Music Ensembles

Sydney North West Music Festival

Concert Band 

Our Concert Band performed Adventure to Empress Falls by Australian composer Alex Manton.

The piece, inspired by the beauty and drama of the Blue Mountains, gave the ensemble the chance to showcase both musical sensitivity and exciting energy. Highlights included a fantastic featured solo by Yoonie N and an exceptional rhythm-only section by the percussionists — Evan J, Ruby J, Hamish B, Armand S, Jeremy Z, Lily M and Sam E — who performed with precision and flair.

While filming and photography were not permitted during the festival, you can still enjoy an audio recording of the piece here: Audio. 

It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform alongside other schools in a professional setting, and the Concert Band should be congratulated for their polished performance and dedication leading up to the festival.

We are also proud to announce that Evan J, Jasmine M, Hamish B, Raph M, Lucy M and Annalise R represented Cromer Campus within the Sydney North Public Schools Band Symphonic Band, directed by Jenny Power, performing exceptionally difficult repertoire and accompanying the festival’s choir. Angus W was also a member of the Sydney North Public Schools Band Big Band, directed by Geoff Power, which was created for this event and performed a fantastic program of jazz pieces.

Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival

This year our Concert Band and Stage Band performed at the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival, held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Both ensembles performed brilliantly and were each awarded Bronze.

Concert Band – David Stanhope Event

Performing in the iconic Verbrugghen Hall, the Concert Band presented an all-Australian program featuring:

• Skyline by Tim Middleton, which featured a beautiful piccolo solo by Tamara D  Video

• Starlight by Adrian Hallam, highlighted by Jeremy Z’s prominent glockenspiel part  Video

• Music for a Jubilant Occasion by Greg Butcher, which showcased soloists:  Video

  • Will B with an outstanding alto saxophone solo

  • Jasmine M with an excellent flute solo

  • Angus W with a well-executed trumpet solo

The program was both demanding and rewarding, demonstrating the band’s depth of talent and their ability to interpret contemporary Australian works with skill and expression.

Thank you to our Concert Band for all your hard work over the year leading up to this event and for learning the difficult repertoire for the David Stanhope Event.

Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival

Stage Band – David Stanhope Event
In the Music Workshop, the Stage Band performed a dynamic set that showcased a range of styles:

• The Girl from Ipanema, a classic Bossa Nova piece, featuring a debut trumpet solo by Ryan J and tenor sax by Conor M  Video

• All the Goss by Australian composer Lachlan Davison, including an exciting trumpet solo by Mitchell D  Video

• Smooth Operator (Sade) featuring outstanding solos by Conor M (tenor sax), Lily M (piano), Spencer W (bass guitar), Annalise R (clarinet), Lachie B (electric guitar), Will B (alto sax), Carmen S (alto sax), Angus W (trumpet), and Armand (drums).  Video

The combination of impressive solos and tight ensemble playing created a performance the students absolutely loved — they came off stage pumped, ecstatic, and so proud of what they achieved together.

Thank you to our Stage Band for all your hard work over the semester leading up to the Don Burrows Event and for your constant enthusiasm for jazz music.

Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival

String Ensemble – Loreta Fin Event

Our String Ensemble, conducted by Tammi Rolet, participated in the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival via the Online Entry for the Loreta Fin Event.

The ensemble performed an exceptional program, which really highlighted the growing skills and confidence of our developing string players. The repertoire included:

• I am Viking by David Coit  Video

• Gauntlet by Doug Spata  Video

• Ievan Polka a Finnish folk song  Video

The ensemble was strongly led by Toby H (Violin 1) and Olivia B (Violin 1 and String Captain), guiding the group with confidence and musicality. All pieces were executed with precision, energy, and expressive playing, demonstrating the students’ dedication and cohesion.

A huge well done to all members of the String Ensemble for their hard work, leadership, and the expressive performance that made this program stand out.

Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble Spring Festival

Concert Band

Our Concert Band delivered a stunning performance at the Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble Spring Festival held at The Concourse. The ensemble showcased both classical and rock repertoire with exceptional skill.

The program featured:

• Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez composed by Joaquín Rodrigo highlighting a beautiful trumpet solo by Angus W  Video

• Led Zeppelin on Tour, featuring Rock and Roll, Immigrant Song, Black Dog, Kashmir, and Stairway to Heaven  Video

This medley provided a platform for several outstanding soloists:

• Liam T – alto saxophone

• Angus W – trumpet

• Eva S – bass clarinet

The performance also included highlights from exceptional ensemble players:

• Spencer W and Roan M – bass guitar

• Evan J – drums

• Lachie B – clarinet

• Josh J – baritone horn

• Jeremy Z – mallets

The band demonstrated incredible versatility, moving seamlessly between classical expression and high-energy rock. Their performance was both technically impressive and full of excitement, leaving the audience thoroughly engaged.

