Performing and Creative Arts

Creative Arts

The Creative Arts program at PLC (has continued to flourish and make significant contributions to the diverse curriculum offered by the School. The leadership of Ruby Meara, the 2022 Creative Arts Captain, has played a pivotal role in this success.

Under the guidance of Ms. Toni Rockliff, three Year 12 Visual Arts students had their artwork selected for the prestigious Western Australian Pulse Perspectives Exhibition. Charlotte Williams (12 ATAR Visual Arts 2022) created a thought-provoking piece titled “Are We There Yet?” that not only earned her a place in the exhibition but was also chosen for promotional material by the (Art Gallery of Western Australia).

Furthermore, the META (North Metropolitan TAFE) exhibition featured notable works from PLC students, including Carla Schultz (12 IB 2022) with her artwork “Hidden,” Georgina Godfrey (12 ATAR 2022) with “Observations,” Charlotte Williams (12 ATAR 2022) with “Are We There Yet?,” Ruby Meara (12 ATAR 2022) with “Competition,” and Sarah Spencer (11 ATAR 2022) with “Human Nature.”

In the Shaun Tan Art Award 2022, Jemima Vaughan (Year 7, 2022) made it to the shortlist in her age category, marking another achievement for the Visual Arts Department.

The annual Creative Arts and Technology Exhibition, InSight, showcased the diverse talents and achievements of PLC students in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, textiles, film, and photography. The Fashion Parade, featuring designs from Year 7 to Year 12 students, was a highlight of the event.

In the field of Materials Design and Technology(MDT), Lucy Hood excelled and ranked among the top students in the state for MDT Textiles. This outstanding accomplishment not only reflects Lucy’s dedication but also brings recognition to her teacher, Ms Elizabeth Lagrange. However, Lucy’s achievement was surpassed by Sophya Thomas, the Deputy Head Girl, who achieved the highest mark in the state for MDT Wood. This remarkable result not only showcases Sophya’s talent but also highlights the excellence of the Materials department at PLC.

Dance

The Dance Showcase unquestionably holds a prominent place on the PLC Arts calendar, and this year’s performance, titled, “I Am”, delved into the concept of identity by posing the question, “How would you complete the sentence “I am...?” This showcased our PLC dancers’ exceptional skills and offered a glimpse into their personal artistic journeys, illustrating how dance uniquely shapes their identities and emotions. This mesmerising dance showcase results from the collaborative efforts of numerous talented individuals, including choreographers, staff, and students, who came together to present three nights of awe-inspiring dance. Their creative contributions have united to showcase the remarkable dance talent that thrives within our PLC community.

The Dance Showcase in 2022 featured our co-curricular programs, Dance Company and Dance Collective, which had the opportunity to collaborate with highly acclaimed guest choreographers. The Dance Company excelled at the IGSSA Dance Festival, earning the highest accolades with two ‘Excellent’ grades for their exceptional performances. These programs offer students at PLC additional opportunities to be involved, develop their dance techniques, and cultivate their love for dance.

PLC Dance programmes are meticulously crafted to cultivate our students’ artistic prowess, equipping them with exceptional skills and knowledge for a flourishing journey in further art study and performance opportunities. This was reflected with Pippa Atwell who topped the state in the 2022 ATAR Dance exam. As our students embark on their future endeavours, they do so with the utmost confidence, armed with a comprehensive foundation and the transformative experiences gained from PLC Dance programmes, poised to make an indelible mark in the world of performing arts.

with the unfortunate rise in COVID cases. As a result, we faced the challenge of replanning and reimagining our presentation of the Year 11 Curriculum Play, Bright Young Things. Initially intended for a live audience, the students demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination filmed performance. This adaptation allowed us to share our creative efforts with the PLC Community through a streamed presentation. Despite the setbacks, the students showcased true grit and unwavering commitment, turning an unforeseen circumstance into an opportunity for artistic innovation.

