided to families in Term 4.
• Enrolments are limited and instrument quotas are necessary to ensure a balanced program.
• Quotas are revised yearly in accordance with the needs of the program.

 Beginner Band students (Years 4 - 6)

 The Beginner Band Program is designed to introduce students to the instruments of the concert band which include: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Mallet Percussion and auxiliary percussion).   Where applicable, bass guitar is also offered in capped numbers.  The program runs for one year only and is open to students who have not learned a concert band instrument previously.  

• In Term 4, Year 3 students will attend an in-school morning showcasing the concert band and instruments available
• In Term 4, students in Year 3 that are interested in learning will complete suitability testing with a specialist teacher to assist with choosing an instrument
• Enrolment information is provided to families in Term 4
• Enrolments are limited and instrument quotas are necessary to ensure a balanced program 

In Term 1 and 2 of Year 4, students receive 30-minute group lessons with their tutor (students playing the same instrument are grouped together)

 Ensembles

 In Semester 2, both the Beginner Strings and Band Programs feature an additional ensemble class or rehearsal. The scheduling of this rehearsal may change from year to year in accordance with timetabling and curriculum requirements. This information is communicated to families as soon as possible.

 Commitment to the program

 The Beginner Ensemble Programs are intended to be full year commitments.

• Tuition fees cannot be refunded for students wishing to withdraw mid-term.
• Weekly lessons are scheduled during school hours, and timetable information is released each week by instrumental staff.
• Missed lessons cannot be refunded.
• Students will be given opportunities to showcase their work to families at events throughout the year.

 Students wishing to continue instrumental music at the end of the Beginner Programs can sign up for private instrumental tuition via the Performing Arts New Enrolment form and continue to participate in an ensemble.

Fees

Please refer to the fees schedule Fees | Admissions | JPC for fee structure.  Tuition and book pack fees include the following:

• Instrument Hire
• Instrument specific method book
• 30-minute paired lesson (strings), 30-minute group lesson (band)
• Rehearsals (Term 3 and 4)
  

A strong theory and musicianship foundation is essential in a balanced musical education. Participating in this program will complete a well-rounded musical education and increase improvement rates in Performance, Perception and Composition. To enrol in theory lessons, parents are required to complete a Performing Arts Enrolment Form.

​​7.3 Instrument Hire and Storage

7.3.1 Instrument Hire

Instrument hire is available on the following instruments outside of the beginner band/strings program:

• Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone)
• Brass (Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet)
• Strings
• Guitar/Bass Guitar where applicable
  

These instruments can be hired for the duration of the student's instrumental enrolment. A hire fee is charged via the student's school fee account.

It is expected that appropriate care and maintenance are undertaken with all musical equipment hired from JPC. Instrumental teachers provide initial instruction in these aspects and provide ongoing support integrated into the lesson structure. Students may be required to pay for any damage to musical equipment resulting from deliberate or accidental abuse or neglect. Any instrument damage should be reported immediately to the instrumental teacher, who will assess the damage and make arrangements/recommendations for any necessary repairs.

Following are the conditions that operate for the hire of instruments:

Insurance

All hire instruments are insured by the College. Further information can be obtained on the individual loan/hire agreement at the time of issue.

Instruments in Need of Maintenance or Repair

All loan/hire instruments will require mandatory servicing every 18 months. All repairs and servicing must be organised through the Performing Arts Department.  Any concerns regarding instrument repairs or maintenance should be directed to the Performing Arts Department.

Return of Instruments

Instruments must be returned to the SOPA administration at the end of the loan/hire agreement.

Consumable items

Students must provide all consumable items for their instruments, whether the instruments are hired from the school or privately owned. Consumables include reeds, music/tutor books, rosin, shoulder rests, strings, etc.

7.3.2 Storage of Instruments

Primary School students (Prep to Year 6) are to store their instruments in their classroom after seeking approval from their classroom teacher. If their instrument is too large for the classroom, it will be stored in the DJ Music storeroom located in the DJ Music Centre.

Senior students (Years 7 - 12) are to store their instruments in one of the following places (before and after their lesson):

• Small instruments are to be stored in a locker, not in a school bag or port rack
• Larger instruments must be stored in the storeroom located in the DJ Music Centre.
  

7.4 Co-Curricular Activities

Parents are not permitted to attend ensemble rehearsals. Under special circumstances, permission may be given for a parent to participate in a rehearsal. A written request must be sent to the appropriate co-ordinator seeking approval for this to occur. At certain times during the school year, ensemble directors may invite parents to watch a rehearsal.

7.4.1 Band and String Co-curricular Program

Students from Years 1 - 12 can be involved in the ensemble-based Performance Program. Instrumental ensemble opportunities include concert bands, marching band, jazz bands, orchestras and chamber groups, and rock bands. To be eligible to participate in an instrumental ensemble, students are required to enrol in the instrumental tuition program at the College.  Students will advance through the ensemble program as per the guidance of the appropriate teachers and co-ordinators.

