ITAP: Iona Talented Achievers Program
The Iona Talented Achievers Program is a multi-faceted performing arts program available to secondary students, with the overall goal of inspiring young students to pursue excellence in their field while maintaining their academic pursuits.
​
The program aims to provide extra support for our aspiring performers, providing a platform for all students, helping them improve and pursue excellence in their field. ITAP also promotes a holistic approach to fitness, exercise, health as well performing arts and wellbeing throughout the school community.
​
In 2025, the Performing Arts ITAP Stream will offer ITAP Dance and ITAP Music.
Contact the Performing Arts Department for more information.
ITAP Dance is a specialised stream for elite dance students in Years 7 to 12 to help them work smarter, not harder, to balance and maintain dance and academics at SCAS. The focus is also on supporting our dancers to build healthy dancing bodies and prevent or rehabilitate injuries.
Students have one period a week timetabled during Sports time to work on individualised training plans focusing on strength, flexibility and stamina.
​
Program
During the warmer periods of the year, there will be an opportunity for students to train in Aqua Adage, where ballet technique is used in the pool to lengthen the muscles and strengthen those that often get neglected in order to increase their range of motion and flexibility.
​
There will be Pilates and conditioning classwork to concentrate on training and targeted technique work. Students will also be working together on a performance piece for the 2025 Dance Showcase.
Students will also be given time to work on homework and assessments because nights and weekends are often given to dance.
​
Program Entry
Students are required to audition to participate in the ITAP Dance program. This ensures that they have the appropriate standard of dance skill to require this specialist training.
This year-long program is designed to empower students showcasing exceptional musical talent, ensuring they stay at the forefront of excellence while navigating their musical journey. Crafted specifically to assist regional school students, the initiative aims to enrich and strengthen the skills of our musicians and is open to students in Years 7 to 11.
​
Purpose
ITAP Music is designed with the purpose of developing independent skills in music students who possess a drive and passion to perform as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.
This focus on both solo and group performance skills, with personalised small-group sessions, allows students the opportunity to develop and further enhance their musical abilities and foster a nuanced and refined approach to music and how to engage with an audience in music performance.
Beyond honing performance abilities, participants will delve into the complexities of organising and setting up performance gigs. It's not just about playing great music but also understanding the ins and outs of the music industry, preparing them for whatever comes next.
​
How will ITAP Music workshops be delivered?
ITAP Music in 2025 will be delivered to students in weekly 2 hour workshops one afternoon after school. These workshops will start in Week 3 of Term 1, 2025. This will enable students to immerse themselves in the scope of the work through a more intensive delivery. Positioning ITAP Music outside the daily timetable of classes will ensure that students do not miss any classes in their usual school day.
​
What performance opportunities will be available?
ITAP Music students will work with their teacher and Director of Performing Arts on designing multiple opportunities to perform for peers at school, the extended school community and also opportunities to perform in public performances in the community.
Performance opportunities not only include on-campus performances but also public performances at local markets and venues that will be confirmed once the 2025 ITAP Music groups are formed.
​
Who will deliver the ITAP Workshops?
To enable ITAP students to develop their solo and ensemble music and performance skills beyond the classroom, Mr Michael Teterin is secured to deliver the ITAP Music program from Term 1 2025.
Proficient on both saxophone and piano, Michael Teterin is a versatile musician and entertainer who has performed in a large spectrum of styles. From solo piano to pop bands, Musical director of international cabaret shows and Big Bands, Latin Jazz, Funk and Swing combos, playing Arabic music on saxophone and solo saxophone spots for Sydney’s most prestigious weddings all the way up to 14-piece Latin bands, Michael Teterin is more than skilled and mastered to develop performance and music skills in our most dedicated and passionate music students.