Where creativity finds its voice.
Every passion can be brought to life
At ELTHAM College, the House Music Program gives students the opportunity to collaborate, perform and express themselves on a large scale.
Through music, dance and performance, students build confidence, creativity and a strong sense of belonging.
Program Overview
The House Music Program is a student-led initiative where students across all year levels work together to create and deliver a large-scale performance.
From instrumental ensembles and choir to dance and production, students contribute their skills to compete for the prestigious House Music Trophy.
Performances take place at Hamer Hall, giving students the opportunity to showcase their work in a professional setting.
The ELTHAM Approach
House Music is built on student leadership and collaboration.
Students are supported to:
• Take ownership of planning and production
• Work across year levels
• Contribute creatively and collaboratively
This creates an environment where students develop confidence while working towards a shared goal.
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.
Building Confidence Through Performance
Through the program, students develop:
• Performance and presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Leadership and initiative
• Confidence in expressing themselves
It is a unique experience that challenges students and builds strong connections across the College community.
Where It Can Take Them
For some students, House Music becomes a defining part of their ELTHAM experience.
For others, it builds confidence, creativity and connection alongside their other interests.
What remains consistent is the opportunity to participate, contribute and be part of something bigger.
Take the next step in their journey
We invite prospective families to experience ELTHAM firsthand and see how each pathway supports students to explore their passions and realise their potential.