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 Orchestra and/or Vocal Ensemble. They will attend an annual Music Camp 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, Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble and Mackellar Singers, 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 Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival, ASBOF (formally NSW Band Festival), Sydney Eisteddfod, Big Band Blast Port Macquarie, Manly Jazz Festival, the annual Mackellar Music Camp, regional band tours, collaboration with international student music ensembles and Mackellar Music Nights held in terms 1-3.
Other highlights include performing at the Opera House and Sydney Town Hall for the Arts North Primary Choral Concerts and Arts Alive Combined Schools events. Each year since 2013 the Big Band has been selected to perform at the prestigious International Manly Jazz Festival. The Performance Band and Big Band have been on many regional tours to both the North and South Coast of NSW performing at numerous schools, aged care facilities and other community venues.
Membership of either the Concert or Performance Band is a pre-requisite for any of the smaller specialist ensembles, including the big bands. Details of rehearsal times, band fees and instrument hire are to be found in the 2023 MACKELLAR BAND PROGRAM
If you would like to hire a musical instrument you can download the Musical Instrument Hire Form for 2022