Band Program Overview
The Canterbury College Band Program offers a vibrant and inclusive musical journey from Year 5 through to Year 12, providing students with the opportunity to develop instrumental skills, ensemble experience, and a lifelong love of music.
Band Program Overview
The Canterbury College Band Program offers a vibrant and inclusive musical journey from Year 5 through to Year 12, providing students with the opportunity to develop instrumental skills, ensemble experience, and a lifelong love of music.
Junior School Band Program
All students in Years 5 and 6 participate in our Band Immersion Program. In Year 5, students are introduced to the fundamentals of playing and caring for a band instrument. They learn through group lessons and whole-band rehearsals, building confidence and foundational skills. As students move into Year 6, they continue to develop their musicianship with a focus on ensemble skills during weekly band sessions. They explore more challenging repertoire and learn how to perform cohesively as a group.
As an optional extension, Junior School students can join the Junior Concert Band. This ensemble offers a fun and educational environment to further explore their instrument and gain additional performance experience beyond the classroom.
Senior School Band Program
Our senior school band program offers a tiered structure to support students at every stage of their musical development.
A welcoming ensemble primarily for Year 7 and 8 students, the Concert Band provides a smooth transition into high school ensembles through engaging and accessible repertoire.
Our largest ensemble, the Symphonic Band focuses on ensemble performance skills and musicianship through the study of traditional concert band repertoire.
An auditioned group for advanced students, the Wind Ensemble offers a challenging environment with high-level ensemble repertoire that pushes students to refine their technique and expression.
Specialist Ensembles
In addition to our core band ensembles, we offer a variety of specialist groups that allow students to explore different musical styles and instrumental techniques. Students for these ensembles are selected from within the senior school band program.
A high-level ensemble performing styles such as traditional jazz, pop, rock, and funk. The Stage Band is open to trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and rhythm section players and offers experienced students an opportunity to explore improvisation and stylistic nuance in a dynamic setting.
Open to all senior school brass players, this chamber group focuses on developing ensemble and listening skills through brass-specific repertoire.
The Percussion Company provides students with the opportunity to explore the full range of percussion instruments, from tuned percussion and drum kits to world and auxiliary percussion. It develops rhythm, coordination, and ensemble performance through diverse and engaging repertoire.
Performance Opportunities
Students in all ensembles have regular opportunities to perform throughout the year at school concerts, community events, and external festivals such as Music Fest, eisteddfods, and other public performances. These experiences help students grow as performers and contribute to a vibrant and supportive school music culture.
