Learning with us
Creative and Performing Arts
Macquarie College prides itself on its outstanding Creative and Performing Arts program, providing opportunities for students in the areas of Drama, Music and Visual Arts.
Music programs
At Macquarie College, music in our senior school is offered at all levels, from mandatory courses in Years 7 and 8, through to extension level in Year 12.
Students study a variety of music, and develop abilities in Performance, Musicology, Aural and Composition. These abilities include familiarisation with music software for composition, performance and recording, and performance skills such as standing on stage and running lights and sound from backstage. Our main teaching partner is National Music Academy, however we also have a number of other private tutors.
Creativity is as important now in education as literacy and we should treat it with the same status. ― Sir Ken Robinson
Drama programs
As a faculty, we continually adapt and change with technology, and students utilise film and production forms such as lighting and sound to enhance or differentiate their work. The students present their projects at performance nights, chapel programs, CAPA nights and major productions throughout the year.
Developing communication skills
Our drama students are encouraged to work individually and collaboratively on projects which include performance and behind the scenes elements.
Concert Band
Concert Band features the wind and percussion players in the school. This Year 7 to 12 ensemble is a more traditional one and the largest instrumental ensemble in the school. Their repertoire includes everything from interpretations of popular or sacred music to traditional concert band songs.
Catering for all abilities
This band caters for a wide range of abilities and enables students to experience playing in an ensemble they may never see outside of school.
Art extras
Visual Art lessons
During Visual Art lessons, students are given a range of media to experiment with in order to choose their area of expertise to extend to major artworks. They also explore art history, and visit a variety of locations to view art in the real world and discuss the importance of visual arts as a stand-alone art form. Students will have the opportunity to display their works both inside and outside of the school, as well as delve into the digital community through the CAPA Instagram page.
Stage Band
Stage Band is an extension ensemble in the school featuring more advanced players. They explore repertoire in jazz and funk styles and students are expected to learn this far more quickly. While predominantly an instrumental ensemble, there is also an opportunity for vocalists to feature within this group. Stage Band allows students the chance to develop their improvisation skills and is a good pathway for HSC performance preparations.
Vocal Ensemble
Vocal Ensemble is open to all students from Years 7 to 12. Repertoire for this ensemble is mostly based around popular music, however, students will also experience a variety of genres. Part singing is taught to students, but the focus is on allowing students the opportunity to sing in a group. An advanced group will be selected for students who wish to sing in a more challenging ensemble and sample a wider range of music.
Chapel Band
Our Chapel Band is a great opportunity for senior students to become involved in sharing pieces of music during our weekly Chapel programmes. The songs can range from Praise & Worship to mainstream, focusing on a positive, uplifting message. Students don’t need to be in any music classes to perform, although a number of our young people who take music also like to play for Chapel.
