Pittwater High School provides extensive instrumental and vocal ensemble opportunities for students with the program incorporating two Symphonic Concert Bands, Symphony Orchestra, two Strings Ensembles, two Stage bands and a choir. These ensembles all provide maximum opportunity for training and performance of the highest quality for young aspiring instrumentalists.
The Pittwater High School Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra Band and Stage Band are premiere ensembles of the school. The ensembles' regularly win awards in competitions and festivals including gold awards at The NSW School Band Championships and the Yamaha Music Festival. The Stage bands often play in large jazz festivals and regularly involve professional guest artists such as Don Burrows and James Morrison. The Pittwater High School Instrumental Music Program has also received the highest accolade within the New South Wales Deparment of Education and Communities, being the Minister's Award for Excellence.
Many of our ensemble members have contributed to the fantastic reputation both within Australia and overseas. A feature of the program are the tours which have included state, national and international locations.
Performing Ensemble Information 2023
Pittwater High Performing Ensembles Programme Handbook
String Ensembles. There are two string ensembles which are graded. Students are placed into the junior string ensemble and then audition to be placed into the senior string ensemble.
Symphony Orchestra. There Symphony Orchestra allows string, bass, woodwind and percussion the opportunity to combine and explore the vast symphonic repertoire.
The Concert Band. Our Concert Band is for our younger musicians, usually from Year 7 to Year 8.
The Performance Band. The Performance Band is our middle band and caters for higher level musicians from Years 8 to 10.
The Symphonic Band. The Symphonic Band is for our experienced musicians, usually Years 10 to 12. The Symphonic Band is by audition only. These enembles compete in school band competitions.
Big Band. There are two Jazz Band ensembles. The Stage Band is for the younger Jazz musicians and the Big Band is for the more experienced Jazz musicians and is by audition only.
Stage and Jazz. The Jazz and Stage musicians are required to also be part of either the Concert Band, Performance Band or Symphonic Band. They are often invited to perform locally.
Vocal Ensemble. The Vocal Ensemble is open to all students from Years 7 to 12.
