In St Helena’s renowned and vibrant Music Department, students have the chance to make music, gain performance experience, and entertain appreciative audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. Our program focuses on developing technical skills, collaboration, and musicality, while also fostering students’ character strengths, social growth, and cultural appreciation through Instrumental lessons and Ensemble involvement.
Instrumental Lessons and Ensembles
Our Instrumental Music program offers lessons across a variety of instruments, with specialist teachers in:
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Strings
- Guitar/Bass Guitar
- Percussion
- Voice
Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of ensembles, including:
- Four large Concert Bands
- Four Jazz Bands
- Flute Ensemble
- Choir
These ensembles allow students to build their confidence, connect with peers, and experience the rewards of group music-making.
Key Events and Opportunities
The program offers many exciting events for students to develop their skills, perform, and grow as musicians, including:
- Lunchtime concerts and soirees
- Mid-year and end-of-year concerts
- End-of-term Music Concerts
- Band Camps
- National/International Tours
- Jazz and Concert Band Workshops with Guest Artists
- Participation in the Victorian Schools Music Festival
- Performances at Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier
Internal and External Performances
Students regularly perform at a variety of events, both within the school and the wider community through opportunities such as:
- Victorian Schools Music Festival
- Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival
- Eltham Rotary Festival
- Victorian Band League’s Bandstand Sunday
- Community performances at local schools, kindergartens, and school fetes
Band Tours and Camps
One of the program’s highlights is the opportunity to participate in band tours, which take students across regional Victoria, interstate, and overseas. These tours provide unforgettable experiences and allow students to perform for new audiences while strengthening friendships and fostering personal growth.
Our Band Camps also offer an immersive environment for students to focus on their musical development, building camaraderie and teamwork through intensive workshops and rehearsals.
At St Helena, Instrumental Music is about more than just learning to play—it’s about becoming confident performers, developing lifelong skills, and sharing the joy of music with the community and beyond. With a range of ensembles, camps, tours, and workshops, our students are set to excel both musically and personally.