Our mission is to inspire a life-long love of music in an atmosphere of enjoyment and mutual respect, engaging all students in creative, active and purposeful learning.
We provide an innovative continuum of teaching and learning from Pre-K - 12, through an expansive curricular and co-curricular program, reflecting the diversity of music in the 21st century.
Barker College offers a large variety of music programs.
The programs feature a vibrant and effective compulsory music program from Pre-K to Year 8 and a strong subscription to elective music courses from students in Years 9 to 12.
Students from across the School are also engaged in a wide-ranging co-curricular music program. More than a thousand young people who attend Barker are involved in the instrumental and choral programs offered.
The Music teachers at the School, both individually and collectively, have helped students achieve excellent levels of performance in a diverse range of musical styles for many years. The choirs and instrumental ensembles of Barker College have an outstanding reputation at the Sydney Eisteddfod and have been successful in both regional and national music championships. The School is proud of its HSC results in Music 1, Music 2 and Music Extension.
Students involved in Music at Barker College have a strong sense of identity and belonging to the Music Centre. The shared ownership of the resources, classes and activities, together with support from peers in Years Pre-K to 12 and leadership opportunities in a range of ensembles, ensures that all students gain exceptional pastoral care and growth through their involvement in music at the School.
The McCaskill Music Centre is a purpose-built facility in which most music at Barker College takes place. At any time between 7.00 am and 5.30 pm – and often later – the sounds of music-making greet you from within the Music Centre. Instrumental or vocal lessons, students practising, bands rehearsing; this is a vibrant centre of activity. The Music Centre offers the following facilities:
• The 120 seat Malcolm Williamson Recital Hall and choir rehearsal room
• The Peter Walmsley OAM rehearsal room
• The Barry Simpson Book Collection
• String rehearsal rooms
• Composition suite
• Music technology classrooms
• Keyboard laboratory
• Digital recording studio
• Small ensemble rehearsal rooms
• Rock room
• 20 + practice studios
• Purpose built instrument lockers for all instruments
• Music classrooms
Music Curriculum
Throughout both mandatory and elective programs, performance, listening and composition are at the heart of teaching and learning, with a strong emphasis on music as a performing art.
Prep and Junior School
Students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and Year 1 begin their journey in music with two 30 minute music lessons per week and one curriculum choir session a fortnight.
In Years 2 - 6 lessons are structured as follows:
The Prep and Junior School classroom teaching program is based on the Kodály methodology. Kodály believed that musical instruction should reflect the way that children learn naturally. Musical concepts are prepared and presented sequentially, through a variety of experiences including singing songs in unison, rounds, canons and in parts; singing themes from great instrumental music; games, improvisation and memory activities based on beat, rhythm, pitch and timbre; and listening and moving to music. Reading and writing skills stem from these activities. Tuned and untuned percussion instruments are also used as accompanying instruments for playing and improvising.
The classroom instrumental program is an integral part of the music curriculum for students in Years 2 and 3. In Year 2, all students receive group tuition on the violin, viola, cello or double bass. In Year 3 the program expands to include brass, woodwind and orchestral percussion instruments. While student preference is considered in instrumental selection, the professional judgment of staff is exercised in matching students to the instrument they are best suited. Students having private lessons on an orchestral instrument will continue with their instrument in the classroom instrumental program. Instrument sizing for Year 2 and instrument try-outs for Year 3 take place for students in Years 1 and 2 in Term 4 each year. Students are notified of their instrument allocation in Term 1 the following year. All students are allocated a Barker instrument for use in the program. There is no hire fee for these instruments. Year 3
drumming/ Tuned Percussion, Choir
Darkinjung Barker Music Program
Music plays an important part in the learning experiences at the Darkinjung Barker school. The students follow a developmental sequential music program that is relevant to the context of the School and taught with a respect for culture and tradition. Singing is a rewarding and simple way in which the students participate in fun music making whilst engaging in English and first language learning activities. Beat, rhythm and movement activities also feature strongly in the program.
