The North Sydney Girls High School Co-Curricular Music Program began in 1989 and since that time has grown and developed, and currently comprises of over 270 girls from Years 7-12 making up ten ensembles – 4 concert bands (Junior Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Orchestra), 3 string ensembles (Junior Strings, Camerata, and Advanced Strings), 2 orchestras (Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra) and Jazz Ensemble. All ensembles rehearse either before or after school for approximately 70 minutes each week. The aims of the Music Program are multi-fold. Music is one of the most intellectually stimulating activities in which a child can partake, and such we help to: promote superior working memory, cultivate better thinking skills and broaden communication skills. The tremendous public success and acclaim enjoyed by our ensembles is testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of the girls.
Throughout the year, all the ensembles participate in a number of performances, both in school as well as out in the wider community. Competitions are an important part of the year, with most groups participating annually in the Sydney Eisteddfod and the NSW School Band Festival. This gives the girls a wonderful opportunity to hear orchestras and bands made up of their peers from other schools and other music networks. In addition, the ensembles regularly take part in combined workshops and concerts with other schools, attend performances of visiting and guest musicians, participate in master classes and perform at school events. Touring locally, nationally and internationally is another major part of our calendar. Most ensembles take part in annual tours through the greater Sydney region and throughout regional NSW. Touring provides wonderful opportunities for our students to experience music making in a broad range of contexts allowing our girls to forge new networks with schools, communities, and fellow music students. Many regional tours have helped to inspire the next generation of music students and have helped members of the community connect with music and with each other.