Creative and Performing Arts

ART AND DESIGN

Canberra Grammar School offers a dynamic Visual Arts and Design curriculum, complemented by a co-curricular programme to allow students to extend their creative intelligence through a variety of mediums.

The Art and Design curriculum is constantly evolving to embrace new technologies and approaches that engage and stimulate our students’ imaginations.

The Canberra Grammar School Gallery proudly supports young and emerging artists in the Canberra community, with close links to the Australian National University’s School of Art and the Emerging Artists Support Scheme. The Gallery regularly exhibits established indigenous and international artists, young graduate artists and the work of students from our own Junior and Senior schools.

DANCE

Dance teaches young people to be focused, disciplined and to develop their individual creativity while fostering social interaction and cooperation. Dance provides students with an opportunity to use movement as a tool for self-expression and communication as they explore individual sensitivity and appreciation, and develop an awareness of those around them.

At Canberra Grammar School, dance opportunities exist within the co-curricular program. These opportunities are designed to celebrate the talents of our students and support those that love to dance by providing them with new opportunities. Students are challenged to learn new skills, develop self confidence and strive for excellence, all while having fun in a safe and nurturing environment.  Co-curricular dance opportunities are offered to students in years 7-12. 

Dance Ensembles

Dance ensembles are created throughout the year to perform at various events/special occasions. Dance styles vary depending on the event and rehearsals will take place before and after school.

Musical Productions

Canberra Grammar School produces musicals regularly, with opportunities for students to be a part of the dance ensemble. Musical productions range from small scale productions to larger scale productions and are held in our own Performing Arts Centre or in larger theatre venues within the ACT.

Dance Festival

The Ausdance Youth Dance Festival is an annual event run by Ausdance ACT. The event is a non-competitive opportunity for High Schools and Colleges in the ACT and surrounds to perform at the Canberra Theatre. Each year the festival has an overall theme and schools are challenged to use the language of movement to produce a piece that interprets the theme. Canberra Grammar School participates each year, with auditions being held in Term 2.

THEATRE

Drama focuses on developing the key skills of confidence, collaboration and creativity. Drama allows students to explore and develop the  verbal and non-verbal expression of ideas. Drama allows young people to develop self-confidence by challenging them to make creative choices, take risks and trust in their ideas and abilities.

The very nature of theatre requires a collaborative approach, and at Canberra Grammar School students are provided with a range of options and experiences when nominating to become a member of a production. Roles exist for actors, directors, technical and backstage crew, musicians, singers and dancers.   Canberra Grammar School produces several plays and musicals throughout the year. Students always enjoy being  part of our vibrant productions held in our own Performing Arts Centre and in larger theatre spaces within the ACT.

Productions

A number of  productions are produced throughout the year and are held in our Performing Arts Centre. Plays range from Shakespeare to comedy and from tragedies to the obscure. Senior students have the opportunity to direct plays as part of their IB CAS project.  Our productions involve students working closely with each other across  all year groups, leading to the building of strong connections across the senior school. Auditions are open to students in years 7-12.

Musical Productions

Canberra Grammar School produces an annual musical, providing students with an enriching and unique opportunity to be a part of dynamic and high quality productions. We strive for excellence in our shows and are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that combines the talents of our actors, singers, dancers and musicians. Technical and backstage roles also exist within our shows. Auditions are open to students in years 7-12.

2021 CGS Musical Production is:  

MUSIC

Music is a tremendously important part of Canberra Grammar School as we recognise that an appreciation of music is a source of enduring pleasure that will last a lifetime.

Music is integral to the daily life of the School, and instrumental, classroom and Co-Curricular Music weave together to provide opportunities at all levels of music education; from solo and ensemble performance through to the study of music history, composition and musicology.

The philosophy behind music at Canberra Grammar School is to:

• Instil a lasting love of music in all students
• Encourage students to come to a better understanding of music through relevant and exciting musical experiences
• Nurture the musician that is within every student through active involvement in music making; and
• Provide each student with a sense of personal achievement and to develop self discipline.

Canberra Grammar School offers a wide selection of choirs, orchestras and bands for students, as well as many smaller ensembles for individual instrumental groups.

CHOIRS

• Canberra Grammar School Choir

BANDS, ORCHESTRAS AND ENSEMBLES

• Barrett, Middleton and Fischer Concert Bands
• Armstrong and Fitzgerald Jazz Bands
• Percussion Ensemble
• String Orchestra
• Cello Choir
• Guitar Orchestra
• Advanced Guitar Ensemble
• Electric Guitar Ensembles; and
• Instrument Specific Ensembles.