Middle and Senior School
Year 7 and 8 Music
Students in Years 7 and 8 explore a range of musical activities and experiences through:
• Musical soundscapes, keyboard performance and music from around the world (Year 7).
• Rock music, guitar performance, and film music (Year 8).
Our program is supported by an integrated suite of ICT-based resources. Students primarily use their own electronic devices to develop their musical skills, and to discover innovative and creative approaches to learning.
The Year 7 and 8 units of work are accessed through the school learning management system ‘Canvas’. All student work is uploaded
creating a digital portfolio providing formative assessment and allowing each student to keep track of their progress.
Our goal is to develop students’ skills in the areas of performance, composition and listening. Performing in Year 7 involves learning and refining keyboard skills in our fully-equipped keyboard laboratory, as well as on a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments to develop rhythmic and melodic understanding.
Students in Year 8 explore a unit on rock music and have the opportunity to learn the guitar, electric bass and drum kit.
Composition activities involve developing traditional hand - written notation skills, graphic notation, and sequencing using GarageBand or Soundtrap on the students’ devices.
Music Curriculum
Year 9 and 10 Elective Music
At Barker College, we recognise that musicians are a diverse group of people, with different musical backgrounds, skills and experiences.
For this reason, the students in Years 9 and 10 may choose the music course that best caters to their skills from the following two options.
Contemporary Music Studies (CMS) is a customised course designed for students who are experienced or interested in developing skills on the guitar, bass, drum kit, or for contemporary pianists or vocalists. Students in this course typically read tabs and chord charts rather than traditional notation. Topics include the study of African music, tracing the origins of blues and rock music, as well as the study of musical theatre and music for small ensembles. This course leads into the Preliminary and HSC Music Course 1 subjects in Years 11 and 12.
The Elective Music Course is designed for students with an orchestral, band, or classical piano or vocal background. These students usually read traditional notation and have some understanding of musical theory. Topics include an in-depth study of Art Music (baroque, classical, romantic and 20th century styles), and the study of jazz and vocal music. This course becomes a natural progression into the Preliminary and HSC Music Course 2 and Music Extension subjects in Years 11 and 12.
From 2025, an Accelerated Music Course will be offered to Year 9 students. This advanced course is designed for students who demonstrate exceptional musical ability and commitment. To qualify, students must have a strong track record in classroom music, be highly involved in the co-curricular music program, and have exceptional performance
standards. Applicants will need to submit an application letter and complete a Music aptitude examination.
Assessment for the courses is based on an innovative electronic journal kept on Canvas Students upload samples of their performance, composition and listening activities throughout the year, providing an all-round snapshot of their progress. The emphasis in this assessment methodology is to provide students with ongoing feedback, placing the emphasis on the learning process, not just the final product.
Students who choose to study Music in Years 9 and 10 are required to have weekly private lessons on an instrument or voice and to take part in one of Barker’s many large ensembles.
Additional information regarding Elective Music in Year 9 can be found here.
Students applying to study music as an academic subject may be asked to attend an interview with the Head of Music to ascertain their suitability for the course and to confirm involvement in the co-curricular program.
Year 11 and 12 Preliminary and HSC Music Courses
Barker College has had consistently high numbers of students taking music as an HSC subject, showing a high level of engagement and involvement by students.
There are two HSC Music courses in Years 11 and 12, both with an emphasis on musicology, performance and composition. Students in Year 12 can specialise in the areas of their choice.
In Year 11, students in Music 1 take part in several activities representing topics that include Music for Small Ensembles and Music for Film, Radio, TV and Multimedia. These
activities include performing as a soloist and as part of a group, composing several short pieces and presenting a musicological viva voce, or discussion on a musical topic that interests the student.
Music 2 students follow similar activities in listening, performance and composition that relate to the topics Music 1600-1900 and Australian music.
In Year 12, students can choose some of their own topics from the list of those approved by NESA. In addition, Year 12 Music 2 students also study the mandatory topic Music of the Last 25 Years (Australian focus) and sight singing.
In both courses, students undertake a course of study in aural training and musical concepts. Students are supported in their own, very individual program by a team which includes their class teacher, the Composerin-Residence, the piano accompanist and
other visiting musicians who may assist with ensemble performances.
