R-5 Performing Arts

The Central Yorke School community is extremely proud of our Performing Arts program. Our instrumental and vocal students perform in public to a wide variety of audiences across the state and participate successfully in competitions. Music concerts are highlights of the year. The YP Combined Schools Concert Band is based at CYS and consistently receives high recognition at music eisteddfods, including the annual Balaklava Eisteddfod. Drama and Music are taught by specialist teachers from R-12. The Performing Arts are compulsory from Years Reception through 9 and are choice subject for senior students.

Classroom Music, Drama and Dance

Classroom music, drama and dance are an integral part of the R–5 curriculum and are taught by specialist teachers.

In Music, students are taught singing, playing, composing and performing. They learn recorder, ukulele and tuned percussion instruments as well as technology in their learning.

In Drama, students develop confidence role-playing, acting, creating their own plays and performing to audiences. They are also involved in the bi-annual Shakespeare festival and school musicals.

In Dance, students explore different types of dances drawn from a variety of genres and styles. They develop skills in movement, choreography and narrative. They share their dances at assemblies, in school musicals and in special dance showcases.

Festival Choir & Vocal Ensembles

CYS has been involved in the Festival of Music Choir program for many years. Students may join the Festival Choir in Year 4 and students in years 6 and 7 can perform in Adelaide with the Choir. Students in older year levels support the choir and sing in their own senior vocal ensemble. The CYS Choir performs for school assemblies, local functions, with other schools and has featured on national television.

Instrumental Music

CYS students are able to access a variety of instruments from Year 5 and upwards. Instruments include trumpet, trombone, flute, saxophone and clarinet. Lessons are taught by Education Department IMS teachers (face–to– face at the school or through Distance Education technologies) or by CYS staff. Students may hire instruments through the school, which subsidises the cost.

Performances

Performing is an integral part of the CYS Performing Arts curriculum and students are given a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their skills to a wider audience.

Students share their learning with other classes at school assemblies.
A formal music concert is held each year in the Performing Arts Centre showcasing the choir, concert band and soloists.
The School Choir performs to the school and to the community.

Other regular performance events include:

The School Musical: Held every other year, the school musical involves all R–8 students, a range of 9–12 students and many staff, both on and off–stage.
Music Is Fun Band: The Music Is Fun Band is a regular visitor to CYS, usually in Term 2.
Christmas on the Green: An annual event showcasing R–6 students’ music and drama skills.
Shakespeare Festival: a festival of class performances of Shakesperean Plays.
Maitland Music & Arts Club Productions: The school maintains close ties with the club, with many staff and students performing in their musicals.