Music Ensembles
Every St Mary's music ensemble in one place: Junior Choir, Senior Chamber Choir, Concert Band, Junior Band, String Ensemble, Stage Band and the Rock Bands program, with rehearsal days, times, venues, directors and how to join.
Playing or singing in an ensemble is where music really comes alive for students, and it is the part of our program families tell us their children love most. St Mary's runs seven ensembles across the Junior and Senior Schools. All rehearse weekly in the Music Centre, all perform at the Spring Concert and the December events, and there is no charge to belong to any of them.
Ensembles at a glance
| Ensemble | Years | Day & time | Venue | Director | Eligibility / how to join |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Choir | 2–6 | Tuesday 1:15–2:00pm (lunchtime) | Junior Music Room (M1) | Mrs Anne-Marie Fowler | Open to all; sign up via the Music Office form |
| Senior Chamber Choir | 7–12 | Wednesday 3:30–4:45pm | Recital Room (M4) | Ms Grace Whitlam | Short, informal voice check with Ms Whitlam |
| Concert Band | 7–12 | Thursday 7:30–8:30am | Band Room (M2) | Mr Peter Halloran | Learning a band instrument, approx. AMEB Grade 2 or above |
| Junior Band | 4–6 | Friday 7:45–8:40am | Band Room (M2) | Mr Peter Halloran | At least one term of lessons on a band instrument |
| String Ensemble | 3–12 | Monday 3:30–4:30pm | Strings Room (M3) | Ms Yuki Tanaka | String students with approx. one year of lessons |
| Stage Band | 9–12 | Tuesday 7:30–8:30am | Band Room (M2) | Mr Marcus Reid | By audition (held in Term 4 for the following year) |
| Rock Bands program | 8–12 | Monday & Thursday 3:30–4:30pm (rotating slot) | Rock Room (M5) | Mr Marcus Reid | Expression of interest via the Music Office; bands formed each semester |
Junior Choir
Our largest ensemble, with around 90 singers from Years 2–6. Rehearsals are at Tuesday lunchtime, so students eat their lunch during the first ten minutes of the break and then sing until 2:00pm. The choir performs at the Spring Concert, Junior assemblies, First Friday Mass and Carols on the Green. No audition and no experience needed — enthusiasm is enough.
Senior Chamber Choir
A mixed-voice choir of about 30 students directed by Ms Whitlam. Repertoire ranges from sacred choral works for College Masses to contemporary a cappella. New singers have a five-minute chat and voice check with Ms Whitlam to find their part; nobody is turned away for lack of experience. Rehearsals run Wednesday 3:30–4:45pm, after the Senior School's 2:45pm early finish, so students wait in the Library or Learning Commons until 3:30pm.
Concert Band
Woodwind, brass and percussion students from Years 7–12. Students should be around AMEB Grade 2 standard or have completed two years of lessons; Mr Halloran will hear new players briefly to place them. Rehearsals are before school on Thursdays from 7:30am; students may store instruments in the Music Centre lockers.
Junior Band
The bridge between beginner lessons and Concert Band. Students in Years 4–6 who have had at least one term of lessons on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone or drums are welcome. Rehearsals finish at 8:40am, in time for the 8:45am Junior start. Most Junior Band members hire their instrument through the College ($220 per year, see Instrumental Lessons).
String Ensemble
Violin, viola, cello and double bass players from Years 3–12 rehearse together on Monday afternoons. Ms Tanaka arranges repertoire in parts so that a Year 3 in their second year of lessons and a Year 11 preparing for VCE Music can play the same piece. Junior students are collected from the Music Centre foyer at 4:30pm.
Stage Band
An auditioned big band for Years 9–12 playing jazz, funk and swing. Membership is capped by instrumentation (saxes, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section and occasionally a vocalist). Auditions for 2027 will be held on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November 2026 from 3:30pm in the Band Room (M2). Students prepare one piece of their choice (2–3 minutes) and a short sight-reading excerpt; book a slot through the Music Office by Friday 30 October 2026.
Rock Bands program
Students from Year 8 up form three- to five-piece bands (guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals) with Mr Reid as coach. Bands rehearse in the Rock Room in a rotating Monday or Thursday after-school slot and perform at the Spring Concert, House Spirit Day and lunchtime gigs. Submit an expression of interest at the Music Office; Mr Reid forms groups at the start of each semester.
What we expect
- Attendance: ensembles depend on every chair being filled. Please email music@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au before a rehearsal if your child must miss it. Three unexplained absences in a term will prompt a call home.
- Performances: all ensembles perform at the Spring Concert (Wednesday 16 September 2026) and at least one December event. These dates are on the calendar from Term 1.
- Sport clashes: many students juggle ensembles with training. Where a clash cannot be avoided, tell both the director and coach at the start of term and we will agree a fair split.
- Commitment: students join for at least a semester. To withdraw, email the Music Office so we can rebalance parts.
Performance uniform
Senior students wear full winter uniform with blazer for formal performances; Junior students wear full winter uniform (summer uniform in Term 4 with hat for outdoor events). Stage Band and Rock Bands wear all black: black shirt or top, black trousers, black shoes. Please check the Uniform Shop page if a blazer or tie needs replacing before the concert.
How to join
- Sign up at the Music Office, or via Parent Portal > Forms > Co-curricular Clubs, choosing the ensemble.
- For Concert Band, String Ensemble and Senior Chamber Choir, the director will hear your child briefly at their first rehearsal.
- You will receive a confirmation email with the rehearsal schedule and performance dates.
Questions? Contact Mrs Julie Sanders in the Music Office on (03) 9555 0130 or music@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au.