Extension Music is an additional unit of study in the HSC available to selected Music 2 students. In this course, students undertake an additional program of either three performances, two compositions or a musicological research essay.
The Music Extension unit involves at least 4 extra hours of study per fortnight.
Students who choose to study Music in Years 11 and 12 are required to have weekly private instrument or voice lessons and to take part in one of the School’s many large ensembles.
Students preparing for HSC performances may employ the services of peripatetic staff as accompanists. Expenses to cover the cost of this accompaniment is covered by the students.
Co-Curricular Ensembles
Barker’s co-curricular ensemble program offers a wide variety of performance opportunities for students.
The co-curricular program is not only large, but also dynamic and diverse. Across both Junior and Senior Schools, there are over 40 ensembles involving hundreds of students. All ensembles perform in School concerts and other events, while some also participate in competitions, festivals and undertake national and international tours.
All ensembles are graded by ability and age so that the music students work together at the appropriate level. There are occasions when the different ensembles combine for concerts. Rehearsals for all ensembles take place either before or after School. Ensembles perform at many of the major Music events throughout the year, including Symphony Under the Stars, Barker College concerts, Masterpiece Concerts, Eisteddfods and Band Festivals.
Students involved in co-curricular ensembles are expected to undertake private instrumental tuition either within school or outside school hours.
Ensemble Placement
All instrumentalists and vocalists (Years 3-12 engaged in private tuition at Barker are required to audition for large ensemble placement in Term 4 each year.
Students new to the school will be invited to an interview with music staff and parents. It is a friendly way to welcome new students to the music program and answer any questions. These interviews are held in conjunction with the school orientation program in Term 4.
Rehearsal Timetable
A detailed co-curricular ensemble rehearsal timetable can be found on the Barker website.
Rehearsal and Performance Attendance
Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Parents/guardians should provide written explanation to the ensemble director for any rehearsal absence. Requests to be excused from performances should be directed to the Head of Music.
Honour Colours
Members of the Chamber Choir, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra may be awarded Honour Colours for their involvement in these premier ensembles.
Two unexplained absences from rehearsals may disqualify senior ensemble members from the award of Honour Colours.
Band Program
Barker College currently has eight concert bands - three in the Junior School and five in the Senior School, namely:
• Training Band
• Junior School Concert Band
• Junior School Wind Ensemble
• Kurrajong Wind Ensemble
• McCaskill Wind Ensemble
• Middle School Wind Orchestra
• Senior Wind Orchestra
• Wind Symphony
Jazz Program
Instrumentalists performing in the band program may also be invited to perform in one of the School’s Jazz ensembles. Similar to the band program, these ensembles are graded according to experience and ability.
The Jazz Orchestra, Stage Bands and Jazz Ensembles are featured at the School Dinner Dance - Barker Swings - and they perform at many other Music events throughout the year.
• Junior School Stage Band
• Middle School Big Band
• Middle School Jazz Orchestra
• Big Band
• Jazz Orchestra
• Jazz Ensembles
String Program
All string players at the School rehearse and perform in a string orchestra or chamber orchestra.
The Symphony Orchestra combines selected members of the string orchestras and woodwind, brass and percussion players from the Band Program.
• Tartini Strings
• Viotti Strings
• Paganini Strings
• Junior School Chamber Orchestra
• Middle School String Orchestras
• Chamber Orchestra
• Symphony Orchestra
Choral Program
Barker College has an outstanding reputation for its choirs.
Choral singing begins in Prep and Junior School where students perform in year group choirs as part of their classroom music curriculum.
Students in Years 5 and 6 may audition for the award-winning Copeland Choir.
The Senior and Middle School choirs are nonauditioned choirs and are open to all members of the Secondary School.
All singers in Secondary School may also audition for the selective Chamber Choir.
At times, these choirs combine to form Barker Chorus and perform as a massed choir at events.
