Music News

Years 3-6 Choirs - Selections to be Notified

Thank you to the Years 3-6 students who expressed interest in the school choirs, and who participated in the auditions this week. Auditions have closed, and the choir directors will be reviewing candidates and will advise of the choir selections. Students' families will be notified via email. 

Given the limited spots available and the extraordinary talent and engagement we have at CPS, we want students to feel proud of their decision to audition and recognize that their efforts are valued, regardless of the outcome.

Stage 1 Choir (Years 1 & 2) - Expressions of Interest Open Soon

We are excited to offer Stage 1 Choir (Years 1 & 2) as well. Stage 1 Choir will be available on application, with limited spaces. 

An Expression of Interest form link will be sent via email to all Year 1 and Year 2 families in the coming week, and will also be available in your School Bytes Parent Portal - Activities tab (for Years 1&2 families).

Choir commitment includes active participation in weekly rehearsals at school, individual practice at home and performing at the CPS Junior Performing Arts Showcase and possibly other school events. 

Ensemble Rehearsals Term 1 Week 6

Music Program Information Evening 

Please find information regarding the CPS Music Program at the following link, with an overview of extracurricular opportunities in choir, music ensembles, and expressions of interest for instrument lessons. 

Music Instrument Ensembles & Lessons - Expressions of Interest Now Open

Thank you in advance for sharing an interest in instrument lessons or instrument ensembles. Kindly submit an expression of interest via the Google Form, via the following link:

The music program will begin to review expressions of interest on a rolling basis, and will endeavour to place students in the relevant music instrument ensemble. There is a place for almost every student in a CPS ensemble, based on their level of experience in playing an instrument and in being part of an ensemble group. Exceptions are held in the case of piano/keyboard and drum/percussion students, as these spaces are limited in a primary school band and ensemble structure. 

Similarly, we invite all interested students to submit an EOI for instrument lessons. Please note, lessons are available on a limited basis pending tutor availability and a mutually suitable timetable before/after school. We will also be engaging additional music tutors as informed by the EOI and level of interest in any given instrument. 

Joining a Music Ensemble

Students who are returning from last school year, are welcome to join the core ensembles as they resume rehearsals. 

Students new to Chatswood Public or new to ensembles at school are welcome, and are requested to complete an Expression of Interest online form. 

We are keen to welcome students to our range of ensembles; there is a place for almost every musician in the ensembles, with the exception of keyboard (piano) and percussion musicians due to the balance of parts in an ensemble. Please share your interest via the Music Program EOI form, and we will coordinate with the ensemble directors on the possibilities. 

Auditions for Advanced Ensembles

Thank you to the students who have auditioned for the advanced ensembles. The directors are compiling their recommendations, and we will notify those students as soon as selections have been advised. 

Our advanced ensembles include Jazz Band, Orchestra, Chamber String Ensemble and Advanced Chinese Music Ensemble. Selection to these ensembles is by audition with the music director(s). Students interested in auditioning for consideration will please have a proficiency of at least AMEB 3 or above, and will have extensive experience in ensemble work. Auditioning students will prepare their own selection of a short piece or segment, and will also participate in a sight reading exercise. 

To sign up for an audition:

1. Audition sign ups are posted on the Extra Curricular noticeboards in the Covered Cafe (outside A Block, in the Year 2 area). Audition times are still available for Week 5 mornings before school. 
2. Audition forms will be available at the student counter (green form). Please  bring a completed form to your audition, including student and parent signature. 

All students interested in auditioning will have an opportunity to do so; if the audition sign-ups are full, please contact the music program via the school office and we will work to find another available time. 

Please confer with your child before signing up for an audition or ensemble participation, to ensure that they wish to join and that they understand the commitment to an ensemble, with weekly rehearsals and individual practice at lessons and at home. 

Thank you for your interest in the extracurricular music program. 

External Music Learning Opportunities

Arts Unit - NSW Public Schools Boys Vocal Program (boys in Years 5-12)

The NSW Public Schools Boys Vocal Program, run by the Department of Education Arts Unit, is a fun, supportive, non-audition 3-day singing experience for students in Years 5 to 12.

The NSW PS Boys Vocal Program focuses on building vocal technique, singing in ensemble, and is open to male students in Y5-12 with all levels of singing experience. No audition is required. The ensemble will also record a selected track with professional sound engineers.

Sessions are held at Trackdown Studios at the Entertainment Quarter, on the following dates, during the school day: Workshop dates Term 2 Week 8 - Tuesday 9 June, Wednesday 10 June, Thursday 11 June 2026 from 9:00am - 2:30pm each day. 

Applications are now open, and close on Friday 22 May 2026:

artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/boys-vocal-program