Music @ CCK

VSMF

Congratulations to all the band students who participated in the Victorian School Music Festival in Term 3. We were very proud to send two bands to the festival this year. The Senior Band participated in the Intermediate Concert Band Section and was awarded Bronze. This band included students in Years 7-11. The Year 8 students, participated in the Junior Concert Band Section and were awarded a Silver. Both ensembles were given an onstage tutorial with professional musicians that worked on balance and how to get the most out of your sound. We were also able to hear other school bands perform. Overall, we enjoyed the experience of  performing in a professional space – the Hawthorn Arts Centre, and the process of preparing for a performance outside the College walls.

The following students were involved in both bands performances and share their experience below:

Gabrielle T – “The best part about the bands festival was to have the opportunity to play in front of professional adjudicators and work with them in the on-stage tutorial session. It was also great to hear other schools.“

Caleb C – “The best part of the bands festival was playing in a professional theatre and adapting to the different acoustics of the performance space.”

Spring Concert

We are looking forward to a fantastic evening on Thursday 30 October, 7.00pm in the auditorium where the school music ensembles showcase what they have been rehearsing throughout Semester 2. The music rooms have been so busy with wonderful sounds as students are preparing for these performances. Come along and enjoy the students’ individual interpretations of some well known music that you are sure to enjoy.

Instrumental Music Soiree

The date for the Instrumental Music Soiree is Monday 24 November at 3.45pm in the auditorium. I am looking forward to hearing solo and small group performances from our students here at Christway. This Soiree is open to students who have lessons on an instrument on a weekly basis. Students who learn an instrument at school are invited to perform as well as students who take lessons on their instrument outside of school hours. If you would like to sign your child up for this Soiree, please fill in this form and Ruth Barry, the Head of Music, will be in contact with you to confirm your child's performance.

AMEB Exams 

Congratulations to the following students who enrolled in a music exam through the College this year: Megan J, Hannah T, Selina C, Gabrielle T, Nick P, Gabriel T, Leo S. All students should be very proud of the grades they achieved. Completing a music exam shows great dedication and commitment to instrument practice. All students performed to a very high standard. There are more students across the College that complete music exams throughout the year that should also be very proud of their efforts – this is such a fantastic extra-curricular activity to invest in as your child learns the importance of working towards a performance goal and taking the steps necessary to achieve under pressure.

We also make a special mention of a student, Adrian W, who completed a Piano exam earlier in the year, who was recently selected to compete in the Victorian State Final of the OZ Schools Instrumental Championship (Piano) in his age group – what a huge honour to have made it into the finals of a very prestigious competition. Amazing work, Adrian. Congratulations!

Private Instrumental Music Lessons

In planning for 2026, it is a good time to think about if you would like to take up some private instrumental music lessons next year. For Year 8 students, the band program comes to a close and the best way to continue on with your instrument is to take up these lessons. Please note that hire of a instrument is an additional cost. Please make an enquiry if you are interested. The enrolment form will be available in the coming weeks and sent out to families who wish to organise for 2026. The following instruments are available for students to learn: Piano, Guitar, Drums/Percussion, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone. Should you need more information, please contact the music admin team via email at music.admin@christway.vic.edu.au.

Ruth Barry

Head of Music 

Upcoming Music Dates

Term 4

Spring Concert: Thursday 30 October

Instrumental Music Soiree: Monday 24 November

Presentation Assemblies: Monday 1 December

Presentation Night: Friday 5 December