Performing and Fine Arts

At RJ, we value the importance of Performing and Fine Arts in a student's educational journey. We foster creativity and artistic expression through dance, drama, extensive music programs, art classes and clubs.

A standout feature at RJ is our dedication to music education. We provide violins and a practice program to Year 1 and 2 students, enriching their cognitive development and helping them develop discipline, focus, and a lifelong appreciation of music.

We also offer exploration programs across various musical instruments, allowing students to experiment with options like flute, saxophone, clarinet, and violin before committing to a full training program .Even our Principal leads an exploration group!

Junior School 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

Senior School 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.

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

Years 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 vibrant drama clubs and drama classes. Our students regularly participate in "Sharp Short Theatre", reaching the finals numerous times and winning best actress on occasion. Senior School drama students also delight in performing for Junior School students and local nursing homes.

Many of our students have received OnStage nominations for HSC Drama in Monologue Performance and Scriptwriting, with several achieving Band 6 results. Numerous graduates continue their drama studies at the Diploma or Tertiary level.

Drama at RJ encompasses much more than acting:

• Stagecraft (costumes, lighting, sound, scenery, film and video)
• Directing (managing, leading, motivating)
• Writing & Improvision (creating scripts and performances)
• Stage Management (organising and planning)
• Research and Investigation
• Physical Fitness and Movement Skills (mime, dance, mimicry)
• Vocal Ability (projection, intonation, accents, singing)
• Critical Thinking (script interpretation, theme exploration)
• Problem Solving (scene blocking, special effects)
• History (performance styles, theatre practitioners)

Drama builds personal skills …

• Self-esteem
• Self-expression
• Improvisation
• Creativity and imagination
• Posture and movement
• memory and concentration

… and interpersonal skills

• Empathy
• Co-operation and collaboration
• Negotiation
• Listening and responding
• Leadership
• Communication

Drama also develops presentation skills

• Confidence
• Articulation
• Rhythm, timing and pacing
• Audience engagement
• Non-verbal communication
• Voice projection
• Speech memorisation
• Strategies for conquering nerves and stage fright