Performing Ensembles Information
Ensemble Enrolment - complete the Application Form before Friday Week 3, February 9, 2024. Regular before school rehearsals begin Week 3.
If you have any queries about SGHS Music, or the enrolment process, please contact the school by email. Alternatively, your daughter may speak with Music staff at the CAPA Staffroom.
2024 Student Music Leadership Team
CAPA Prefect Jordan Roberts
Music Captain Sophie Nguyen
Vice Music Captain Xenia Palmer
Orchestra Josephine Elgawley
Chamber Strings Ella Wu
Sinfonia Anastasia Nguyen
Concert Band Aimee Yang
Symphonic Winds Eileen Lee
Senior Vocal Ensemble Sylvia Tan
Junior Choir Arisha Firoj
Jazz Band Emily Ren
Orchestra - Musicale Concert 2023
Senior Vocal Ensemble
PERFORMING ENSEMBLES 2024
New students (Year 7, and new students in Years 8-12) and/or NEW to Performing Ensembles in 2024 are welcome to enrol in any ensemble by completing the application form on the next page before Friday February 9th, 2024.
Returning students are welcome to enrol in any ensembles that they have previously participated in. Re-enrolment is required for returning students at the start of each year.
Ensemble Membership and Performances
There are many performance opportunities for music students at SGHS. Ensemble groups perform at high-profile events within the community. Students should understand that being part of a musical team requires attendance at all performances. Dates will be advertised well in advance on our calendar via the Performing Ensemble Google Classroom, Teams and on this site.
Ensemble Commitment
To ensure the best experience and outcomes for all students in our ensemble program, these expectations and commitments are required of all members.
Committing to their ensemble for the full year.
Regular and punctual attendance to all rehearsals, workshops and performances.
Preparing ensemble repertoire and keeping an up to date personal folder of music
having regular individual instrumental tuition with a qualified tutor.
Access to a well-maintained instrument.
Prompt payment of ensemble fees
Purchasing the music performance shirt worn for all public performances. ($45)
Ensemble Enrolment
Step 1: Complete the Ensemble Enrolment Form before Friday February 9th, 2024 (Week 2).
Step 2: Attend the first rehearsal for the ensemble.
Students may enrol anytime through the year. Students should seek advice from a music teacher before doing this.
Ensemble Membership Fees
Students enrolled in the program will be invoiced for ensemble fees through their school account. The annual fee is $540 to be paid for the full year. This allows access to multiple ensembles.
Fees are non-refundable should a student withdraw from an ensemble after the census date (Friday February 23, 2024).
Students in Year 12 pay for semester one only.
There may be some additional costs associated with camps, excursions and workshops offered to ensemble students throughout the year.
Ensemble members are required to purchase a black Sydney Girls Music shirt available from the Music Department. Black pants, socks and shoes must also be worn.
Withdrawing from an Ensemble
In order to ensure the effective administration of the program, it is important students wishing to leave an ensemble officially withdraw by
notifying their conductor
emailing their notice of termination to the Music Cocurricular Co-ordinator
Please note that there are NO refunds for students who decide to discontinue from a Performing Ensemble ANYTIME throughout the year.
Recognition Awards Ensembles are part of the SGHS student recognition awards. Students must have an 80% attendance record for ensemble rehearsals in order to qualify for student recognition at the end of the year
Sydney Girls offers the following Performing Ensembles in 2024: (LINK TO TIMETABLE AVAILABLE SHORTLY)
PLEASE NOTE: Rehearsal days and times may be subject to change according to the 2024 school timetable. Changes will be communicated as early as possible at the start of Term 1, 2024.
Choir
Voice: Soprano or Alto
Year groups: Years 7 - 12
Ability Level: All
Entry: Open - Complete Application Form and attend the first rehearsal.
Conductor: Mr James Paul
This ensemble is designed for singers of all abilities. Choir is one of our largest ensembles and covers a wide range of choral repertoire including works from Musicals, Disney Films, Pop Music and Art music this ensemble allows students to develop their confidence in singing, and learn to blend their sound in a larger group. No sheet reading ability is required.
Sinfonia String Ensemble
Instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass
Year groups: Years 7 - 12
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate level (must have played a string instrument for 1 year minimum)
Entry: Open – Complete Application Form and attend the first rehearsal.
Conductor: Mr Rafael Font
This ensemble is designed for string players of all abilities, who want to further their instrumental skills in an ensemble context and be introduced to chamber ensemble playing. Playing both popular and classical music, this ensemble is all about fun! It is expected that students have a basic understanding of their instrument, as well as basic score reading ability.
