Beyond our Classroom
Creative Arts
  • Sport
  • Creative Arts
  • Other Activities
  • Awards Programmes

    • The Creative Arts Faculty offers a wide range of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities at Mercy Catholic College.

    Co-curricular activities also add to the life and spirit of the College and are a tangible way of connecting to the community and involving parent participation through various performance and exhibition opportunities.

    Enrichment activities in Creative Arts include the opportunity to take part in numerous art competitions including the Pixel Photographic Prize, the Bishop’s Art Prize and the Mosman Youth Art Prize.

    Creative Arts Co-curricular and Enrichment Activities

    Dance

    Mercy Catholic College offers 2 types of Dance Groups to students. Both of these Groups are provided by external suppliers and payment is made directly to the teacher.

    Recreational Dance Ensemble

    This Dance Group is open to Year 7-12 students who are interested in Dance and performing. Students enjoy music and movement, keep fit and healthy with friends and develop performance experience. All ability levels are welcome. All Dance Groups showcase their talents at the College’s Annual Creative Arts Showcase held in November each year. Dance is held Monday afternoons in the Flexible Learning Space.

    Competitive Dance Ensemble

    The Dance performance Ensemble will offer students the opportunity to gain experience at competitions, festivals and various College based events throughout the year. Classes currently offered are Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. Participation in the programme requires a full year commitment and entry is via audition. Registration and class fees apply.
    N.B. Additional costs may be incurred.

    Drama

    Enrich, Encourage, Empower

     Drama Club

    Drama Club is a fun, supportive environment where experiences in dramatic arts help students develop confidence and self-esteem.

    • Open to students in Years 7 and 8.
    • Develop skills in voice, movement, improvisation, play building (Semester 1) and script work (Semester 2).
    • Programs alternate each year.
    • Opportunity to perform for family and friends.

    Wednesday 3:20-4:20pm Year 7 & 8
    Thursday 3:20-4:20pm Year 7&8
    Where: MCC Drama Space
    Cost: $280 per semester (8 lessons per term, W2-9)

    Click here for registration form

    For further information, contact Mrs Caron

    The 2025 Co-Curricular Music Staff consists of:
    • Mr Matthew Robertson – Music Teacher, Pop Choir, Stage Band, & Rock Band Director
    • Ms Stella Lu – Music Teacher, Chamber Choir & Liturgical Ensemble Director
    • Ms Jade Foster – Music Teacher
    Tutors:
    • Ms Eleanor Brimblecomb – Clarinet & Saxophone Tutor
    • Mrs Wendy Vardouniotis – Violin & Viola Tutor
    • Mr Joseph Zarb – Guitar & Bass Tutor
    • Ms Patricia Amphlett – Voice Tutor
    • Mr George Yang – Cello Tutor
    • Mrs Donna Greig – Flute Tutor
    • Ms. Mari Matsuda – Piano Tutor
    • Mr Chris Haigh – Drum/Percussion Tutor
    • Ms Nyeve Mackenzie – Low Brass Tutor
    Co-Curricular Music Programmes Offered
    Concert Band – Director: Ms Eleanor Brimblecomb
    The College Concert Band rehearses each Tuesday morning at 7.30am in the Flex and represents the school at a variety of functions throughout the year. Girls in the Concert Band must be receiving lessons on their instrument (either through the College or outside the College). At Mercy, Band members have access to private tuition on a variety of instruments.
    Stage Band – Director: Mr Matthew Robertson
    Stage Band rehearses at lunch each Wednesday in C35. The Stage Band consists of a rhythm section (drum kit, piano, bass, guitar) and melodic section (brass, saxophone & other woodwind).
    Band Fees:
    The annual fee for Bands is $180, paid through Compass. NB The fee covers both Bands, should the students commit to both Ensembles.
    Choral Programme
    The College offers:
    Chamber Choir – Director: Ms Stella Lu
    The Chamber Choir is the flagship choir at Mercy. Any student who is confident reading music and singing in multiple parts is encouraged to audition. The Chamber Choir rehearses each Wednesday from 7.30am – 8.30am. The Chamber Choir performs at a range of competitions, school and community events.
    Pop Choir – Director: Mr Matthew Robertson
    The Pop Choir is a general choir that requires a brief audition to determine students’ voice types. All students are encouraged to join. The Pop Choir rehearses each Monday at lunch in C35 and performs at a range of events throughout the year.
    Choir Fees:
    The Annual Choir fee is $75 NB The fee covers both Choirs, should a student commit to both.
    Small Ensembles Programme
    • String Ensemble: Director: Mrs Wendy Vardouniotis
      Any student who plays violin, viola, cello or double bass is encouraged to join.
    • New Wave Guitar Ensemble: Director: Mr Joseph Zarb
       This is designed for new students who play guitar, bass or ukulele – members of this group gain skills and experience to be able to join the Friday Guitar Ensemble.
    • Friday Guitar Ensemble: Director: Mr Joseph Zarb
       Any student who plays guitar, bass or ukulele is encouraged to join.
    • Flute Ensemble: Director: Ms Donna Greig
      Any student who plays the flute is encouraged to join.
    • Rock Band: Director: Mr Matthew Robertson
      The ensemble is only open to Elective Music students (Year 9 – 12) that play an instrument appropriate for a rock/pop band i.e. voice, guitar, bass, drum kit, keyboard/piano/synth. There is no charge for this ensemble in 2025.

    Small Ensemble Fees: Ensemble programs run for 9 weeks of every term. Ensemble fees cover the costs of external tutors who direct and manage the ensemble, sheet music, eisteddfod entry fees and external accompanists. The 2025 fee for each ensemble is $195 (excluding Flute which is $160)  per Semester, paid using Compass. Fees are not refundable, as girls are expected to remain in their ensembles for the Semester.
    Private Instrumental Programme
    Private tutoring is available for students. All financial arrangements are made between the tutors, the students, and their parents. The following instruments are available for private tuition (subject to demand)
    • Piano
    • Flute
    • Clarinet
    • Saxophone
    • Voice
    • Trumpet/Brass
    • Guitar/Bass
    • Violin/Viola/Cello
    • Drum kit/Percussion
    **All the lesson fees/terms are the same as before**
    Day
    Ensemble and Lessons
    Monday
    Voice lessons
    Drum lessons
    Pop Choir – lunch in C35
    Tuesday
    Concert Band from 7:30am in the Flex
    New Wave Guitar Ensemble from 7:30am in C34
    Clarinet & Saxophone lessons
    Brass lessons
    Piano lessons
    Guitar & Bass lessons
    Wednesday
    Chamber Choir from 7:30am in C34
    Flute Lessons
    Flute Ensemble – lunch in C34
    Stage Band – lunch in C35
    Thursday
    String Ensemble from 7:30am  in C35
    Violin & Viola lessons
    Friday
    Guitar Ensemble from 7:30am  in C35
    Guitar & Bass lessons
    Rock Band (Elective Music only) – lunch in C35

    Note: Lesson times are approximate. Ensembles may occasionally need to change day due to school events, public holidays etc. Students will be notified by Compass for any changes to rehearsal times.

    For more please contact
    Matthew Robertson matthew.robertson@dbb.catholic.edu.au or (02) 7256 2120

    2025 Register your Expression of interest for MCC Co-curricular Music here

    2025 Register your Expression of interest for MCC Co-curricular Instrumental Lessons here