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Co-curricular Music

We stand for passion.

Vibrant and Inclusive

St Andrew’s has established a vibrant and inclusive Music program from Prep through to Year 12. We aim to provide the highest quality music education, respecting individual and group contributions to the musical life of our College.

We aspire to offer an accessible pathway for all, supporting and encouraging all students to build their personal capacity. Whether it's exploring the first sounds on an instrument, singing in class together, creating and composing music or considering the theoretical aspects of music, we are here to support students experience significance in their efforts.

The three core elements of our Co-curricular Music program, that all students can take part in, are:

  • Instrumental Music lessons
  • Ensemble Pathways
  • Performance Opportunities

Researchers have found that when children play music together—from simple rhythms to larger group performances—they are better able to tune into other people’s emotions.

Instrumental Music lessons

The starting point for most students who wish to become involved in Co-curricular Music.

Instrumental Music lessons

Performance opportunities and tours

The College has a wide range of ensembles that cater for students from Prep to Year 12.

Ensembles enable us to make music together; and to support, encourage and share our group music making with others. Throughout the year, ensembles participate in a wide range of performances, including: school concerts, Eisteddfods and music festivals. Our ensembles are also integral support to major St Andrew's events and school services where they provide valued musical entertainment for our community to enjoy.

St Andrew's offers Music camps and tours throughout the year that are focused on developing the skills of our students and their relationships with fellow students and staff. Music camps provide a dedicated weekend of rehearsal and support the musical development of individuals as well as St Andrew's ensembles.

For more information about our Co-curricular Music program, including costs and performance opportunities, download our information booklet below.

Co-curricular Music booklet

Ensemble opportunities:

  • Brass Ensemble
  • Clarinet Ensemble (Junior and Senior)
  • Concert Band - Beginner/Intermediate
  • Contemporary Rock Bands (Junior and Senior) - Advanced/Invitational
  • Flute Ensemble (Junior and Senior)
  • Jazz ensemble - Beginner
  • Jazz Orchestra - Advanced/Invitational
  • Percussion Ensemble (Junior and Senior)
  • Saxophone Ensemble (Junior and Senior)
  • Stage Band - Intermediate
  • Symphonic Band - Advanced/Invitational
  • Wind Ensemble - Intermediate/Advanced

  • Cello Ensemble
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Junior String Orchestra - Intermediate
  • String Ensembles - Beginner/Intermediate
  • String Orchestra - Advanced
  • Youth Strings - Beginner

  • College Choir - Year 7 to 12
  • Junior Singers - Year 3 and 4
  • Piccolo Singers - Prep and Year 2
  • Primary Choir - Year 5 and 6
  • Senior Vocal Ensemble - Advanced (Year 9 to 12)

Music News

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General
Reflections with staff member, Cade Bonar
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March 15, 2023

In our 20th year, staff member Cade Bonar, reflects on his time at the College.
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Academic
Primary Music Immersion
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March 09, 2023

There have been several changes in the Primary this year. One of these was the restructuring of music immersion, which now occurs in Years 3 and 5. It may appear to be a simple change, moving from Year 4 to Year 3; however, there was much debate, consideration, and research …
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Clubs and Activities
Sounds of Swing
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October 19, 2022

We had reflections from students, parents and teachers, a video address from professional musician and educator Mr Ross James Irwin of The Cat Empire, amazing performances from our Jazz Ensemble, Stage Band and Jazz Orchestra, as well as a surprise guest vocal appearance from Mr Brad Bowen. A big thank …
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Music
Wonderful Wednesday // with Chris Clarke
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August 19, 2020

It was Chris’ determination to master that technique that saw him practice upwards of six hours a day. He worked his way very quickly through all the practical and theoretical examinations to study at music college. He then went on to study with England-based performing artists including John Mills and …
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Music
Wonderful Wednesday // with Clare Hannaway
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August 12, 2020

The only one of six children in her family to pursue music over athletics, Clare’s Mum was incredibly supportive and gifted her with a humble Casio keyboard for her eleventh birthday. Proving to her parents that she was committed to her lessons, she studied AMEB and Trinity College repertoire and …
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Music
Wonderful Wednesday // with Jason Connors
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August 05, 2020

Jason is an energetic and experienced percussion tutor who teaches private lessons as well as conducts two Percussion Ensembles here at St Andrew’s. He grew up surrounded by music, with a pianist grandmother, father who played guitar and older brother and sister serving as inspirations to learn the piano; an …
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Music
Wonderful Wednesday // with Trish Couper
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July 30, 2020

Starting out as a child who could not stop singing to her pets, she spent her school years seeking out opportunities to perform in musicals and at local cafes. From then, Trish lived a colourful life on the road performing on stages across the country (and crocodile farms in Darwin!) …
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Music
Wonderful Wednesday // with Graham Bishop
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May 27, 2020

What makes a qualified engineer give it all away to pursue music? For Graham Bishop, one of our Piano Tutor’s at St Andrew’s, the passion for performing, composing and creating a career in music, far outweighed sitting in an office. Graham began learning the piano on the same instrument his …
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Leaders
Wonderful Wednesday // Lisa Dowling
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May 20, 2020

Lisa’s musical journey began with piano and violin lessons in primary school. Her teacher, Brisbane based string teacher Loreta Fin, was instrumental in building Lisa’s resilience and confidence, and recognised her potential as a musician. It was also Loretta who introduced her to the Double Bass. On completing her schooling, …
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Music
Secondary Music Camp
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March 10, 2020

117 students from Wind Ensemble, Junior String Orchestra, String Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra and College Choir spent their weekend making music together and getting to know others not only in their own ensemble but also in their wider Music family. After some hardworking sessions in rehearsal, a major highlight of the …
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