PERFORMING ARTS STAFF

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PERFORMING ARTS STAFF

PA Faculty

Lisa Gardner

Head of Music

Lisa Gardner

Head of Music

Lisa Gardner is a music educator, contemporary vocalist and singing teacher. Currently as Head of Performing Arts at APGS Lisa teaches academic music years 7-12, and also coordinates the Performing Arts Program with music, dance and drama performance classes and Showcases, working with specialist professional performers and tutors within the industry. Trained at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Lisa,s performance background is in repertoire from musical theatre, popular styles and jazz. She has sung in major venues throughout Australia and Asia with leading cabaret acts and many bands, and has performed live on several national television shows. Lisa has a strong interest in research on music education and vocal pedagogy, and has presented papers in this area at National and International Conferences. Vocally, she has trained with leading international teachers Jeanette LoVetri and Jo Estill – both from USA. Lisa has taught at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The Wesley Institute for Ministry and the Arts, The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and several Sydney Secondary Schools. As well, Lisa currently examines for Rockschool International. Lisa particularly enjoys working with children and teenagers, and finds their enthusiasm and passion for performing inspiring.

Melissa Ayers

Head of Dance

Melissa Ayers

Head of Dance

Melissa Ayers has been a dedicated member of the APGS community for more than a decade, bringing energy, expertise and a genuine love of movement to everything she does. She currently teaches Stage 5 and 6 Dance, PDHPE, and Health and Movement Science, and serves as Artistic Director for all Dance stream productions and combined whole-school showcases. Melissa's connection to dance began early, training at studios across Sydney and Pennsylvania before pursuing formal study at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Returning to Australia, she completed a Bachelor of Dance Education at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), graduating with Outstanding Academic Achievement. She also holds a Certificate III & IV in Fitness and is certified in Progressing Contemporary Technique. Beyond APGS, Melissa is an active contributor to the wider performing arts community, choreographing for companies including Sydney Youth Musical Theatre and Willoughby Theatre Company. Her work in community musical theatre reflects the same passion she brings to her students every day. At the heart of Melissa's teaching is a desire to share her love of dance, fitness, music and performance in all their forms. She is committed to mentoring students to develop not only their skills and knowledge, but the confidence and resilience to carry their passion into future study, careers and beyond.

Kirsten Allison

Solo/Duo Vocal Skills and Performance, Song Writing Performance and Recording Projects

Kirsten Allison

Solo/Duo Vocal Skills and Performance, Song Writing Performance and Recording Projects

I have been teaching singing privately for more than 20 years. Over this time period, I have tutored students of all ages and backgrounds with varying levels of experience, from beginners to professional performers. During the course of this work, I have taught many boys and girls of school age and have experience in teaching practice methods, setting goals and communicating with parents. Depending on my students' individual needs and goals, lessons may include: 
● HSC preparation
● Singing technique for vocal health, pitching, options for tone production, navigating break areas consistently and improvement of flexibility and range, 
● Performance techniques - including performing a song, microphone technique, choosing a set list, working with a band, banter between songs 
● Music theory Including key transposition, timing and rhythm and chart writing for a band 
● Improvisation and song interpretation
● Harmonising and reading choral parts

Paula Baxter

Solo/Duo Vocal Skills and Performance, Song Writing Performance and Recording Projects, Music Performance Ensembles

Paula Baxter

Solo/Duo Vocal Skills and Performance, Song Writing Performance and Recording Projects, Music Performance Ensembles

Paula Baxter London born multi-faceted vocalist, songwriter and AAMA Award (The African Australian Music Awards) winner Paula Baxter (aka Miss P) started her musical journey at a young age. Artists like Nina Simone, Chaka Khan, Eva Cassidy, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston fuelled Paula's passion for music leading her to study a Bachelor of Music and pursue a career as a vocalist. After graduating Paula went on to perform with various original and cover bands before getting snatched up by Norman Cook's (Fat Boy Slim) to sing backup vocals for one of his projects ‘The Alfabet Tree’. After several years of playing the UK circuit the band released their debut album and embarked on a European tour. After mild success Paula left the band to concentrate on her own career which lend to a relocation to Sydney. Once fully immersed in the Sydney music scene it didn’t take long before Paula was a vocalist in demand, called upon to lend her vocals to artists such as Christine Anu, Richard Clapton, ‘1927’, James Morrison, Mark Williams (Dragon) Paul Mac and Jessica Mauboy. Paula was also called upon as backing vocalist to international touring artists; Tony Hadley (Spandou Ballet) Belinda Carlisle (The Go Go’s) Josh Groban (US), Ben Portsmouth (Taking care of Elvis UK) and Michael Franti (Spearhead USA) One of the most exciting musical moments for Paula was sharing a stage with the great Smokey Robinson during a short promotional tour in 2012. Paula remarked on ‘how amazing it was to see one of the all time musical greats mesmerise the audience with his magical voice, a moment I will never forget’. Paula’s television credits include: 100 judge on Channel 7's All Together Now, Love Child, The Voice, The Today Show, Sunrise, Good News Week, Spiks & Spacks, Rove Live and Mornings with Kerrie Anne. Paula’s original music is a blend of soul infused reggae, funk, disco, house and pop which she delivers with a unique vocal style that is sultry, soulful, powerful and distinctive. Paula’s debut EP ‘Experience’ co -written with Paul Searles (Skunk Hour) was released in 2010 to rave reviews. Paula's album "Ama' is due for release early 2019. Paula is also an experienced vocal teacher with over 5 years experience and a passion for working with and developing young voices. But it doesn't stop there, outside of her original projects, Paula can be found entertaining the troops at various corporate events with her cover funk band 'Miss P's Soul Kitchen'. With so many great credits to her name it 's no wonder Australia has adopted Paula Baxter as one of their most exciting and captivating artists to watch out for.

