At our school we offer a number of music programs.
Talented Music Program
The Talented Music Program is a highly sought after program for students with exceptional talent in the field of music. Entry to the program is by application with supporting documents. Shortlisted students will be required to attend an audition. Please see our page for application forms and more information on the application process.
The aim of the Talented Music Program is to provide students with opportunities to extend and enrich their music education in the classroom. Coursework is based on developing the key skills of performing, composing and listening. Mackellar Girls has a history of outstanding performance in the HSC in Music, particularly in the area of Composition where our submitted works frequently receive nomination for the HSC Encore showcase. Our students regularly receive places in the NSW Public Schools State Music Ensembles.
Students attend a weekly lunchtime Talented Music class during Years 7 and 8. It is expected they elect to study the Stage 5 Elective Music course in Year 9 and 10. Students attend five enrichment days each school year where they may receive tuition from guest tutors and practicing musicians, attend specialist workshops and performances outside school, and participate in challenging activities that provide extension beyond the classroom.
It is expected that students participate in at least one of the major Mackellar Girls Music Ensembles – Performance Band and/or String Ensemble and/or Vocal Ensemble. They will attend an annual Music Camp, generally held in week 3 of Term 1, and participate in various public performances at school, college and community events. Further to this, all students are eligible to audition for one or more of the smaller specialist instrumental music ensembles at Mackellar Girls.
Extra-Curricular Music Program
The extra-curricular music program consists of the major musical ensembles of Performance Band, Concert Band, Big Band, Stage Band, String Ensemble and Vocal Ensemble, in addition to numerous smaller instrumental groups. The numerous and varied ensembles strongly support the Talented Music Program in the development of all musicians through ensemble and group performance work.
Instrumental Music Program
The Mackellar Girls Campus Instrumental Music Program has been under the expert direction of Ms Vanessa Patterson since 2011. Students have the opportunity to be involved in numerous internal and external performances and events. These include but are not limited to the Yamaha Band Festival, NSW Band Festival, the annual Band Camp at Camp Kedron and the bi-annual Band Tour, Northern Beaches Eisteddfod, and Mackellar Music Nights held each term 1-3 annually.
In 2013 the Mackellar Girls Performance Band was the only comprehensive secondary school invited to perform at the Arts North Primary Choral Concert. In 2013, and again in 2014, the Big Band was the only secondary girls' school invited to perform at the prestigious International Manly Jazz Festival. Also in 2013, the Performance Band toured the South Coast performing at numerous primary schools and other community venues. We are currently pursuing the prospect of an international music tour to New Zealand in 2016.
Membership of either the Concert or Performance Band is a pre-requisite for any of the smaller specialist ensembles, including Stage Band. Details of rehearsal times, band fees and instrument hire are to be found in the 2020 MACKELLAR BAND PROGRAM
If you would like to hire a musical instrument you can download the Musical Instrument Hire Form.