• Copeland Choir
• Middle School Choir
• Chamber Choir
• Senior Choir
Chamber Music
Instrumentalists involved in the large ensemble program may choose to be involved in brass, woodwind, percussion and guitar ensembles.
String students from Years 3 to 12 also have the opportunity to rehearse and perform repertoire for small ensembles such as duets, trios, quartets and quintets. Pianists can also be involved in this program.
Guitar Program
The guitar program provides our guitar students with an equivalent ensemble experience to that of bands, orchestras and choirs. Guitarists can also participate in the contemporary music program and play in one of our many rock bands. The guitar ensembles are:
• Junior School Guitar Ensemble
• Middle School Guitar Ensemble
• Senior School Guitar Ensemble
Contemporary Music Program
Barker College encourages and facilitates a diverse range of contemporary music - from rock, pop, acoustic, electronic and more. Middle and Senior School students who are interested in these styles are welcome to join the Contemporary Music Program. The aim of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to form a band, learn rehearsal techniques and perform on stage.
The program can assist students forming their own rock band with like-minded students and caters for beginners to more experienced players. For established bands, the program provides rehearsal spaces fully equipped with a drum kit, two guitar amps, bass amp, keyboard amp, microphones and a PA.
Rehearsals take place in the Music Centre during lunchtime and after school, and music staff are available during rehearsal times to help develop performance skills.
Students involved in the program will also have the opportunity to attend various workshops throughout the year, learning from musicians working in the industry.
The program offers several performance opportunities throughout the year, including:
• Coffee House Unplugged
• Coffee House
• Spring Fair
• Lunchtime Jams
Music Events
Music Camp
Music Camp is one of the highlights of the school year for Barker’s Senior School music students. Music Camp is a great start to the School year and takes place in late January just prior to the resumption of School. The students have fun concentrating on their music in the company of their peers. New students have a wonderful opportunity to meet with other musicians and enjoy the highly supportive rehearsals and social activities.
The three day Music Camp is compulsory for all Middle and Senior School musicians who participate in the co-curricular music ensemble program. Enrolment details and other information is sent to parents/guardians early in Term 4 each year.
A two day music camp for Junior School ensembles is held in Term 1 of each year.
Symphony Under the Stars
Symphony Under the Stars is Barker Music’s annual outdoor concert showcase. The event takes place on the OBA Soundstage in March on a balmy late summer evening and attracts an audience of over 2000 people. Over 450 students perform on the night. Families bring their own picnic-style refreshments and can order meals from the Friends of Barker Music to support its fundraising.
Masterpiece Concerts
An important part of the senior ensemble program is the presentation of showcase concerts at the Concourse Chatswood. The concerts are popular not only with the students, but also with families, staff and the wider community.
Band, Orchestra and Choral Concerts
Each music co-curricular program is represented at a concert that showcases performances from Junior, Middle and Senior School Ensembles. Student soloists and professional guest artists are sometimes also invited to perform at these events.
Coffee House
Coffee House is a student-run rock concert organised by the Music Captains which showcases over twenty of the very best Barker student rock bands.
For some young musicians, Coffee House is the first time their band hits the stage in front of an audience. For others, it is a chance to engage the audience and show off their musical skills. All bands gain valuable experience in the art of performing and musical expression and for many students, Coffee House is the highlight of contemporary music at Barker College. There are two coffee house performances each year in Terms 2 and 4.
Chamber in the Chapel
Held early in Term 2 Chamber in the Chapel features performances by the Chamber Orchestra and school choirs. The event is performed in the wonderful acoustic of the War Memorial Chapel.
Jazz Café
An informal jazz soiree held early in Term 2 featuring performances by the jazz orchestra, big bands, stage bands and jazz ensembles.
Music Events
Barker Swings
Barker Swings is held in Week 2 of Term 3. The event is coordinated by the Friends of Barker Music (FOBM) and features the School’s jazz program. The event is also a major fundraising for the Music Centre resources for students. Each year a respected Australian jazz musician spends a week in rehearsals, workshops and classes with the students and performs on the night with the Barker Music Staff Invitational Big Band.
