Showcasing a passion for music and performance
Program Overview
The House Music Program is an entirely student-led and run initiative. ELTHAM students develop and showcase their artistic skills through a large dance number, instrumental ensembles, and a choir. They step out of their comfort zones, as they collaborate across year levels, and display their talents to strive for the prestigious House Music Trophy, with performances premiered in front of the College community at the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne – Hamer Hall.
What Happens in the House Music Program?
Students from Year 7 to Year 12 in each of ELTHAM's houses – Evelyn, Bell, Ross and Nillumbik – work collaboratively with their House Coordinator, House Captains and Leaders, and the Music team to produce the extravaganza that is House Music. Each House creates a set of musical and dance performances in competition for the prestigious House Music Trophy.
Performed at Hamer Hall to a public audience and panel of judges, who award points across different categories – Dance, Instrumental, Choir and Chamber - one House is declared the winner, with accolades for the rest of the year.
As this program is entirely student-led, it strongly encourages student leadership to successfully organise such a complex event. It also creates a framework for community-building, fostering an environment where students can connect across year levels, and providing Year 7 students with a greater sense of belonging in Term 1. Year 5 and 6 students also perform on the night and already start to plan their House Music sets, for when they get to lead their House in Year 12.
Since its inception in the early 1990s, this program has remained one of the most unforgettable experiences that students cherish long after their time at ELTHAM College has ended.
Key Information
Who's Involved
House Music Program is open to all Year 5 to Year 12 students, and it is led by the House Captains and Leaders. Approximately 600 students participate in the program each year.
Types of Performance
Students can participate in a variety of performance opportunities, including dance routines, choir performances, instrumental pieces, and chamber music ensembles.
The Showcase
House Music is staged at the Arts Centre Melbourne – Hamer Hall, performed for families, friends, and the community at large. Musical performance, creativity and leadership all culminate in a superb evening.
The Experience
House Music is entirely led by students. Every aspect of the production is done as a team with as little adult intervention as possible. Students collaborate on the overall program of the event and order of proceedings; they work with staff at Hamer Hall on lighting and staging; they choose the songs they will perform and choose the orchestras, dance troupes and chamber groups; they choreograph, compose, and orchestrate all the pieces; they decide on costume design and organise for costumes to be made.
The musical development and growth of the students involved is student-led, with coaching from the Music team, House Coordinators, Year Level Coordinators and Director of Senior School if needed.
Rehearsals are every morning Monday – Friday, starting five weeks before the event in Term 1, with additional lunchtime and after school rehearsals as needed.
Students have access to the ELTHAM College Stadium, the Multi-Purpose Hall, and the entire Harold Mitchell Performing Arts Centre – the Clarke Auditorium, backstage areas, the Littlefield Recital Centre, and practice rooms.
Community, Collaboration, Challenges
ELTHAM encourages student leadership, agency and voice through the House Music Program, empowering students to cultivate a culture of collaboration and teamwork among their peers. Student leaders take the initiative to ensure that every role in each House production is filled by a student or team of students, guiding them to work cohesively. They also mediate and resolve any challenges that arise, offering both skill-based and emotional support, while taking responsibility for the well-being of everyone involved during what can be a demanding few weeks. As it involves a large group that is entirely student-run, the program challenges all students in a way no other event does.
Winning House Music is a proud achievement and accolade that holds significant meaning for the students involved, reflecting the immense effort and dedication they pour into creating and staging the event. The program not only allows students a real-world platform to apply their musical knowledge, gain performance experience, and showcase their talents – it also fosters a supportive community environment to build friendships and connections, and work together across year levels.
Inside the House Music Program
Experience the perspective of ELTHAM College Year 11 student Cookie, a talented pianist who has had the opportunity to perform on the big stage, make new friends, and take on leadership responsibilities in an entirely student-led program. ELTHAM’s Ross House Coordinator, Kristen McCluskey, explains what House Music is all about, and the importance of this program for the whole school community.
Explore ELTHAM Through Real Stories
At ELTHAM College, every student’s journey is unique. Hear directly from our students and program coordinators as they share their experiences in the program.
"As a musician, usually a soloist, teamwork is the most useful skill I learned through the program. This requires everyone to adapt to each other during rehearsals, summarise and solve the problems."
Cookie, current Year 11 international student
ELTHAM College takes them everywhere.
Wherever their future in leadership unfolds….
Their everywhere starts here