Instrumental Music is a vibrant and comprehensive program offered to all students in the college. It provides access to individual  and group tuition, and membership of various bands and ensembles.

The program provides students with the opportunity to gain an aesthetic, intellectual and practical understanding of a wide variety of musical styles, through the intensive study of a chosen musical instrument in both solo and ensemble settings.

All students participate in at least one College ensemble, including weekly rehearsals, concerts and camps. Rehearsals are usually scheduled outside of normal timetabled classes: Before school, at lunchtime, and after school.

The ensembles currently offered are as follows:

Junior Concert Band  Junior String Ensemble  Junior Stage Band

Senior Concert Band   Senior Stage Band  Senior String Ensemble

Orchestra  Rock Band

The Year at a Glance

Open Evening
The College Orchestra performed in the theatre the well-known 'Pirates of the Caribbean' to a large audience. Throughout the evening a range of ensembles including flute, clarinet, brass and strings performed in different venues at the College.

Junior Soiree
The junior soiree was held in the informal setting of the theatre foyer. The evening featured performances by all of the new students who joined the program at the beginning of the year. The students quickly got over the nerves of their first public performance. A light supper was served at the end of the evening.

Primary School Tours
The first was held in May with later tours in term four. The Concert Band, Stage band and String Ensemble toured three of the local primary schools showcasing the talents of our students and promoting the idea of learning an instrument in school. The primary school students were wonderful audiences.

Winter Concert
This is one of the major instrumental events of the year. All students involved in the music program performed in one or more of the bands or ensembles. The excellent facilities of the college theatre enabled large groups of students to be heard at their best. The college rock band performed for the first time at the concert. The audience joined students and staff for a light supper afterwards.

Senior Soiree
The senior soiree was also held in the informal setting of the theatre foyer. The evening featured performances by students from years 8-12 either in small ensembles or individually. A light supper was served at the end of the evening.

Melbourne School Bands Festival
In August the College Concert band once again performed at the festival in the Robert Blackwood Hall at Monash University. The bands performance of 'Fire' and 'Tempest Rising' were well received. A highlight for the students was the tutorial on one of their pieces given by a visiting professor from the United States of America.

Rockshow
In term three the College played host to Rockshow 101, a concert performed by the professional band 'Trentwood' led by Phil Cebrano. The College rock band 'Millweed' performed as the curtain raiser. The whole production was managed by a team of students from publicity, fundraising, providing backstage and other support crew through to marketing and managing the final performance.

Percussion Day
In September percussion students attended an all day workshop on the different genres of drumming. A professional drummer demonstrated a range of drumming techniques and style to the students and talked about his experiences.

Music Camp
The music camp held over three days at Arrabri Lodge in Warburton is one of the highlights of the year for students. The chance to practice and perform without distractions, enjoy social activities including swimming, tennis, hikes, and an evening dance were welcomed by students. At the camp students honed their skills and prepared for the End of Year concert, Presentation Evening, Nunawading High School Jubilee, and the Year 7 Orientation evening.

End of Year Concert
A great end to the year with all students involved in the music program performing in one or more of the bands or ensembles, and all joining together on stage to perform a combined musical item.

Year 7 - 12 Instrumental Program
Instrumental music is part of the  curriculum offerings of the College, and is assessed and reported on in Years 7-10 along with other curriculum programs. At Years 11 and 12 instrumental music students as well as studying for their AMEB examinations may also be undertaking a VCE or VCE VET music study.