Music Opportunities 2023

The Music Department’s a busy place, in that we have 50% of the school population visit us on a weekly basis. Our curriculum offers students the opportunity to extend on their music skills and talents developed throughout their Mandatory Music of years 5 to 8 studies. Year 9 Music is the first step in the elective music journey, providing students a platform to explore their area of musical interest. Most students who elect music in Year 9 continue their studies through to Year 12 and we’re justifiably proud of our HSC results, with most students attaining bands’ 5 & 6 results. The department takes great pride in its HSC Encore Concert nominations.

The diverse range of students’ talents and achievements are celebrated and appreciated in various ways. Student performers are showcased at events such as soirees, assemblies, concert series for all year groups, liturgies, College community events, open rehearsals, Primary School Instrumental Program, talent development programs (years 5 to 8) and public concerts. Composition works are published in the College newsletter and presented on showreels on the Music Centre screen splash for the community to enjoy. HSC compositions are acknowledged and refined through the Composer and Performer Workshops event, where professional musicians are engaged to rehearse and record pieces in order to help students maximise their outcomes. Music Festival Week is a celebration of music at the College where all things music takes centre-stage. Amongst an array of exciting activities, the festival includes Rock in the Quad (battle of the bands), studio concerts, composition competition, artist in residence workshops and the showcase concert, now held at The Concourse, Chatswood.

Students’ learning is supported and extended through the many ensembles of the Cocurricular Music Program; including, concert bands, vocal ensemble, musical production, stage bands, jazz ensembles, guitar ensemble, drum line, rock bands and various training and chamber ensembles. The Music Department caters for a wide variety of musical interests and there are a number of significant performance events and opportunities through the year to showcase the Cocurricular ensembles, especially involvement in major public events such as The Sydney Eisteddfod, Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival, combined schools initiatives and The Sydney Schools Jazz Festival, etc.

The College Private Music Tuition Program provides students with one-on-one instruction in voice and instrumental music. This vital ingredient fast-tracks the musical skills and proficiency which paves the way to success in the music classroom and beyond. Students’ efforts and talents are celebrated and appreciated throughout the year in the abovementioned performance events and during the Meet the Music Tutor Week, where parents visit the Music Centre to observe their sons’ lesson.