Performing Arts Excellence
The Performing Arts Excellence Program at PBC provides opportunities for students with specific talents to hone their skills to an advanced level in music, dance and drama.
Students are selected by audition and interview, and classes include students from years 10, 11 and 12. The program is an innovative response to the need for focused arts learning at a more exciting level than the current syllabi offers. Many graduates from the program have continued to study or work in the arts industry throughout Australia.
The program includes many excursions, workshops and master classes to enrich students' learning, and assessment is often conducted in the context of public performances.
MUSIC EXTENSION
This subject allows students with special skills in solo performance to enhance their abilities. Students undertake extended practice and enriched performance on either an instrument or voice.
In addition to solo performance, students engage in ensemble extension (rock/chamber/vocal) and analysis of composition and performance technique.
Students incorporate the technological resources of the school, by recording their performances in the recording studio, and adapting music in the music computer lab.
Recitals each semester showcase each student's performace achievment, and are open to the general public.
DANCE EXTENSION
This subject allows students with special skills in dance performance to enhance their skills to a more exacting level than the current syllabi has to offer.
Students perform in a variety of solo and ensemble settings, engage in workshops with professional choreographers and present public performances twice yearly.
A variety of dance styles are covered in the class, including Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Ethnic Dance and Musical Theatre.
Collaborative student work has produced "Perfume" and "Paris" - full length contemporary ballets, cabaret performances, and workshopped material in public performance.
DRAMA EXTENSION
Drama Extension provides the opportunity for young actors to develop their performance capabilities in both stage and film styles. Throughout the duration of the course, students study a variety of topics that include:
- In depth study of a theatrical style
- Directing for stage
- Writing for film
- Arts Funding/Grant Submissions
- Preparation for Audition
- Acting for film
In addition to this, students participate in one major class production each year. In 2004, the ensemble presented a beautiful production of Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Students also have the opportunity to write/devise their own one act plays.
In 2003 and 2004, the majority of the students in Drama Extension also completed exams through Trinity College, London. These exams range from beginner through to diploma levels. Drama Extension is an ideal subject choice for those young performers who wish to pursue a career in the performing arts.