Music To The Ears!!

Here we are in September already! The term has flown by and everything has been chugging along in the Music Department.

On Saturday 29th August, under the expert guidance of Victorian State School Spectacular Backing Vocal Ensemble Director and Cheltenham Secondary’s voice teacher, Lisa Maxwell-Cripps, our very own Year 11 student, Dominique Rault, took to the magnificent stage at John Cain Arena alongside the rest of the phenomenal state voice ensemble.

Dominique brilliantly held her own while delivering a stunning solo section in Jamiriquai's 'Virtual Insanity', commanding the stage in front of a rapturous audience of thousands. She displayed remarkable vocal power, poise, and professional-level performance skills at the Victorian State School Spectacular, representing our school community with exceptional grace, intelligence, and style.

Meanwhile, our VCE Music students have been hard at work performing their exam repertoires in front of their classmates during rigorous peer-review sessions. This supportive environment allows them to receive constructive feedback, fine-tune their technique, and build confidence ahead of their final performance exams in October. They are systematically refining their programs, polishing musical nuances, and managing their preparation in a commendable and timely manner.

On Wednesday 16th September, the highly anticipated Voice Performance Night took place in the Music Department across PA 5 and 6. This evening has long been a beloved favorite among parents, staff, and students alike, thanks to its charming jazz-cafe atmosphere, complete with candlelit tables, delicious refreshments, and a relaxed, intimate setting that lets our vocalists truly shine.

This wonderful showcase will cap off what has been an exceptionally busy, productive, and rewarding term for everyone in the Music Department.

Term 4 Music Events

Looking ahead to next term, the calendar is already filled with exciting events. Week 3 will highlight the annual Ensembles Extravaganza, a grand celebration where all of our school groups present their latest polished repertoire. Friends and family can look forward to a vibrant lineup featuring the Concert and Stage bands, dynamic Rock bands, and the marvelous Chelt Voices choir.

Following the extravaganza, focused rehearsals will begin to prepare our music groups for our cherished annual visit to Southland Shopping Centre. Students will perform classic Christmas Carols and festive music, spreading holiday cheer and entertaining the local community. It is always a festive, uplifting, and hugely enjoyable tradition for students, families, and shoppers alike.

VCE Music Performance Students will be performing at their final exams and there will be a few lunchtime performances, assemblies and open mic sessions.

Stay tuned for more!

Bandfest 2026

On Monday 31 August, Cheltenham Secondary College's Concert Band travelled to Carrum Downs Secondary College to participate in Bandsfest 2026. Students joined musicians from schools across Victoria to rehearse and perform in an impressive 150-piece concert band.

Throughout the day, students developed their ensemble skills, musicianship and confidence while working alongside other talented young musicians.

The event culminated in a professional recording of the combined ensemble, giving students the opportunity to experience performing in a large-scale concert band.

The massed band was led by guest conductor Quinn Kellock, one of Australia's leading young low brass musicians and conductors.

Quinn is a low brass specialist with more than 10 years of conducting experience and teaches at Caulfield Grammar School. He performs with leading brass bands across Australia and will represent Australia at the 2026 World Music Competition in Kerkrade, the Netherlands, with Australia Brass. Quinn is also the 2025 National Low Tuba Champion and is passionate about contemporary wind band and brass music.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and represented Cheltenham Secondary College with enthusiasm, focus and professionalism.

Congratulations to all students who participated in this fantastic day of music-making!

VCE Music Performance at Retirement Village

A small group of VCE Music students from Cheltenham Secondary College recently visited Aveo Kingston Green Retirement Village to share an afternoon of live music with residents.

Students performed a varied program of well-known songs, including Blackbird, Jolene, Hallelujah, You’ve Got a Friend and Stand By Me. Performing in different settings is an important part of VCE Music performance practice, giving students the opportunity to build confidence, stagecraft and communication skills as they prepare for their final performance examinations.

The students represented the College with maturity and enthusiasm, and the afternoon was warmly received by the Kingston Green Community. We thank Aveo Kingston Green Retirement Village for welcoming us and for giving our students the opportunity to share their music.

🎶 MUSIC ROOM ETIQUETTE – PLAY IT RIGHT! 🎶

🎸 1. Respect the Space

✨ Keep the room clean.

✨ Pack away stands, chairs, and cables.

🚫 No food or drinks near instruments.

🥁 2. Respect the Instruments

🎻 Handle instruments with care.

🎹 Store them properly after use.

🚫 Don’t use someone else’s instrument without asking!

🎤 3. Practice with Purpose

🎼 Use your time wisely—focus on your pieces.

🔥 Warm up before playing.

📚 Come prepared for lessons and rehearsals.

🎺 4. Respect Others

🤫 Keep noise levels down when others are practising.

👏 Support your peers during performances.

😊 Encourage, don’t discourage!

🎷 5. Be Professional

⏰ Arrive on time.

🎒 Bring all your music and gear.

👍 Follow staff instructions respectfully.

🎻 6. Performance Mindset

👗 Dress smartly for concerts.

👂 Listen to feedback and improve.

🎉 Celebrate your achievements—and your friends’ too!

Meet the Team!

Adam Coad Joel Dawson

cod@cheltsec.vic.edu.au daw@cheltsec.vic.edu.au

Lisa Maxwell-Cripps Christian Meyer

max@cheltsec.vic.edu.au mey@cheltsec.vic.edu.au

Chelt.Sec Clubs and Activities

Maths | Badminton | DnD | Chess