Expressing ideas through music, drama and dance
Through the study of the performing arts students learn ways to express ideas that entertain, challenge, or comfort those around them. Studying music, drama and dance enhances an individuals teamwork skills, confidence, self-discipline, creative thinking, motor skills and active listening abilities.
The Performing arts presents opportunities for students to further their gifts or discover gifts they never knew they had. At Arndell we offer opportunities for both Junior and Secondary School students to explore the performing arts in a supportive and encouraging environment. The College has a well equipped Performing Arts Centre that has many dedicated performance spaces including a 500 seat auditorium, music computer lab, drama classroom, and multiple individual and group practice rooms.
Music
Studies in Music offer a diverse range of career paths in areas such as performance, composition, sound production, venue management, conducting, and education.
All students from Prep to Year 8 take part in Music lessons. Our students learn to:
- Perform using their voices and a range of instruments
- Compose using different instruments and musical software application
- Critically listen to music.
The Music course enables all students to develop knowledge and skills in Performing, Composing and Listening and encourages students to participate in all aspects of Music.
Students in Year 4 take part in the College's string program and students in Years 5-6 the brass band program. Both of these programs are delivered through our partnership with JHM Academy and their tutors. Students are provided with instruments in order to undertake the program.
Students in Years 9-12 can elect to continue their studies of Music as part of their formal curriculum.
Drama
Drama is taught as part of the curriculum for all students in Prep to Year 8. Students can also elect to continue their Drama studies as part of their formal curriculum in Years 9-12. Through the study of drama students build their self-confidence, their ability to speak in public, and develop interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Dance
Dance is offered through extra-curricular group programs with students afforded the opportunity to learn and perform together.
Bands and Ensembles
In addition the strings and band programs, Junior School students can also participate in Choir and the Handbell Choir. For Secondary School students there are many opportunities to improve their performance expertise through joining any number of groups, including:
- Chapel Band
- Chamber Ensemble
- Junior Rock Band
- Intermediate Rock Band
- Senior Rock Band
- Stage Band
- Vocal Ensemble
- Ukulele Group
A strong commitment to rehearsals and performances is essential for all students involved in Co-curricular Music Ensembles. These expectations are set out in the below Secondary School Music Ensemble Co-curricular Booklet.
Private Lessons
Should your child wish to undertake private lessons in the performing arts throughout the school day this can be done through the peripatetic tutors associated with the College, for more information please visit School of Performing Arts.
2025 Music Festival Information
The HICES Music Festival brings together over 400 musicians from across HICES schools in New South Wales. In 2025, we will bring together like-minded musicians for the HICES Music Festival Years 7-12 and World Music Academy. In 2025, the HICES Music Festival World Music Academy will be running concurrently with the Years 7-12 Festival.
Students will work with experienced conductors and guest conductors Mr Guy Noble and Mr Mark O’Leary OAM at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops. All camp participants will be transported to Sydney Town Hall for final rehearsals, and the event will culminate with the Festival Concert on the evening of Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 7.00pm.
Applications are now open for Years 7 - 12 students.
Click here to submit your application by Wednesday 2 April, 2025
The Camp – The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops
The Tops Conference Centre, located in Stanwell Tops is an outstanding venue. The Centre offers excellent accommodation and rehearsal facilities and provides the perfect music camp location. Students will be housed in cabins, grouped by school where possible.
Each full day of the Music Festival will consist of three daytime sessions, and one evening session. Daytime sessions include rehearsal time, tutorials and outdoor activities. Evenings are packed with student concerts, Trivia Night, and a special “Preview Concert”.
The Festival Concert – Sydney Town Hall
Final rehearsals and the Festival Concert will take place at Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday 20 August 2025. A link for ticket purchases to the Festival Concert will be available from the beginning of Term 3, 2025 and sent to schools to distribute to parents. Seating for the concert is general admission (non-allocated).
Ensembles
There will be seven combined school ensembles at the HICES Music Festival Years 7-12, including the
World Music Academy. In addition, all students will be involved in the Festival Finale item.
- Concert Band
- Symphonic Winds
- String Orchestra
- Symphony Orchestra
- Vocal Ensemble
- Chorale
- World Music Academy
- HICES Music Festival Finale
Allocation to ensembles will be made by the HICES Music Festival Organisers, based on application, audition, and school feedback.
The World Music Academy is designed for students who have a specific interest in World Music and/or who play cultural instruments or other instruments not generally or regularly included in a Western Orchestra, Concert Band or Jazz Band. Examples include Sáo (Vietnam), orchestral harp, erhu (China), electric/acoustic guitar, tabla (India), recorder, and uilleann pipes (Ireland). The program includes master classes, ensemble playing and performance, as well as music theory, history and improvisation.