Music & Performing Arts

At Sunshine College, we believe music & drama are a form of self-expression and can be used as a vehicle to represent who we are.

Students involved in the music and drama program will independently and collaboratively experiment with and apply a range of skills, techniques and processes to plan, develop, refine and create musical and dramatic works. Furthermore, we will develop students' performance, composition and listening skills and provide a theatrical understanding.

Who studies Performing Arts?

All year 7 students study a semester of Drama and a semester of Music. The whole year group across both campuses work collaboratively to stage two musicals during year 7, at the end of each semester. This allows every student to have the opportunity to sing and act in front of a live audience.

In year 8, all students study one semester of Music in which they learn basic skills on a range of contemporary instruments, develop their aural and theory skills, perform as part of a class band and learn music technology skills.

In year 9 and 10, Music and Drama are an elective subject that students can select to study for a semester each year. Both subjects also run at VCE level, giving students a performing arts pathway through the whole school journey.

What are the benefits?

Studying performing arts in high school offers numerous benefits, including boosting confidence, enhancing teamwork and communication skills, and fostering creativity and emotional intelligence.

Here's a more detailed look at the advantages:

Cognitive and Academic Benefits:

Improved Critical Thinking: Performing arts often involve analysing scripts, music scores, or choreographies, which encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Enhanced Memory: Memorising lines, musical pieces, or dance routines strengthens memory skills.
Increased Creativity: The performing arts provide a platform for students to express their creativity and develop innovative ideas.
Stronger Communication Skills: Acting, singing, and performing in front of an audience builds confidence and improves public speaking and communication abilities.
Better Time Management: Rehearsals and performances require planning, organisation, and time management, which are valuable life skills.
Develops a Sense of Collaboration: Performing arts often involves teamwork, which can help students develop empathy and manage their own emotions.

Personal and Social Benefits:

Increased Self-Esteem: Participating in the performing arts can boost self-confidence and self-esteem as students see their efforts result in a performance.
Improved Emotional Intelligence: Performing arts allows students to express their emotions and connect with audiences, fostering emotional intelligence and empathy.
Enhanced Social Skills: Working collaboratively on projects, interacting with peers, and performing in front of an audience builds social skills and teamwork abilities.
Sense of Belonging: Participating in a performing arts group can create a sense of community and belonging, which can be especially important during the high school years.
Resilience and Perseverance: Overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes in rehearsals and performances builds resilience and perseverance.
Fun and Engagement: Performing arts can be a fun and engaging way for students to express themselves, explore their talents, and develop a passion for the arts.

Instrumental music program

Sunshine College is proud of its Instrumental Music program. It is designed to complement student learning across the college. Research indicates the study of music fosters intellectual, physical and emotional development. In addition to teaching students to play a musical instrument, playing music develops teamwork, commitment, and study skills, and gives students a unique musical experience from which they will benefit for the rest of their lives.

In addition to the scheduled music classes in Years 7 & 8 and the music elective program in Years 9 & 10, music students attend weekly lessons with our highly qualified and talented music staff. Lesson sizes range from one to six students and are held during class time; times are rotated weekly to ensure students are not repeatedly missing the same class. Our music teachers provide students with instrumental lessons catering for the individual student with the future goal of performing in one of the College’s bands. Regular home practice is expected to ensure maximum skill development.

Admission to the Instrumental Music Program requires students to demonstrate their suitability by participating positively, expressing an interest in learning an instrument, and having an extremely high school attendance rate. It is also advisable that students have access to their chosen instrument at home to undertake regular structured practice.

Photo: Members of the 2025 Junior and Senior Concert Bands

Contemporary music program

Students have the opportunity to learn to play instruments commonly found in contemporary bands: voice, piano/keyboard, drums/percussion, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass guitar. Regular opportunities to perform are available including monthly lunchtime Open Mic gigs, and our annual MADD Day Out (Music, Media, Arts, Dance & Drama festival) in October. Once students develop skills in their instruments, they can form small ensembles and bands to further develop their skills.

Concert band program

Sunshine College was the lucky recipient of Yamaha's Great Start Grant 2021, providing us with $50,000 worth of instruments to start a Concert Band at Sunshine College. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and significantly broadens our music program. All Concert Band students have the opportunity to borrow a school instrument. Many of our students go on to purchase their own, and a number of students have been successful, with support of our instrumental staff, in obtaining grants to get their own instruments.

Each student is placed in a small group lesson with a specialist woodwind, brass or percussion teacher, and focuses on playing as an ensemble.

The Junior and Senior Concert Bands meet afterschool on Wednesdays for a weekly one hour rehearsal and perform regularly both at school and at a range of outside venues. Every November, the Concert Bands tour our local primary schools, inspiring the next generation of players!

For students looking to purchase their own instrument, please visit the Fine Music website. This page features instruments specific to our concert band, and includes information about the rent to buy program.

Society Vocal Ensemble

Every Tuesday lunchtime, students from all year levels are welcome to join together to sing songs in two or three part harmony. The songs are selected by the members and reflect their musical interests. No experience is necessary to join the group – just an enthusiasm to sing!

Drama Club

Every Thursday lunchtime, students from all year levels are invited to meet in the theatre to participate in drama games and improvise small scenes together. There is scope for those who wish to work on scenes and scripts for performance, and an opportunity to present these at an Open Mic session and/or MADD Day Out.

Jam Club

Every Wednesday lunchtime, students are invited to come to the music room to practice any instrument they wish. Many students use this time to form bands or to work independently on keyboards with headphones. A music teacher is available in the room for any help needed.

MADD DAY OUT

MADD stands for Music, Media, Art, Dance & Drama. MADD Day Out is a celebration of the Arts at Sunshine College and a highlight of the college calendar. It is run like a festival with three different stages across the school run simultaneously, and a variety of talents on show. There is an Art and media exhibition, with student made films also showing on a big screen, as well as food from our Food technology department on sale. The event is free and open to the general public.

Collaborations

The Sunshine College Performing arts team love collaborating with outside groups. Week long residency workshops from the Australian Ballet have been a highlight in the last few years. Our local primary school neighbours, Sunshine Heights PS, regularly work with us on joint performances. The Concert Bands have collaborated with both Westgate Concert Band and Sunshine Community Brass Band, and continue to build partnerships with other local groups.

Excursions

There are regular excursions and incursions in the Performing Arts. Recent excursions include trips to the Arts Centre Melbourne, La Mama theatre in Carlton, The Bowery Theatre in St Albans, the Australian Institute of Music, University of Melbourne Music Department and more.