Performing Arts

Music

The Music Program provides students with individual and group musical skills. There is a strong focus across such areas as performance, composition and listening in a variety of contexts. Our special music course provides the foundation and continuity necessary for the demands of the HSC music courses. We support the young musician to develop their artistic potential through Stage 4-6.

Our HSC results are continually above the state average with students regularly achieving Band 6. Post school, students often study music at a tertiary level or continue successful music careers. Students develop their performance skills through instrumental training, study and application of musical concepts and by being involved in school ensembles and musical concerts.

There are eight student ensembles, including senior and junior choir, senior and junior jazz ensembles, string ensemble, woodwind ensemble and the fabulous concert and performance bands.

The school has a wonderful performance theatre for classes and shows, and a large auditorium, big enough to accommodate concerts and music. As well, there are a specialised computer program, digital recording facilities and rehearsal spaces. Every second year the music ensembles travel overseas, to perform, workshop, visit sister schools, and experience different cultures. Students have visited Japan, the United States, China, Cuba and Italy/Austria.

Drama

The Mosman High drama course is an original and highly acclaimed program for talented students. Our course provides the foundation and continuity necessary for the HSC drama course. It is designed to develop and enhance performance and technical skills, providing challenges for students with dramatic talent and particular interest in this area.

Our facilities at Mosman are excellent for nurturing dramatic talent and include two theatre spaces and one complete theatre. The objectives of the drama course are to provide the opportunity for students to express their own views, issues and concerns within a creative framework; writing, performing and producing plays. Many of our students successfully perform in musicals, concerts, drama festivals and other public performances.

In 2002 and 2007 a graduate of the program came first in the state in HSC Drama and in 2003 and 2007 students came sixth and ninth. Our HSC results are consistently well above the state average. Often students progress to outstanding careers in drama, such as Naomi Watts who won an Academy award, Saskia Burmeister who starred in “Hating Alison Ashley” and won an AFI award, and Celeste Dodwell recently seen in “Home and Away” and Maeve Dermody who has appeared on the Sydney Stage and in numerous Films and Television programs.

An important subject offered in Performing Arts is VET entertainment. In Entertainment students support the performers with backstage skills such as lighting, sound and production management.

Dance

The study of dance as an artform is the philosophical base of the Dance Years 7-10 syllabus, which centres on the three practices of performance, composition and appreciation of dance as works of art. Equal emphasis is placed on the processes of experience and end products. Students learn both movement principles and stylised techniques, and they learn through both problem solving and directed teaching. The development of creativity, imagination and individuality is emphasised equally.

Along with timetabled lessons students will attend workshops throughout the year, as well as performances outside school including Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre performances. Students will also participate in the annual Sydney North Dance festival as well as Schools Spectacular and various other school performances evenings throughout the year.

The foundations of contemporary dance technique will be taught in the Dance Program in Years 7 and 8. It is expected that students elect to study the Stage 5 Elective Dance course in Years 9 and 10 before moving into Stage 6 Dance in Years 11 and 12.