A Sneak Peek into Junior Performing Arts Night

By Esther Rinatta & Hilary Lam

Junior Performing Arts Night (JPAN) is a tradition of University High School that happens twice every year for students of Year 10 and Year 9 who have subjects such as Year 9 Performing Arts, Year 9 Drama, Year 10 Dance and Year 10 Music. Due to covid, JPAN was stopped for 2 years straight, and this year will be our second time hosting this riveting night. As the actual event will be happening on the 11th of May, we are thrilled to have been able to take a peek at how the preparation for this amazing night is going. 

Year 9 Performing Arts

Our beloved Year 9 Performing Arts class did some composing work earlier on in Term 1 and they are now putting those pieces that the students made to use. As the students are divided into small groups of four or five, they will be performing the piece that they have chosen. The main focus of the preparation is letting the students be able to use their instruments and play with the rhythm of their songs. “We are also practising teamwork and taking responsibility for their contribution as that will be judged by their teammates.”

Year 9 Drama

We have two Year 9 Drama classes and they are both very enthusiastic about the night. Every class is separated into two groups that are going to perform the samples of the work that they were doing throughout the terms, as both classes have practised a lot of pieces. The Drama classes’ main idea is doing physical work and generating stories from existing issues in society in different styles of performance. However, they are also working on the students’ theatre style to discuss dark social issues such as consuming too much information too fast online. These classes are working very quickly through their performance in preparation for the night as they are still putting things together, whilst still taking in new ideas as they go. “This is a great chance for Year 9 students to be able to show off their skills and creativity and not only focus on perfecting their performance.”

Year 10 Dance

The Year 10 Dance class has been tirelessly practising and preparing to show off their hard work at the showcase. They have multiple acts that each incorporate the students’ individual styles and interests. With group dances and solo acts, the Year 10 Dance class has been working towards perfecting their craft since halfway into Term 1. Along with the self-choreographed pieces, there will be one big class performance that we were able to see the practice of for ourselves. “This is an incredible opportunity to allow the Year 10s to have creative freedom when choreographing, while also collaborating with others in a stage setting.”

Junior Performing Arts Night is only one of UniHigh’s own proud events, and the expectations are high. Happening on the 11th of May, Junior Performing Arts Night is sure to leave you in awe of what our classes are capable of. We hope to see you there!!