Co-curricular ensembles
Senior School Choir is the largest and most popular ensemble in the Senior School and is open to all students in Years 7-12. It is a non-auditioned ensemble, providing an opportunity for any student with an interest in singing to participate in the vibrant musical life of the School. The choir is featured at major school events including Speech Day, the Carol Service and School Birthday celebrations. Through a diverse repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary music, students develop ensemble singing, musicianship and performance skills while contributing to some of Abbotsleigh’s most significant community events.
Vocal Ensemble is a small to medium size choir open to students in Years 7-9 by audition or invitation. The ensemble performs repertoire including musical theatre, jazz, a cappella and contemporary music, with a focus on developing vocal technique, ensemble awareness and performance skills.
Chamber Choir is a small to medium size choir open to students in Years 10-12 by audition or invitation. The ensemble performs advanced repertoire spanning classical and contemporary styles while developing sophisticated vocal, ensemble and performance skills.
Tour Choir is a project-based ensemble that is formed in preparation for Abbotsleigh’s music tours and special performance projects. Students work towards a program of advanced repertoire, often featuring contemporary works and music by Australian composers, and participate in a range of performance opportunities associated with the tour and related events. Music Tours occur periodically and entry to the ensemble is by audition or invitation.
Concert Band develops instrumental and ensemble skills through the performance of varied multi-part repertoire. Students explore a broad range of musical styles while building confidence, musicianship and collaborative performance skills. Regular private lessons on the student’s instrument are a condition of membership. Performance opportunities may include the Abbotsleigh Band Festival, Abbotsleigh Spring Instrumental Festival, GLOW and the Australian School Band and Orchestral Festival (ASBOF).
Wind Band is for advancing students seeking to further develop higher-level instrumental, ensemble and sight-reading skills. The ensemble performs varied and challenging multi-part repertoire and entry is by audition. Regular private lessons on the student’s instrument are a condition of membership. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grades 4-7, depending on instrument. Students have opportunities to perform at events such as the Abbotsleigh Band Festival, Abbotsleigh Spring Instrumental Festival, GLOW and the Australian School Band and Orchestral Festival (ASBOF).
Symphonic Winds is Abbotsleigh’s premier concert band and a flagship ensemble within the Music Department. Students develop advanced ensemble, performance and sight-reading skills through challenging repertoire, including classical works, chorales, marches and contemporary styles. Membership is by audition or invitation, and regular private lessons on the student’s instrument are a condition of participation. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grade 6 and above. The ensemble performs regularly at major school events and festivals, including the Abbotsleigh Celebration Concert, Abbotsleigh Band Festival, the Australian School Band and Orchestral Festival (ASBOF) and Speech Day.
Tour Band is a project-based ensemble that is formed in preparation for Abbotsleigh’s music tours and special performance projects. Students prepare a program of advanced symphonic band repertoire and participate in performances, musical exchanges and workshops associated with the tour and related events. Music Tours occur periodically and entry to the ensemble is by audition or invitation.
String Ensemble develops ensemble, instrumental and sight-reading skills through the performance of beginner to intermediate repertoire across a range of musical styles. It provides students with a strong foundation in orchestral playing and musicianship. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grades 2-6 (Grades 2-3 for double bass).
Sinfonietta is a chamber orchestra that further develops ensemble and instrumental skills. Students refine their position work, intonation, bow technique, musical phrasing and sight-reading ability while performing increasingly sophisticated repertoire. The ensemble performs a varied range of styles and may participate in both school and external performance opportunities. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grades 4-8 (Grades 3-5 for double bass).
Camerata is an advanced chamber orchestra that develops high-level ensemble skills through the performance of art music repertoire ranging from Baroque to Contemporary styles. Students are expected to demonstrate strong musicianship, technical proficiency and sophisticated musical interpretation. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grade 8+ (Grade 5+ for double bass). Entry is by audition or invitation.
Tour String Ensemble is a project-based ensemble that is formed in preparation for Abbotsleigh’s music tours and special performance projects. Students prepare a program of advanced repertoire and participate in performances, musical exchanges and workshops associated with the tour and related events. Music Tours occur periodically and entry to the ensemble is by audition or invitation.
Philharmonia Orchestra performs a broad range of repertoire, from popular arrangements to classical and contemporary art music. The ensemble provides students with opportunities to further develop orchestral, ensemble and performance skills. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grades 4-8.
The Symphony Orchestra is one of Abbotsleigh’s flagship ensembles and entry is by audition or invitation. The orchestra performs a diverse range of repertoire, including popular arrangements and major works from the classical to contemporary orchestral canon. String players are expected to participate in another core string ensemble. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grade 7+ (Grade 4+ for double bass).
Intermediate and advanced students may be invited to participate in chamber ensembles such as string quartets and piano trios. These groups focus on developing advanced ensemble skills, musical independence and chamber repertoire where each performer is responsible for an individual part.
Jazz Ensemble develops high-level ensemble skills through the study and performance of jazz repertoire. Students explore stylistic interpretation, improvisation, chord realisation and advanced rhythmic skills while performing in a traditional big band setting. Indicative instrumental level: AMEB Grade 5 and above. Students are expected to demonstrate strong sight-reading skills, rhythmic stability and a genuine interest in jazz music. Regular private lessons on the student’s instrument are a condition of membership. The ensemble performs regularly at the Abbotsleigh Celebration Concert as well as a range of school and community events.
Ensemble Class supports students in consolidating basic instrumental technique while developing ensemble skills and sight-reading. It is designed for beginner students learning woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
In addition to the large ensembles, students may be invited to participate in specialised small multi-part ensembles including:
- Brass Ensemble
- Clarinet Ensemble
- Flute Ensemble
- French Horn Ensemble
- Saxophone Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- String quartets, trios and piano trios
Rock Bands are student-driven ensembles that develop performance, collaboration and music technology skills. Students perform contemporary repertoire while building confidence across instruments including guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drum kit and voice.