PLC and Scotch Senior School collaborated on a remarkable project, combining four one-act plays by Tennessee Williams for our Term 3 production. PLC’s Year 11 and 12 students skilfully compressed the profound essence of life into these performances. Each play served as a microcosm, exploring the complexities of the human experience. The young actors delved into Williams’ rich characters and intricate storytelling, conveying profound themes to captivate the audience. This ambitious undertaking showcased the students’ talent and dedication while fostering an environment for artistic expression. The collaboration between PLC and Scotch senior school provided a platform for skill development, appreciation for the dramatic arts, and lasting connections within the performing arts community. In essence, this joint production encapsulated universal truths in a few moments of dialogue. The students’ performances reflected their passion and ability to convey the profound essence of the human experience on stage.

In a remarkable culmination to the year, our lower school students showcased their exceptional talents by taking on Disney’s High School Musical Jr. Through the collaborative efforts of PLC and Scotch College, this beloved childhood favourite came to life on stage. High School Musical Jr. entertained and encouraged self-reflection, emphasising the significance of embracing personal passions without compromise. It left an indelible mark on both the participants and the audience, serving as a resounding celebration of individuality and a powerful reminder to follow one’s dreams. This unforgettable production exemplified the incredible talent of our lower school students while inspiring others to embrace their true passions and pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.

Music

The 2022 academic year proved to be a challenging yet transformative journey for the Music Department. The term began with rehearsals running in a vastly altered manner due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, despite the setbacks, the students and faculty displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability, finding innovative ways to continue their musical pursuits.

In Term 1, the Music Department embraced technology, spending three days recording the Virtual Choir project titled ‘More to Me.’ While the cancellation of the Quarry Concert was disappointing for the strong Year 12 music cohort, leading all choral students from Year 3 – Year 12 proved a worthy creative alternative. Despite the difficulties, rehearsals took place outside, adhering to safety protocols, and online rehearsals were conducted using platforms like Teams. The Senior Pipe Band’s contribution to the annual service commemorating the sinking of the Vyner Brooke managed to proceed as it was an outdoor event.

Term 2 witnessed the final stages of completion for the Music Building, setting the stage for a mid-year move-in. The musical production of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ involved senior performing arts students from both PLC and Scotch, who dedicated themselves to rehearsals and a successful performance season. Meanwhile, the Junior School Winter Concert experienced resounding success, attracting a large and supportive audience.

Music performances began to normalise in Term 3 as staff and students moved into the new Music Building. Excitement filled the air and concerts once again became part of the agenda. The Spring Concert, Senior Showcase, Chamber Concerts, Piano Recitals, and the Senior School and Junior School Arts Day brought joy to both performers and audiences. Due to the National Day of Mourning, Junior School Arts Day was moved and featured six house choirs, each singing a song from the musical, ‘Robin and the PLC Hoodies’. The term was highlighted by the official opening of the Music Building which featured a Smoking Ceremony followed by performances of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and ‘Another Day of Sun’ from La La Land by the Senior Vocal Ensemble, Bartok String Orchestra and Scotch choristers. The Music Building was opened by Chair of Council, Claire Poll and Principal, Cate Begbie and all gathered enjoyed the first viewing of the promotional music video, ‘More to Me,’ highlighting the student’s talent and dedication.

Term 4 witnessed the return of Open Garden Day, featuring a plethora of music items. The lower Senior School production, ‘High School Musical,’ delighted audiences, while preparations began for Speech Night which included a powerful finale item, ‘One Day’. This captivating song, with lyrics in Arabic, Hebrew and English symbolized the importance of unity, inclusion and community. The performance left a lasting impression, generating a buzz among staff, students and the audience alike.

In conclusion, the 2022 academic year began with limited performance opportunities and numerous event cancellations. However, through the resilience, adaptability and unwavering commitment of all involved in music making at PLC, the year concluded on a high note. Overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic, they embraced new ways of rehearsing and performing, culminating in a remarkable transformation. The journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to find opportunities.