Performing Arts

Notre Dame College has a long standing tradition of excellence in the Performing Arts. This tradition began with Mother Ignatius Starkie. With the sisters of Mercy, Mother Ignatius developed outstanding musical and dramatic programs during the early history of our college, including the staging of operettas and musical performances. One of our rehearsal venues, Starkie Hall, is named after her.

Students can choose to participate in the following activities:

College Production

Every year Notre Dame College performs a full-scale musical in July that features students from Years 7-12. This production is open to all students, regardless of their level of experience. There are many roles, large and small, that students can take on. It is an exciting way to develop skills in singing, dancing, and acting on stage or in technical, musical or backstage roles. We are incredibly proud of the positive relationships that are nurtured throughout the production community.

We are very proud to have many nominees and winners in the Georgy Awards conducted within the Goulburn Valley each year. We are also most humbled and awed to receive nominations, commendations and awards from the Victorian Music Theatre Guild at a state level. Most importantly, we are proud of every single student who participates and grows, not just as a performer, but also as an individual.

Junior Play

The Junior Play runs during Semester Two. It provides an opportunity for Year 7, 8 and 9 students to perform in the Drama Room to an audience of friends and family. Students have the chance to develop their skills as actors and to learn the process of how a play moves from the page to the stage.

Music

College Mass Choir and Band

Notre Dame College celebrates Mass every year with the whole school community during Term One. While everyone participates in singing the songs, the music for this significant event is led by the Choir and Band. Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of their level of experience.

College Jazz Band

Students who undertake instrumental or voice lessons, either through the College or privately, are welcome to audition for the Jazz Band. They meet once a week and undertake classic songs such as ‘Moondance’ by Van Morrison, ‘Under the Bridge’ by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and ‘Mercy’ by Amy Winehouse.

Year 9 Ensemble (Emmaus)

The Year 9 Ensemble meets each fortnight at the Emmaus Campus and gives students the opportunity to try out different instruments (including voice). It is a great social learning experience and students are encouraged to choose the music that is performed. All levels of experience are welcome.

Instrumental Music Programme

The Instrumental Music Programme is open to all Notre Dame College students.

We provide a specialist programme for students with an outstanding group of music tutors who are prominent musicians within the community.

The music programme is constantly evolving to suit the needs of our students and covers areas such as classical, contemporary and jazz streams. Students also have the opportunity to sit for graded performance exams that are nationally and internationally recognised.

The two option's offered to students are either individual lessons or group lessons. Group lessons are ideal for younger musicians who are curious about learning an instrument in a less formal environment whilst being more cost effective.

Programme Cost

The Instrumental Music Programme is billed per term.

2023 Fees per lesson: $30 Group $40 Individual

Instrument Hire

Instrument hire is limited, and will be dependent on the instrument availability. Alternatively, families may decide to purchase an instrument for their student. If you are not sure about what instrument to purchase please discuss this with the music tutors.

Kool Skools

Kool Skools is an exciting Recording and Multimedia Project open to all students. This program promotes, develops, and supports a diverse range of talent and all genres of contemporary music writing and performance. Each year students work within a professional studio in Melbourne, recording an album of original music of their own creation.