Barker Swings is a cabaret style dinner dance held in the School’s Multi-Purpose Hall. The evening includes a variety of savoury hors d'oeuvres, desserts and licensed beverage service.
HSC Showcase Concerts
Prior to their HSC Performance Exams, all Year 12 elective music students perform at special showcase concerts. The repertoire performed represents courses of study undertaken by the students in HSC Music Course 1, Course 2 and Music Extension.
The audience of parents/guardians, students and staff enjoy outstanding performances of contemporary Australian music, baroque, classical, romantic, jazz, rock and pop styles.
The HSC Showcase Concerts are held in Term 3 in the Malcolm Williamson Recital Hall.
Senior Ensemble Farewell Concert
This concert is the last time Year 12 ensemble members perform at Barker. It is a celebration of their achievements and provides an opportunity for parents/guardians, staff and students to express thanks to the Year 12 students for their contribution to the
Music program over their School life. After the concert Year 12 students and parents/ guardians come together for a supper in the Music Centre Atrium.
Musical Production
The Barker College Musical Production is one of the biggest events of the year. The Secondary School Musical is held in Week 3 of Term 4 each year, while the Junior School Musical takes place every second year in Week 2 of Term 4. Auditions are held in Semester 1, with rehearsals starting in Term 3 after school and on some weekends. Each production is a collaboration between the Music and Drama Departments, with Junior School staff also contributing to the Junior School Musical.
Junior and Middle School Ensembles Concerts
These concerts feature the Junior School and Middle School co-curricular ensembles and are held in Term 3 each year.
Sing!
Sing! is an informal concert held in Term 2 to demonstrate the choral development of the Prep and Junior School curriculum choirs.
Concerto Competition
Students involved in the co-curricular ensemble program may audition for Barker’s annual Concerto Competition. Heats and final are held in Term 1. The winner of the competition performs their concerto with the Symphony Orchestra at the Masterpiece Concert in Term 2.
Music Events
Junior School Atrium Concerts
Atrium Concerts are held in Terms 2 and 4 to demonstrate the musical development of students involved in the Year 2 and 3 classroom instrumental program.
Lunchtime Concerts
Lunchtime concerts are held throughout the year to provide performance opportunities for Music students from across the school. All students are welcome to perform. The concerts are held in the Malcolm Williamson Recital Hall.
Spring Fair
The Barker College Spring Fair is held biennially in September, and Music forms an important role in the day’s entertainment program. Students from across the school are involved in the jazz ensembles and rock bands that perform at the Spring Fair.
Christmas Nativity
The Christmas Nativity features the Prep School in a musical celebrating the magic of this special time of year. The production is a collaboration between the Music Department and Prep School staff in Term 4.
Red Thread Christmas Concert
The Red Thread Christmas Concert is a relaxed outdoor concert held on the OBA Soundstage in late November each year. Each of the School’s ensembles performs music they have been working on in second semester as well as some well known Christmas tunes. It is a wonderful way to conclude the school year for the music students.
String Solo Competition
The String Solo Competition is a platform for our best string players from Prep to Senior School to showcase their skills and musicality. The competition has five sections from Beginner to Diploma level and is adjudicated each year by one of Sydney's leading string players and pedagogues. The finals of the competition are held in Term 4.
Celebration
Music plays an important part in the annual Barker College Celebration award ceremonies.
Barker College International Music Tours
1997 New Zealand
1999 UK & Europe
Symphonic Wind Band and Senior Choir
Symphonic Wind Band and Senior Choir
2001 Argentina Chamber Orchestra and Senior Choir
2002 USA Symphonic Wind Band
2004 England, Wales and Europe Senior Choir
2006 China Symphonic Wind Band and Senior Choir
2008 Europe and England Chamber Orchestra and Senior Choir
2012 Cuba
Symphonic Wind Band and Jazz Orchestra
2013 USA Chamber Orchestra and Senior Choir
2015 Gallipoli, Venice and Turkey Symphonic Wind Band, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra and Senior Choir
2016 USA Symphonic Wind Band and Jazz Orchestra
2017 Europe and UK Choir and Strings
2019 China Copeland Choir
2023 Japan Wind Symphony and Jazz Orchestra
2024 Spain Chamber Orchestra
Barker College Music is recognised internationally as a result of numerous overseas music tours.