Students are required to attend rehearsals for their substantive ensemble. They may accept an offer to join an additional extension ensemble; however, they must attend their substantive as a minimum requirement or withdraw the offer to join the additional extension ensemble. Some ensembles will require auditions.

7.4.2 Choral and Vocal Program

The choral program provides all students with a positive choral experience. From the youngest and most inexperienced singer in the Primary School to highly accomplished and well-trained performers in Year 12, students can be part of a progressive choral program that caters for vocalists of all levels.

The vocal program provides students from Year 5 the opportunity to undertake private lessons with a specialist voice teacher. To be eligible to enrol in vocal lessons, they must be a current JPC choir member. Student participation in the Choral and Vocal Programs requires a full year commitment.

7.4.3 Cheer Program

Students in Years 1 - 12 have the opportunity to participate in the Cheer Program. Cheer is a full year co-curricular, and students audition each year for group placement. Students may be placed into different groups each year based on auditions at the end of each year. The number of groups changes annually based on the enrolment of students. Students must attend weekly training sessions and compete at nominated Cheer competitions throughout the year.

Students learn fundamental skills in stunting, tumbling and Cheer performance and perform at school events and competitions throughout the year. Several groups are available throughout the program, catering for beginners (Level 1) to advanced students (Level 4/5). Cheerleaders are encouraged to develop their skills following cheerleading safety progressions to maximise the memory of movement required for cheerleading tumbling and stunting. Cheer students are required to wear a Performing Arts shirt, mid-calf black bike pants and sneakers for rehearsals and are required to purchase/ hire a performance uniform for performances and competitions.

7.4.4 Dance Program

Students in Years 2 to 12 have the opportunity to participate in the dance program. Dance is a full year co-curricular, and students audition each year for group placement. Students may be placed into different groups each Year based on auditions at the end of each year. The number of groups changes annually based on the enrolment of students.

Students are exposed to a range of dance genres such as jazz, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary and are given performance opportunities at school events and competitions. Several groups are available throughout the program, catering for beginner through to advanced students. Students are encouraged to develop their performance, personal style and dance technique. Dance students are required to wear a Performing Arts Polo shirt, dance leggings/ bike pants and dance shoes for rehearsals and are also required to purchase costumes for performances, competitions and Eisteddfods.

7.4.5 Drama Program

Primary Speech & Drama (Years 4 - 6) and Youth Theatre (Years 7 - 12) provide young people at JPC with the chance to explore new directions and various styles in theatre through both performance and workshop Programs. In addition, it seeks to fully develop the dramatic talent, skills and abilities of the members.

Primary Speech and Drama and the Senior Youth Theatre members perform during the year and are encouraged to audition for College performances. Student participation in the Youth Theatre Program requires a full year commitment.

7.4.6 Commitment to JPC Ensembles

Ensemble Rehearsals/Performances/Competitions

Attendance at rehearsals is expected weekly. Attendance at performances as requested by the school is compulsory. A request not to attend a performance/competition must be forwarded to the Head of Performing Arts well before the performance. Failure to participate in a performance/competition may result in the student being removed from the ensemble and/or the music program.

Involvement in Groups outside the College

While students are permitted to perform in groups outside of the College, performance in school ensembles maintains priority over any other performing group.  It is recommended that discussion occurs with the director before committing to an outside group.

Clashes with Sport and Performing Arts Co-curricular

If a clash occurs with a College Sport commitment and Performing Arts commitment, the student and/or parent should contact their director/coach and advise them of the conflict as soon as possible. Sport and Performing Arts have a 50/50 share arrangement so that students can participate in both Sport and Performing Arts. Where there are concerns regarding the arrangements made by the Ensemble Director/Coach, contact should be made with the Head of Performing Arts and the Head of Sport and Activities to arrange a suitable alternative. ​

7.5 Student Responsibilities

• Inform the teacher if absence from a lesson is unavoidable at least 24 hours in advance. If a test, medical appointment, camp or excursion has been scheduled, the teacher must be advised at least two days before the lesson. Lessons should be rescheduled as soon as possible to ensure lessons remain as regular as possible. Do not assume that the Performing Arts teacher will be aware of tests or excursions that you/your child may be undertaking.
• Ensure music books and individual Music Record book is taken to each lesson.
• Know the time and day of the following music lesson. A timetable is emailed to students and displayed on the teacher's studio door. The student's responsibility is to check that the time and date of their next lesson is written in the Music Record book.
• Check and read emails sent by the music teacher.
• Attend each lesson - students must sign an attendance sheet that their teacher has in their studio before their lesson.
• Students must return promptly to the College timetabled period after their instrumental lesson has finished.

7.6 Absences from Lessons/Co-curricular

7.6.1 Policy on Lesson Absences

Attendance by students at private, paired, or group lessons is compulsory. Absence from school will be verified from the daily absentee list. Occasionally, students may miss a lesson due to a school commitment as follows:

• formal assessment (as noted in the assessment calendar)
• excursions/performances as part of the College Calendar
• other events as noted on the College Calendar.

