Students of Christian Brothers Lewisham are provided with a rich and diverse range of musical ensembles and activities. The diverse range of ensembles caters for the musical interests of all students.

Primary Music – Years 5 & 6

At CBHS, every primary student is encouraged to participate in the Primary Music Program. This co-curricular initiative allows students to partake in music-making outside of classroom music. Participation is voluntary (with the exception of the Primary Mass Choir) and comprises various activities where students have the opportunity to develop their musical skills.

Beginner Instrumental Groups and Training Band

The Beginner Instrumental Group (BIG) program is designed for Year 5 students who have minimal or no experience playing a musical instrument but would like to try playing one. In this program, students take instrumental tuition in small groups. 

 Currently, the ensembles available for students are: 

Training Band

• For Year 5 students participating in the Beginner Instrument Groups (BIG) program.

Junior Band

• Students with some experience at playing their musical instrument, but who still need some further development before moving up to one of the Senior Bands

Kilkenny Choir

• The Kilkenny Choir is the main singing group for primary. The repertoire ranges from Pop and Rock to music for school Masses and other events. Often their performances are in conjunction with the Senior Vocal Group, although rehearsals are separate.

Primary Drumline

• This group provides an opportunity for primary students who play a percussion instrument to be part of a larger ensemble.

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Secondary Music – Years 7-12

Extensive research indicates that participating in music activities, such as playing a musical instrument, increases students’ cognitive abilities and engagement and, therefore, improves academic performance. 

All students at Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham are encouraged to participate in the musical ensembles and opportunities of the school described below.

Music Club

• The Music Club caters for students with any interest in music. It offers a supervised open space where students can explore their talents through working on various projects of their interest. This may include music technology projects, songwriting and band projects. 

Vocal Group

• The Vocal Group caters for all students who enjoy singing. It explores a broad repertoire which includes pop, rock, liturgical music and more.

Concert Band

• CBHS Concert Band is the largest ensemble in the school. It involves a broad range of instruments. 

Jazz Band

• The Jazz Band is the most specialised band within the school and it sets a high benchmark in instrumental performance. It provides capable students with the opportunity to challenge their skills through more difficult repertoire.

Percussion Ensemble

• CBHS Percussion features a range of styles, such as orchestral percussion, drumline and cultural drumming. The group extensively explores rhythm.

Liturgy Band

• The Liturgy Band is a significant ensemble for the school. This ensemble performs at many school assemblies, as well as school Masses and other significant events. These students receive ongoing exposure to an audience, as well as ongoing and valuable performance practice.

String Ensemble

• The String Ensemble provides the opportunity for orchestral strings students to perform in a specialised setting.

Guitar Ensemble

• The Guitar Ensemble enhances guitar skills of all levels, using a variety of genres and musical styles. 

In addition to these regular ensembles, students have the option to take instrumental tuition weekly with our peripatetic tutors. 

Students are also provided the opportunity to participate in larger performance events throughout the school year, such as Music Nights, Music Camp, Soiree evenings, Guitar and Piano Recital, Masses, Assemblies, ANZAC Day, Inner West music festivals and more which allow students to showcase their talents to their families, friends and the wider community.

Another highlight of the year is our annual Music Night and Speech Night at Sydney Town Hall which features soloists, musicians from our elective music classes and all of our ensembles.