International touring broadens and deepens our students musical experience and understanding. Students have highly valued the performance opportunities, cultural diversity and richness of global perspective that come from engaging with the musical life of a variety of countries.
Barker College ensembles have also travelled throughout Australia to national championships, music festivals and Eisteddfods. The Middle School ensembles have enjoyed several tours interstate and to NSW regional areas.
Private Music Tuition
Students undertaking music tuition at Barker are expected to participate in the school co-curricular ensemble program.
Many Barker students enrich their musical journey through private music tuition, taught by experienced and qualified visiting music teachers. Private lessons are available on all instruments and voice. The music department arranges the allocation of lessons for all students.
Private lessons are organised on a rotating basis during the school day, whereby lesson times shift each week. This is to ensure that no single subject is consistently missed. Students or parents/guardians are not able to request specific times for lessons.
Upon receipt of an application, students will be assigned a visiting music teacher who will directly contact the student and parent to organise weekly lessons and discuss progress throughout the term. Times for these lessons appear on the student's school timetable.
Please note that private music lessons are reserved for students who are fully involved in the co-curricular ensemble program. Piano and vocal students fulfil their ensemble commitment through involvement in Junior School curriculum choir, Middle or Senior School Choir. Guitarists fulfil commitment
Lessons Available
through involvement in the Junior School guitar ensemble, Middle School guitar ensemble or contemporary ensemble. Students are issued with a music practice book to help them organise their practice during the week. Regular daily practice is essential to maintain progress on any instrument. A reward system exists in the Junior and Middle School, with medals awarded to recognise outstanding levels of music practice.
Lessons are 30, 45 minutes, or 1 hour in length. It is recommended that students of higher grades take one hour lessons to cover syllabus requirements.
The visiting music teacher must be advised at least 24 hours in advance of a lesson if a student is unable to attend for any reason –including assessment tasks, incursions and excursions.
The visiting music teacher will make arrangements with the parent/guardian with respect to any decision by the parent/guardian to cancel lessons. A minimum of four weeks notice is required. The parent/guardian should also notify the music department of any cancellation of lessons.
Woodwind Oboe, Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon and Saxophone
Brass Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Trombone and Tuba
Percussion All Orchestral Percussion instruments and Drum Kit
Keyboard Piano, Jazz Piano and Pipe Organ
Strings Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Bass Guitar and Guitar
Voice
Classical, contemporary and music theatre for all voice types - soprano, alto, tenor and bass
Jazz Piano, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Voice
Tuition Fees
Fees for lessons received will be charged to the parent/guardian directly by the visiting music teacher. The Music Department will not provide parents/guardians with anticipated rates but trust that all visiting music teachers will stay within reasonable bounds when setting fees.
Musicianship
Musicianship develops a student’s musical understanding and is tested in written form. It starts with basic concepts such as notes, scales, chords, terms and signs, and in the higher grades develops compositional skills and musical understanding of works, composers, styles and instruments. Grade 4 onwards also tests aural skills. Exams are completed online throughout the year at the students own pace and recommendation of their musicianship tutor. Please note that enrolments for Musicianship are on a separate form.
Musicianship lessons are recommended for all students taking instrumental tuition and are conducted in a group or one-on-one.
Music Scholarships
Music scholarships assist in covering the cost of instrumental tuition and provide a reduction in academic fees. These are advertised through the Enrolment office. Music scholars are expected to be fully involved in the cocurricular music program, study elective music up to the HSC and perform in ensembles as requested by the Head of Music. They
must also maintain an outstanding level of participation, effort and achievement.
Hire of Instruments
Some instruments are available for hire for one year only, after which time students will be expected to purchase their own (piano, guitar and drums are not available to hire). The cost of hire is $160 per term. In the case of large and expensive instruments an extension of the hire period may be considered.
