Music at Darwin Middle School

We inspire our students in a ‘learning for life environment’ and empower them to be independent learners. Our outstanding music program supports students to develop their skills, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents, develop a sense of accomplishment and achieve a strong sense of pride.

About the program

We provide the largest and most comprehensive middle school music program in the Northern Territory with specialist teachers and state of the art music teaching facilities including; a Concert Band rehearsal room, four instrumental studio rehearsal rooms, a percussion rehearsal room, a music technology lab and a recording studio.

These outstanding facilities provide an environment for students to expand their musical capabilities and performance skills whilst fostering their creativity in spaces that develop their individual talents.

The classroom music program caters to the full range of students abilities from the novice player to the most accomplished performer. Students develop their critical and creative thinking skills, build their musical potential and develop their confidence by playing their instrument solo and/or in groups at public performances.

Each year, elective music students participate in a semester of Concert Band, this integrated performance approach dramatically improves their confidence and playing abilities. 

Concert Band Program

Students of all levels have the opportunity to perform in the Darwin Middle School Concert Band, this involves weekly rehearsals with the conductor in conjunction with music lessons and support lessons from the NT Music School (see more information about NT Music School below).

The band regularly performs at school events, annual school performance and annual awards night as well as community events such as The Seabreeze Festival, Senior Citizens Concert, Raintree Park in the CBD and The Quarter at Casuarina.

Instrumental Music Program

The Instrumental Music Program offers unique opportunities for students wishing to explore a musical instrument and develop their individual talent. 

A variety of instruments are offered from the Woodwind, Brass and Percussion families as well as guitar and vocal lessons. 

Students who enter the Instrumental Music Program receive one 30 minute lesson a week, which is conducted by the NT Music School. These students are also given the opportunity to participate in the various ensembles offered at the school.

Ensembles include:

  • Junior Concert Band - Year 7
  • Concert Band - Year 8 & 9
  • Production Band - Year 8 & 9
  • Stage Band by audition
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Choir

The ensembles regularly performs at community events such as, The Seabreeze Festival, Senior Citizens Concerts, Raintree Park in the CBD, The Quarter at Casuarina and The Mindil Beach Markets.


"We create talented and successful students by providing an environment for lifelong learning." Brian Manning Assistant Principal

Music at Darwin Middle School

Music at Darwin Middle School

Music at Darwin Middle School

Musical Instrument Hire

Darwin Middle School has made a significant financial investment in purchasing quality musical instruments for students to hire at a comparable fee during their time in the Concert Band Program. Easily accessible instrument hire enables access to a musical pathway for students who do not have their own musical instrument.

The instruments currently available for hire include; Flutes, Clarinets, Alto & Tenor Saxophones, French Horns, Trumpets and Trombones.

Other instruments featuring in the Darwin Middle School Concert Band Program but currently not available for hire include; Alto & Bass Clarinets, Baritone Saxophone, Euphonium, Tuba and Concert Percussion.


NT Music School

All instrumental music students enrolled in the Darwin Middle School Music Program must apply to enrol in instrumental music lessons provided by the NT Music School.

Enrollment can be completed by visiting the NTMS website. Once enrolled students may also be invited to join the NT Music School Ensemble Program.

This provides further opportunities for students to improve and expand their musical talents through regular opportunities to play music with other students and build confidence through public performances.


Music at Darwin Middle School