Just as a harmony consists of a wonderful blend of different sounds, an eclectic, energetic and exciting school music program is a sum of many musical parts. 

At Newington, music is one of the key notes in an outstanding Creative Arts program. More than 400 students at the senior school alone regularly engage with music, and many more across both Newington Preparatory campuses at Wyvern House in Stanmore and Lindfield. Our students study music. They learn it and love it. They play it, compose it and sing it. And whenever, given half the chance, they perform it and share it.

This week, in what has become a widely anticipated and enjoyed College tradition at the Stanmore senior campus, Rock the Steps kicks off on the steps of Centenary Hall at lunchtimes, weather pending. Performing outside, student musicians will sing and play electric guitars, bass guitars, drums and keyboards in their individual bands, most organically formed by musical buddies at school and at home in garages, spare rooms and backyard studios. With 17 out of the current 25 student bands expected to take to the stage from today, each act will perform one original or cover number to an audience of their enthusiastic peers. With the customary planes overhead always requiring an increase in decibels, this one-off set per band acts as an audition for RockFest next term. RockFest is Newington College’s premier contemporary music concert, and a perennial community favourite, to be held on the evening of Friday 6 June.   

This week’s energetic Rock the Steps performances of electric, acoustic and vocal prowess, which will cross genres from indie to classic rock and original contemporary song, is just one of the many musical opportunities which play out at Newington College every day. For just as a love of music spans all ages and tastes, the range of musical offerings at Newington caters for every student and instrument. 

At the Senior School there is the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Newington College Choir, Wind Orchestra, Wind Quintet, Chamber Strings, Stanmore Strings, Jazz Combo, Jazz Workshop, Stage Band, Concert Band, Big Band, Flute Ensemble, Trombone Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, five Chamber Music Ensembles, plus twenty-five contemporary ensembles. Recently, a student led Pit Band consisting of College musicians gave a powerhouse performance in Newington’s musical production of Catch Me If You Can. An epic two-hour performance which ran over four nights, and received a terrific audience response, the College Pit Band underscored and accompanied the action on stage with Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s sophisticated Big Band score.  

Likewise, Newington Prep schools are alive with musical opportunity. At both our Lindfield and Wyvern House Prep campuses, music is taught to all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Also, learning an instrument is mandatory from Year 1 at Wyvern House and from Year 2 at Lindfield. Opportunities to play, sing and perform are immense in numerous Prep stage and school choirs, ensembles and bands. 

As a result, Term 2 at Newington College is jam packed with music events to enjoy.  The Junior Concerto Competition for Years 7–9 kicks off the action on Thursday 22 May in the Music Practice Hall on the senior campus. The Prep Schools Music Concert Week begins on Tuesday 27 May with Wyvern House in Concert at Centenary Hall followed by Lindfield in Concert on Thursday 29 May.  

This is followed by the Senior School Ensembles Concert on Tuesday 3 June and the Senior Concerto Competition for Years 10 to 12 on Wednesday 11 June. The pinnacle of the musical calendar, the Founders Concert, showcasing the cream of Newington’s musical talent  takes place on Thursday 7 August.  

Similarly, and often collaboratively with our musicians, the senior College Drama Department has some exciting events planned in Term 2 including the Year 8 play from 14 to 16 May and the Year 11 student directed play from 19 to 20 June.  

According to Mr. Mark Scott, Head of Music, Newington’s ability to offer so many opportunities to a plethora of students, and the quality of music staff, many professional musicians in their own right, is what makes Newington exceptional. 

Take a look at the many music offerings at Newington here and keep reading to learn how our Newington creatives performed in 2024!

Newington Year 12 students of Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Industrial Design Timber and English Extension 2 shone in 2024. The talented cohort received an outstanding three individual and one group selection plus 28 nominations in the annual HSC showcases and exhibitions OnSTAGE, ENCORE, Young Writers Showcase, ARTEXPRESS and SHAPE.  Also, 100% of Newington Year 12, 2024 students studying HSC Drama, English Extension 2, Music 1, Visual Arts and Design and Technology scored a Band 5 or 6 mark. To read more about Newington’s 2024 HSC and IB Results please click here.