James Pierre-Read

Instrumental Performance Projects, Recording & Production Skills, Music Performance Ensembles

James Pierre-Read

Instrumental Performance Projects, Recording & Production Skills, Music Performance Ensembles

James Pierre-Read is a Sydney-based musician, educator, and composer specialising in digital music composition, theory, and arranging. He has built a strong presence within the Sydney music scene, working across a range of creative and educational settings while supporting the development of emerging musicians. His work focuses on helping students and collaborators understand the foundations of music theory and how these principles translate into practical, modern applications. With a particular interest in digital composition, he integrates technology into the creative process, guiding others in the use of contemporary tools for writing, producing, and arranging music. Alongside his teaching, James is active as a composer and arranger, creating music across various styles and formats. His approach combines technical precision with creative exploration, encouraging a deeper engagement with both traditional musical concepts and evolving digital practices.

Victor Rounds

Auditioned/Advanced Music Ensemble AMPA

Victor Rounds

Auditioned/Advanced Music Ensemble AMPA

Victor is one of Australia’s most sought after musicians. He has appeared on albums for some of the music industry’s most legendary artists including Tommy Emmanuel, James Morrison, Jenny Morris, Renee Geyer, Marcia Hines, Andrew Fariss (INXS), Margaret Urlich, Mark Williams, Gina Jefferies plus many more. Accredited on over a hundred and fifty albums to date as well as numerous tours nationally and worldwide with the biggest names in the Australian and International Music Industry. Support tours have included Tears for Fears, Prince and Paul McCartney. On the Bass (M.D.) for David Garibaldi and Larry Braggs (Tower of Power). Elvin Bishop (Paul Butterfield Blues Band), Glen Frey (The Eagles), Brian Ferry, Martha Davis (The Motels), Tina Arena, The Monkees and UK artists Lulu, Leo Sayer, Rick Astley and a stint with Boy George as M.D. Stage Productions include:
• Rent
• Oh What A Night
• The Revolution Will Not Be Televised • The Blues Brothers (Russell Crowe, Simon Westaway, George Washing Machine,
• Fame/Asia
• ‘Thriller Live’ 2014/2015 London West End Productions. Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia.
• ‘My Leonard Cohen’ 2017-2019 UK and Australia (Sydney Opera House seasons, Adelaide Fringe festivals).

Harley Coleman

Guitar Ensemble

Harley Coleman

Guitar Ensemble

Sydney-based guitarist, composer and improviser, Harley Coleman, is a musician of many worlds — a deeply attentive collaborator whose work moves fluidly between jazz, contemporary composition and experimental performance. Beyond his contributions to Sydney’s fecund nu-jazz scene through his own Harley Coleman Quartet, Very Fast Band, collaborations with Sabine Tapia and more, Coleman is a compelling presence across a range of musical contexts, including collaborations with Belvoir Theatre and Luminescence Chamber Singers. An active and sought-after voice within Australia’s improvised music community, Coleman has developed his practice in programs with the Australian Art Orchestra and the Siena Jazz International Workshop, and through work with leading artists including Jonathan Zwartz, Cameron Undy, Andrea Keller, Sam Anning, Ben Vanderwal, Steve Barry and Carl Dewhurst. A regular presence on Sydney’s thriving improvised music scene, he is known for performances that balance lyricism, spontaneity and exploratory depth.