Inform the teacher if absence from a lesson is unavoidable at least 24 hours in advance. If a test, medical appointment, camp or excursion has been scheduled, the teacher must be advised at least two days before the lesson. Lessons should be rescheduled as soon as possible to ensure lessons remain as regular as possible. Do not assume that the Performing Arts teacher will be aware of tests or excursions that you/your child may be undertaking.

Private lessons - every effort will be made to offer the student an alternative lesson for the one missed if the advance notice has been received. If this cannot be achieved, the lesson/s will be credited for the outstanding private lessons. Suppose a private lesson is simply forgotten or the student neglects to inform the teacher prior to missing a lesson or the student does not attend the rescheduled make-up lesson. In that case, this lesson will not be made up or credited.

Beginner Group lessons - these lessons are a "per term" charge. Should any of these lessons be missed, it is not possible to credit them. It is also not possible to make up group lessons as the lesson would have still occurred with the remaining students in the group. The number of groups and lessons per term is determined by the number of private lessons charged per term.

The School of Performing Arts has a practice of notifying parents should the attendance or progress of any student deteriorate.

If a student accumulates two unexplained absences from their beginner group or private lesson, the student will be referred to the relevant Coordinator. Parents will be notified.

If a third absence is recorded, the student will be referred to the Head of Performing Arts. Parents will be notified and a meeting may occur.

If a student is enrolled in beginner group or private lessons, or is involved in lessons on more than one instrument, unexplained absence allowances will be recorded separately for each type of lesson.

7.6.2 Policy on Co-curricular Absences

Student participation in their Co-curricular performance ensemble forms an integral part of the Performing Arts Program. Absences or lateness severely impact the effectiveness of a rehearsal. The process detailed below recognises occasional absences while maintaining the importance of attendance.

If a student misses a rehearsal, they must speak to their director personally to explain the absence.

If a student accumulates two unexplained absences from their rehearsal, the student will be referred to the relevant co-ordinator.

If a third unexplained absence is recorded, the student will be referred to the Head of Performing Arts and possible suspension from the program may occur. Parents will be notified and a follow up meeting required.

It is important that, during every rehearsal, students participate with maximum effort and concentration. It is an expectation that students attend the final rehearsal before a performance. Failure to attend may lead to the student not being able to perform.

Prior Explanation for Absences

A prior explanation for non-attendance at an ensemble rehearsal must be submitted either in writing or by email to the ensemble director concerned at least 24 hours before the rehearsal.

7.6.3 Acceptable Reasons for Absence

Ensemble membership is a team activity and, as such, it is vital that all members of the ensemble must make every effort to attend all rehearsals. The only acceptable reason for non-attendance at all or part of an ensemble rehearsal, apart from an absence from school, may be to attend a commitment that cannot be attended at any other time.​

7.7 Co-curricular Colours Criteria

Blue Award - Full Colours Award - Years 7 - 12

• Member of a Performing Arts Premier Ensemble
• Outstanding dedication and commitment reflected by a minimum of 80% attendance at scheduled rehearsals and performances
• Outstanding attitude and leadership at all times
• Outstanding time management skills and communication with Directors
• Outstanding level of:
• Artistic literacy: performer consistently demonstrates an exceptional, highly accurate and convincing performance
• Technique: performer consistently demonstrates high level of skill and technical proficiency in the overall performance
• Interpretation: performed to an exceptional standard with expression and distinct sensitivity towards the style and character of the piece

JPCrew

• A Senior member (Years 10 - 12) who exhibits:
  
• Extraordinary commitment to College production services through their proactivity, enthusiasm and interaction with students and clients.
• Demonstrates outstanding attitude and leadership to production services of lighting, audio, recording/live streaming at events including, but not limited to musicals, assemblies, chapels, recitals, performance evenings, dance and cheer Events, Live at Piazza events, etc.
• Has completed service hours of 65+ hours (Years 10 – 11) or 50+ hours (Year 12)
  
  

Burgundy Award - Half Colours Award

• Member of a Performing Arts Ensemble
• Very good dedication and commitment reflected by a minimum of 80% attendance at scheduled rehearsals and performances
• Displays very good time management skills and communication with Directors
• Very good attitude at all times
• Consistent level of:

• Artistic literacy: performer consistently demonstrates a very good and accurate performance
• Technique: performer consistently demonstrates a very good level of skill and technical proficiency in the overall performance
• Interpretation: performed to a very good standard with expression and sensitivity towards the style and character of the piece

Merit Certificate Award

• Member of a Performing Arts Ensemble
• Level of commitment reflected by a minimum of 80% attendance at scheduled rehearsals and performances
• Positive attitude at all times
  
• Displays time management skills and communication with Directors
  
• Consistent level of:
  

• Artistic literacy: performer demonstrates a consistently accurate performance
• Technique: performer demonstrates an adequate level of skill in the overall performance
• Interpretation: performed to a consistent standard with some understanding of the style and character of the piece​
  

​7.8Forms

Please find below links to the appropriate Performing Arts forms:

New Enrolment School of Performing Arts

Withdrawal from School of Performing Arts

Access Control Card Policy and Application Form​