The Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) is an association of thirteen Catholic schools from across Melbourne and nearby regions. The association's primary focus is on engaging students in extra curricular activities including sport, art, drama and music.
The ACC has been including interschool music in its program of activities since 2000. Over the last 25 years the association has established a three-year cycle of activity which culminates in the ACCent on Music Concert at Hamer Hall in the third year. The two years between are considered "workshop years" in which schools within the association host workshops for all or some association schools for ensemble focus days and performance convention days such as masterclasses and battle of the bands.
The schools in our association are:
- De La Salle College, Malvern
- Emmanuel College, Altona North & Point Cook
- Mazenod College, Mulgrave
- Parade College, Bundoora & Preston
- Salesian College, Chadstone
- Simonds College, West Melbourne
- St Bede's College, Mentone
- St Bernard's College, Essendon
- St Joseph's College, Ferntree Gully
- St Joseph's College, Geelong
- St Marys College, St Kilda
- St Patrick's College, Ballarat
- Whitefriars College, Donvale
We seek expressions of interest from willing and suitably qualified musicians, educators, artists, clinicians and conductors interested in presenting as a guest artist or conductor for our workshop days.
Our program of workshop days (each 4-hours long, 10am-2pm) usually have the following foci:
· Vocal Workshop/Choir Workshop
· Concert Band Workshop
· Jazz/Stage Band Workshop
· Battle of the Bands/Contemporary workshop
· Orchestral Strings/Symphony Orchestra Workshop
· Drumline Workshop/Percussion Workshop
· VCE performance masterclass
Most workshops, with the exception of the solo masterclass, are usually focused on junior secondary to middle secondary students. These workshops are to provide positive and engaging experiences, help in retention of musicians in our respective school music programs, and build momentum and interest towards the next ACCent on Music concert.
The workshop program is also designed to offer our music teachers a professional development opportunity through observation.
Please complete the form below, expressing your interest in being a guest musician, artist, clinician or conductor for the ACC in 2026 or 2027.