Anton Koch

Digital Music Composition/Recording/Music Theory and Arranging

Anton Koch

Digital Music Composition/Recording/Music Theory and Arranging

Anton Koch is a composer, arranger, and orchestrator with extensive experience across live events, film, television, and recording projects. His work spans a diverse range of productions, reflecting both versatility and a strong command of musical storytelling. He graduated in music from the University of Queensland, during which time he performed with the Australian Youth Orchestra and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra while beginning to establish himself as a composer. In 2003, Anton was awarded the inaugural Brian May Scholarship, which enabled him to study scoring for film and television at the University of Southern California. The experience marked a significant step in his career, expanding his skills and opening doors to large-scale creative opportunities. Reflecting on this time, Anton says: “The Brian May Scholarship gave me the tools and experience to work on a variety of mediums and literally opened up a world of major musical projects.”

Cassidy Nancarrow

Commercial Contemporary

Cassidy Nancarrow

Commercial Contemporary

Cassidy Nancarrow started training in all styles of dance at a young age and has continued on to graduate from Village Nation Fulltime course in 2021. Since then, she has danced professionally for artists such as Samantha Jade, Courtney Act and most recently touring internationally with Indian artist, Anirudh. Cassidy has danced at many corporate events including several performances in Singapore. Cassidy has been a successful teacher since the age of 16, regularly working and guest choreographing for studios all throughout NSW in all styles. She has also been an assistant choreographer to Briden Starr for various dance performances, one of which, Christmas with Delta 2022.

Talia Fowler

Contemporary Ballet

Talia Fowler

Contemporary Ballet

Talia’s career has spanned across a wide variety of dance genres and media platforms. She is a classical ballerina having worked for companies - The Queensland Ballet, Ballet BC (Quebec), Madboots Dance (NY), Gregory/Dawson Project (San Francisco), Leigh Warren Dancers (Adelaide), Alonzo King LINES Ballet (San Francisco). Performing both classical & contemporary works, her career taken her to Europe, Asia, Canada and the USA. In 2009 she was the winner of Season 2 ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. She starred in ‘Fame the Musical’s national tour as Iris Kelly. Throughout the commercial industry she has worked for the likes of Tabitha & Napoleon, Sonya Tayeh, ARIA’s, AACTA’s, X Factor, Australia’s Got Talent, & various music artists. Currently, she freelances as a soloist and pas de deux artist with performances across the international corporate scene. Talia recently performed on the runway for international fashion label BALMAIN. Her work for Sony Music can be seen in choreography, movement direction and video editing for Timomatic & Pusha T music video ‘Delilah’, and Talia can be seen in lead acting roles for Timomatic ‘Parachute’, The Veronicas ‘You Ruin Me’, and Van-ahn Nguyen’s Album ‘Peaceful Piano Essentials’. Talia landed the cover of Dance Australia, advertising campaign and face of Bloch ‘Heritage’ pointe shoe & guest performances for the Australian Dance Awards, So You Think You Can Dance US, & the World Dance Congress. In her training she achieved her A.R.A.D Solo Seal and was a part of The Genée International Ballet Competition (now The Fonteyn) and The Prix de Lausanne. Talia is a now certified coach for Vaganova method training with the Australia Conservatoire of Ballet, and runs an interstate ‘Elite Artist’ Classical Ballet Program. She is a private technique coach and has taught nationwide workshops & masterclasses for the past 6 years. She has also adjudicated solo scholarships, competitions and dance festivals across the country. As guest speaker for organisations ‘Beautiful Mind’s’ and ‘The Halogen Foundation’, Talia has enjoyed becoming a mentor to the new generation.

Bronte Carrington

Jazz

Bronte Carrington

Jazz

Bronte Carrington holds a diploma in Performing Arts from Brent Street and continued her training performing with Locreado Dance Company, 2019. Bronte can be seen on screen on Channel 9's 2022 Lego Masters Promo Reel and The Voice 2021 finale show with New Ground Collective. Bronte performed in multiple corporate shows with singer Samantha Jade and the Star Casino produced by Move Like Water, with choreography by Stephen Tannos.

Mandla Ncube

Hip Hop

Mandla Ncube

Hip Hop

Sonia Tanner

Drawing/Sculpture,Graphic Design,Digital/Physical Body of Work

Sonia Tanner

Drawing/Sculpture,Graphic Design,Digital/Physical Body of Work

Sonia is a contemporary artist who holds a Master of Fine Arts from Central Saint Martins (2020), and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours at UNSW Art & Design in 2014, majoring in Painting and Drawing. Alongside her ongoing contemporary art practice and regular exhibitions, she brings extensive industry experience across a range of creative and technical roles, including work as an art technician, curator, screen-printing and ceramics studio assistant, and in the commercial presentation and installation of artworks. She is skilled across a broad range of visual arts practices and enjoys encouraging creativity, confidence, and conceptual thinking in young artists through hands-on making and material exploration.