Thank you to our Concert Band for your dedication, rehearsal effort, and the thrilling performance at this festival — your energy and musicality were outstanding.

Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble Spring Festival

Stage Band

Our Stage Band performed at the Afternoon of Jazz on the Concourse Forecourt, one of the band’s favourite events to perform at. The ensemble brought energy, style, and confidence to the forecourt, entertaining the audience with a lively and engaging program.

The band’s performance featured a mix of instrumental and vocal pieces, including:

• King of Swing – instrumental with solos by Liam T (alto sax), Lila F (clarinet) and Max L (tenor sax)  Video

• So Very Hard To Go - instrumental with solo by Angus W (trumpet)  Video

• Smooth Operator - featuring Annalise R on vocals and  solos by Conor M (tenor sax) Max L (tenor sax), Lily M (piano), Spencer W (bass guitar), Lachie B (electric guitar), Liam T (alto sax), Angus W (trumpet), and Armand S (drums).  Video

• Ain’t Nobody – featuring Annalise R on vocals and guitar solo by Lachie B 

The students performed with incredible enthusiasm and tight ensemble cohesion, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere. Soloists and section highlights were met with excitement and applause, and the group’s joy in performing was evident throughout the set.

Thank you to our Stage Band for your dedication, rehearsal effort, and for sharing your love of jazz music at this festival. The energy, skill, and passion you brought to the stage made this performance unforgettable for both the students and audience alike.

Northern Beaches Symphonic Youth Band Community Concert

Concert Band

Our Concert Band delivered an outstanding performance at the Northern Beaches Symphonic Youth Band Community Concert, showcasing both technical skill and expressive musicality. The ensemble demonstrated precision, energy, and a true passion for performance, captivating the audience from start to finish.

The program featured:

• Music for a Jubilant Occasion with solos by Liam T (alto sax), Jasmine M (flute & piccolo), and Mitchell D (trumpet)  Video

• Starlight, highlighted by Jeremy Z on glockenspiel  Video

• Led Zeppelin on Tour, featuring solos by Liam T (alto sax), Conor M (tenor sax), Eva S (bass clarinet), Mitchell D (trumpet), and Lachie B (clarinet). Featured key parts by Spencer W (bass guitar), Evan J (drums), and Joshua J (baritone horn)  Video

The Concert Band’s performance was a testament to their hard work, ensemble cohesion, and dedication. Soloists and section highlights were delivered with confidence and flair, making this concert a truly memorable experience for both performers and audience alike. Congratulations to all members of Concert Band for their exceptional work and for delivering such an inspiring performance at the Community Concert. 

Sydney North Public Schools Symphonic Band - NSW State Band Championships

A number of Cromer Campus students have recently performed with the Sydney North Public Schools Symphonic Band under the direction of conductor Jennifer Power.

The ensemble competed at the 2025 NSW State Band Championships, held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (‘The Joan’) in Penrith on the weekend of 22–24 August. Representing Cromer Campus were Raph M (percussion), Evan J (percussion), Hamish B (timpani), Jasmine M (flute), Lucy M (clarinet), Annalise R (clarinet) and Cromer Campus alumni Stefanie H (flute).

Performing in the Symphonic Band gave these students the chance to work under a highly respected conductor, collaborate with peers from other schools, and experience performing in a large, advanced ensemble at a state-level competition.

Watch the performance here: Hall 2 - 2025 NSW Band Championships

Term 3 Ensembles Evening

The Term 3 Ensembles Evening was held on Wednesday, 17 September, with a packed program of performances in the school hall. The concert once again highlighted the breadth of musical talent at Cromer Campus, giving students the opportunity to showcase the results of their work throughout the term.

The ensembles that performed included all Rock Bands, the Year 8 HPGE Elective Music Class, Choir, Concert Band, Stage Band, Jazz Improv, String Ensemble, and Senior Guitar Ensemble. Each group brought a unique energy to the stage, making for a varied and entertaining program enjoyed by families, friends, and the school community.

The evening was a vibrant celebration of student achievement, with performances reflecting the hard work put in at rehearsals, the dedication of staff, and the enthusiasm of the Cromer Campus music community.