Instruments are allocated to Junior School students involved in the Years 2 and 3 classroom instrumental programs. There is no hire fee for these instruments.
Instrument Insurance Policy
Parents/guardians should be aware that the school’s insurance policy only covers damage to school hired and classroom instrumental program instruments in the care of students. There is a $250 excess fee payable by parents/guardians in event of loss or damage. In the event of loss, a police report must be obtained and sent to the Head of Music.
Security of Instruments
All instruments – whether on hire from the school or privately owned – should be marked clearly with the student’s full name and contact number both inside and outside the case.
Barker Music cannot be responsible for the loss or damage to students' personal property.
Instrument Locker
Instrumental students may apply for the use of a purpose-built locker supplied with a school padlock by completing an Application for Music Locker.
Students should secure their instruments inside the locker when not in use. Instrumental lockers are allocated by the Music Centre administrative staff.
It is important that these lockers are used appropriately to ensure the safety of instruments.
Students must not leave their instruments on the floor in the locker rooms or around the Music Centre. Those that do may incur a detention and have their locker privilege reassessed.
Online Forms
Applications for private tuition, instrument hire, instrument lockers and discontinuation of private tuition can be found at:
Students performing with outside music organisations are reminded that Barker College music activities take priority for students enrolled at the school.
Students wishing to perform in another school's musical production or with external music organisations must seek written permission from the Head of Music.
Student Use of Facilities
Students wishing to use the facilities in the Music Centre for their own ensembles are required to book a room in the first instance with the Music Centre administration.
All students who enter the allocated room to rehearse must be involved in the ensemble. No additional students are allowed to be in the room at any time.
All students must have the necessary equipment. No leads, guitars, straps, sticks, extra cymbals, double bass drum pedals will be lent out to any students during this time. All equipment has been set up for easy access. Nothing can be moved between rooms. Any damage to equipment will be charged to a student account if necessary.
Any damage to equipment from natural wear must be reported immediately to a staff member so that it can be repaired.
Volume levels must not be damaging to students' health.
All rooms must be left in a suitable condition after rehearsal, ensuring that all gear is exactly as it was when the rehearsal started.
Parent Support, Alumni and Community Music
OBA Big Band
The Old Barker Association Big Band was formed in 2010 and rehearses one evening a week in the Music Centre.
The band performs at School events such as the Town Hall Concert, Barker Swings, OBA Annual Dinner and Spring Fair. It also performs at community events and on the club circuit.
OBA North Shore Wind Symphony
The North Shore Wind Symphony was founded in 2016 and its members are passionate about making meaningful music. We promote a lifelong love of music by providing like-minded individuals the opportunity to perform quality wind ensemble repertoire in an environment driven by enjoyment and respect. With the support of the Old Barker Association, we strive to share this enjoyment of music-making across Sydney and beyond.
Friends of Barker Music (FOBM)
FOBM is a music parent support group that was established in 2002.
FOBM supports the students and Music staff in a number of music activities throughout the year and helps initiate fundraising activities that support the costs of music centre resources and international touring. The Music staff are extremely grateful for the generous support of FOBM over many years.
Some of the activities undertaken by FOBM include catering at music events, publicity of concerts, front of house duties, fundraising and assisting with the maintenance of the music resources.
Barker College Music Staff
Mary Jayne Smith Head of Junior School Music - Curriculum
Kathy Day Assistant Co-ordinator of Music - Curriculum
Simon Smith Head of Music
Gerard Plummer Senior School Head of Bowman House & Music Teacher
Peter Ellis Director of Choral Programs
Brendan Collins Composer in Residence
David Saffir Director of Strings
Andrew McWade Director of Bands
Alice Hanna Piano Accompanist
Jonathan Todhunter Junior School Music Teacher
Wayne Chang Junior School Music Teacher
Lachlan McDonald Secondary School Music Teacher
Andy Mifsud Digital Learning Leader & Music Teacher
Galit Fisher Assistant to the Head of Music
September 2024
Elaine Slawski Head of Junior School Music - Co-curricular
Lesley Moxon Senior School Head of Mackenzie House and Music Teacher
