Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)

Music Ensembles

The PHHS Band Program consists of four ensembles: Concert Band 1, Concert Band 2, Big Band and the Junior Stage Band. Each year the bands participate in over 30 performances and festivals. Our band directors, James Loughnan, Hayden Dalton and Joshua Hughes, are highly accomplished in their fields and conduct the bands with great proficiency and energy, attracting much acclaim. Various band evenings and festivals, and events are held throughout the year.

The PHHS School Choir was established in 2014 and has performed at various events including the NSW Schools

Spectacular in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Choir Director, Rachel Kelly, is an accomplished

music director, choral conductor, composer, arranger and pianist. She brings vast experience and expertise to our choral program. The School Choir also participates in many of the evenings and events held at the school and within the local community throughout the year.

The PHHS String Ensemble was formed in 2017 and has performed at various school functions, as well as external

festivals and eisteddfods. Director Jessica An is an accomplished musician and teacher, with an extensive knowledge of repertoire which ensures the students are challenged with interesting and varied works.

A Music Camp for all ensembles, encompassing new repertoire for the year, is held at Galston in February, followed by a concert highlighting the results of this intensive learning experience. The camp is an opportunity for students to work closely with conductors and professional instrumental tutors in a relaxed and positive learning environment.

Drama Ensemble

The Drama Ensemble meets one afternoon per week at designated times throughout the year to develop and extend students’ theatrical skills in performance, film making, technical support, and set design. This dynamic group is led by our Drama teachers and provides exciting entertainment at various Drama showcase events.

Drama performances and School Musicals

Students also have the opportunity to perform, work backstage or front of house, on student productions and musical events. Annual works by Year 11 students have included Secret Bridesmaids Business, Alice, The Little Prince, Masquerade, Stories in the Dark, Summer of the Aliens, Cosi, Away, Spurboard and The Golden Age.

Recent School Musicals include Legally Blonde (2024), Little Women (2023), Shrek (2022), Matilda (2020), Oliver (2018), Annie (2015), Beauty and the Beast (2013) and Little Shop of Horrors (2011). Students across the school, along with local primary school students, have the opportunity to be involved in these events as performers, musicians in the orchestra, or through technical and backstage support.

Photography Club

The Visual Arts faculty runs a Photography Club for interested students and caters for all levels of experience, from learning how to take a photograph to very experienced levels of photographic skills. Students have the opportunity to display their photographs around the school and to enter various completions and exhibitions.

Technical Support Team

A trained ‘Light and Sound Team’ is made up of students who enjoy the demands and rigour involved in offering technical support to many school functions including most of the above, as well as official school events including HSC Performances, Presentation Night, Graduation Ceremonies and Orientation Day. Interested students are invited to join at the beginning of each year and training is organised in readiness for a busy school year.