Music Ensembles Program
Hornsby High School offers a selection of award-winning extra-curricular music ensembles to extend students who are receiving, or plan to receive, instrumental tuition. 2026 marks our tenth year offering a combined music ensembles program with Asquith High School which has seen significant benefits to student learning outcomes, in addition to a more balanced instrumentation for each section of our bands. We regularly organise performances and extension opportunities for our students to interact and perform in a professional orchestra setting.
Some of the annual events that our ensembles participate in include:
- Music Camp at Crusaders, Galston Gorge, in collaboration with Asquith HS
- Big Band Blast and Rural Schools Tour (previously travelling to Port Macquarie and Bathurst)
- Australian School Band & Orchestra Festival (ASBOF) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
- Schools Spectacular
- HHS Community Fun Day
- HHS MAD Night
- AHS Musical and Musicale
- Wideview and Berowra PS Fete
- Mount Kuring-gai PS Mountain Fest
- Asquith Carols
- Formal Assemblies and Presentation Occasions
Our ensembles
Combined Concert Band
This band is for students in Years 7 to 9 with previous instrument/band experience.
Conducted by Miss Jessica Chen
Combined Wind Ensemble
This band is for experienced instrumentalists in Years 9 to 12.
By audition only.
Conducted by Mr Bradley Flood
Stage Band
This band is for students in Years 7 to 12 who either are current members of the Concert Band or Wind ensemble, or have had experience in performing jazz.
By audition only.
Directed by Mr Joe Manton
Junior Rock Band
Our Junior Rock Bands have been a key part of talent development for our contemporary musicians since 2022. It is for students who are proficient vocalists, guitarists, pianists, bassists and drummers with an interest in playing rock music.
By audition only. Multiple bands will run dependent on audition numbers.
Directed by Mr Patrick Kilkelly
Junior Pop Band
Our Junior Pop Band began in 2025 to expand our band and genre offerings. It is for students who are proficient vocalists, guitarists, pianists, bassists and drummers with an interest in playing pop music.
By audition only.
Directed by Mr Patrick Kilkelly
Senior Party Band
Our Senior Party Band began in 2024, providing another avenue for our Yr 10-12 contemporary musicians. The ensemble is open to all instruments and vocals, and students must be proficient at their instrument and reading notation or tablature.
By audition only.
Directed by Miss Erin Hendry
Choir
The HHS choir began in 2023 to foster the talents of our enthusiastic and committed singers. Participants must be able to ‘match pitch’ but do not require any additional experience in choirs or as a singer.
Students in the Choir have been selected to perform as part of the Schools Spectacular Combined Secondary Choir in both 2024 and 2025.
By audition only.
Directed by Ms Sarah Vandenberg
Have a question about our Music Ensembles Program?
For information about joining any of our music ensembles (or any related questions), please contact Miss Erin Hendry (Music Teacher and Band Coordinator) on 9477 3508.
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