Performing & Fine Arts

Find what they're good at
and what they enjoy doing

At RJ, we recognise the importance of Performing and Fine Arts in a student's educational journey. We are committed to fostering creativity and artistic expression through offerings such as dance, drama, extensive music programs and art classes.

One of RJ's standout features is our dedication to the benefits of music education by providing violins and a practice and training program to Year 1 and 2 students. Learning to play an instrument enriches a child's cognitive development and also helps them develop discipline, focus, and a lifelong appreciate of music.

Another noteworthy aspect of RJ's approach is our offering of exploration programs across a variety of musical instruments. This provides students the opportunity to explore and experiment with different instruments before committing to a full training program e.g. Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, Violin

Primary Music Groups

• Bucket Drumming (Years 3-6)
• Cantabile Choir (Auditionable)
• Groovy Guitar Ensemble (Years 3-6)
• Guitar Ensembles (Years 3-6)
• Novello Strings (Years 3-6)
• Ricky J Singers (Years 1-2)
• RJ Singstars (Years 3-6)
• Exploration Strings - Violin & Cello
• Exploration Woodwinds - Clarinet, Flute & Saxophone

Secondary Music Groups

• Chapel Band
• Choral Ensembles - Vox & Soulstice (Auditionable)
• Guitar Ensemble
• Jazz Band
• Rookie Guitars
• String Ensembles - Secondo, Vivace, Paganni
• Technical Support Team

Group tutorials are offered in woodwind, brass, and percussion.

Private tuition is also available through our Peripatetic Tutors:

• Drums
• Flute
• Guitar (acoustic/electric/bass/ukulele)
• Piano/keyboard
• Voice
• Violin/cello
• Saxophone

Discover more about:

• The Individual Music Tuition Program: RJ Conditions for Individual Music Tuition
• Participating in the Exploration of an Instrument Program: Exploration Program
• Loan terms if hiring an instrument: Music Equipment Hire T&C
• Choosing your child's first instrument: Learn More - First Musical Instrument

Dance

Dance is a vital part of every known culture throughout time, it is a tool for physical expression, a device to tell story, express emotionally, solve creative problems and think collaboratively. It is a distinct form of non-verbal communication that uses the body as an instrument of expression. Dance helps build life skills such as creative thinking, self-expression and collaboration with a wide range of people. We provide a safe environment where students can express creatively and think imaginatively to find their own personal style.

Primary students can join Ricky J Dancers (Years 1-2), Ricky J Dance Starts (Years 3-6), and the Junior Dance Stars Company (auditionable).

In Secondary, Year 9 & 10 are offered "Dance" as a subject. It is an exciting practical opportunity to build the technique and skills over a range of styles, such as Jazz, Musical Theatre, HipHop and Contemporary Dance. This Dance course provides students with performance experiences that encourage them to develop skills in performance, composition and appreciation. Dance students are expected to actively participate in the School’s co-curricular Dance program, use their skills in the School Musical, and participate in the "Dance Sharp Short Theatre" competition. Learn more about what happens in Years 9 and 10: Dance

The Importance of Drama in our life!

At RJ , we offer drama clubs and drama classes. We have regularly participated in "Sharp Short Theatre", achieving the finals on numerous occasions, and winning the best actress category in 2022. Secondary drama students enjoy presenting to our Primary students and they also perform for the local Nursing Home from time to time.

Numerous students have received an OnStage nomination for HSC Drama in Monologue Performance and Script writing, with numerous students achieving Band 6 results over the years. Many students have continued their drama studies at a Diploma or Tertiary level.

The study of drama is not just about acting, it encompasses:

• Stage craft (costumes, lighting, sound, scenery, film and video)
• Directing (managing, leading, motivating)
• Writing, improvising and workshopping ideas to produce a script or performance
• Stage management (organising, planning, managing)
• Research and investigation
• Physical fitness and movement skills (mime, dance, mimicry etc)
• Vocal ability (projection, intonation, accents, dialects, singing etc)
• Critical thinking (interpreting scripts, exploring themes, making creative decisions)
• Problem solving (blocking a scene, creating special effects, getting a message across)
• History (performance styles, theatre and film practitioners, period drama)

Drama builds personal skills …

• self-esteem
• self-expression
• the ability to think on your feet (improvisation)
• creativity and imagination
• posture/movement
• memory
• concentration

… and interpersonal skills

• empathy
• co-operation and collaboration
• negotiating
• listening (much of acting is ‘listening and responding’ to another actor)
• leading (directing/managing)
• communication

Drama develops presentation skills

Drama is one of the best disciplines for learning and developing effective presentation skills. It teaches students:

• confidence
• articulation – how to speak clearly and not mumble
• rhythm, timing and pacing
• how to work an audience, manipulate emotions and create a response in others
• non-verbal communication – through body language and facial expressions
• how to project their voice in a large venue or speak intimately and persuasively down a camera lens
• how to practice and memorise speeches
• strategies for conquering nerves and stage fright