Concert Band
Instruments: Woodwind (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophones), Brass (trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium, baritone, tuba), Percussion (both tuned and untuned), String Bass/Electric bass. This is an excellent ensemble for piano players to participate in.
Year groups: Years 7 - 12
Ability Level: Mixed/Intermediate/Advanced. It is expected that all students have a basic understanding of their instrument. Another more advanced ensemble may be created during the course of 2024 to extend advanced members of the Concert Band.
Entry: Open – Complete Application Form and attend the first rehearsal.
Jazz Band
Instruments: Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Drum Kit, Percussion, String Bass/Electric bass, Keyboard/PIano, Electric guitar, Vocalists
Year groups: Years 7 – 12
Ability Level: AMEB Grade 4 and above (intermediate to advanced level).
Entry: Open – Complete Application Form and attend the first rehearsal. As this is a Extension Ensemble, all students should additionally participate in either Concert Band or Orchestra.
Conductor: Ms Mariela Mulder
It is expected that all students are competent sight-readers and play at a proficient level.
Orchestra
Instruments: Orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), Woodwind, Brass, Percussion (includes keyboard/harp/piano as well as parts for tuned and untuned percussion). This is an excellent ensemble for piano players to participate in.
Year groups: Years 7 - 12
Ability Level: Intermediate to advanced level.
Entry: Complete Application Form. Woodwind and Brass students will attend an audition on Thursday February 8 at 7.30am.
Conductor : Ms Sarah Qiu
It is suggested that students be at an AMEB Grade 4 and above (Intermediate to Advanced level). It is expected that all students are competent sight-readers and play at a proficient level.
Chamber Ensemble
Instruments: violins, violas, cellos, double bass
Year groups: Years 7 - 12
Ability Level:
Advanced level. AMEB Grade 5/ 6 and above.
Entry: Complete Application Form and attend the first rehearsal.
Conductor : TBC
Chamber Orchestra is an ensemble catering for the most advanced string players. The ensemble offers students the opportunity to work on the specific skills required of the classical chamber music performer and explores a wide variety of string repertoire. It is a requirement of membership that students are also enrolled in Orchestra.
String Quartet
Instruments: two violins, 1 viola, 1 cello
Year groups: Years 7 - 12
Ability Level: Strings: Advanced level. AMEB Grade 5/ 6 and above.
Entry: Complete Application Form. Students will be contacted by the conductor to confirm entry.
The String Quartet is an auditioned string group of the most advanced string players. is expected that all students are competent sight-readers, play at a highly proficient level.
Senior Vocal Ensemble
Type: Chamber Vocal Group
Instruments: Voice – Soprano or Alto
Year groups: Years 9 - 12
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced level.
Entry: Complete Application Form and attend the first rehearsal.
Conductor: Mr James Paul
It is expected that all students are competent sight-readers, sing at a proficient level, and have performed in Choir, or an external choir for a number of years.
Commonly Asked Question:
Q. I play piano/keyboard and I want to join an ensemble. Which ensemble can I join?
A. There are positions available for piano/keyboard players in our ensembles - Intermediate Band, Senior Wind Band and Orchestra. Where there is no keyboard part, students will participate as member of the percussion section. Pianists may also apply to assist as accompanists for choir.
ENSEMBLE TRY-OUTS
Students are welcome to "try out" a new ensemble for TWO rehearsals.
Students who continue in any ensemble program for more than TWO weeks, will be expected to pay the ensemble fee.
PERFORMING ENSEMBLES UNIFORM
Students in the PERFORMING ENSEMBLES will be invited to perform at various school and public concerts throughout the year. Students in these ensembles are expected to wear the FULL PERFORMANCE UNIFORM consisting of:
PERFORMING ENSEMBLES BLACK SHIRT
BLACK TAILORED LONG PANTS
BLACK SOCKS AND BLACK SHOES
The shirt is available for purchase from the front office $45
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
Instruments may be stored in the student instrument storage room in the music department on the day of a rehearsal or lesson. All instruments must be labelled clearly with the students' name. Unlabelled instruments will be removed. Students are asked to put their instruments on the shelving provided and not on the floor.
ENSEMBLE COMMUNICATION
Information regarding weekly rehearsals, upcoming events, and cancellations are communicated to students via the Performing Ensembles Google Classroom. All enrolled students will be sent the Google Classroom code prior to the first rehearsal. Students also can access ensemble sheet music here.