CGHS Welcomes John Benson
CGHS welcomes John Benson as the New Band director
John’s musical journey started with the Dubbo & District Brass Band over 50 years ago and, for more than 40 of those years, he has been a committed performer, tutor, conductor and educator.
As a conductor, John led the NSW Public Schools Symphonic Wind Ensemble to National Championships at the Junior and Open levels as well as performing in Australia’s most prestigious venues and touring to Europe, Japan and the USA. John directed the first Schools Spectacular Stage Band in 2000 and 2001 and led “All Star” student stage bands to perform in the Monterey (USA), North Sea (The Netherlands), Aarhus (Denmark) and Kristianstad (Sweden) Jazz Festivals.
John’s career as a high school music teacher started in 1986 and culminated with him leading The Arts Unit, a specialist unit that develops and coordinates state-wide programs in dance, drama, music, visual arts, debating, public speaking and spelling competitions for government school students. In his 25 years with The Arts Unit, highlights include coordinating State Music Camps, producing festivals at the Sydney Opera House (which he continues to do) and coordinating student workshops with Herbie Hancock at the Sydney Opera House for International Jazz Day in 2019.
John is currently leading the schools engagement strategy for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is looking forward to working the students at Canterbury Girls High School.
Welcome to the Creative and Performing Arts Department at Canterbury Girls High School (CGHS)!
MUSIC Ensembles and Private tuition 2026
Music Ensembles
| 7 – 12 | Choir | Monday | 3.20pm | B14 |
| 7 – 12 | VoxPop | Thursday | Lunch | B14 |
| 7 – 12 | Percussion Ensemble | Friday | Lunch | B14 |
| 7 – 12 | Concert Band | Tuesday | 2.45pm | Cantabrian Hall |
| 7 – 9 | Combined Band | Tuesday | 8.00am | Cantabrian Hall |
| 7 – 12 | Chamber Ensemble | Friday | 7.40am | Cantabrian Hall |
Dance Ensembles
| 7 – 12 | KPOP/Hip-hop club | Monday | Lunch | Studio |
| Audition | Performance Company | Tuesday | Lunch * | Studio |
| 8 – 11 | Sport Ensemble | Wednesday | Sport | Studio |
| 7 | Yr 7 Dance Ensemble | Monday | 3.20pm | Studio |
*(Thursday Pd 0 for rehearsals if required)
Drama Ensembles
| 7 – 8 | Junior Ensemble | Tuesday | Lunch | Cantabrian Hall |
| 9 – 11 | Senior Ensemble | Friday | Lunch | Studio |
Private tuition
Tuition Fees
- Private instrumental tuition involves individual 30-minute lessons, with teachers charging approximately $45 per half hour. However, this rate may vary depending on the tutor’s experience, qualifications, and instrument specialty.
- Payment is made directly to the tutors. The school is not responsible for the collection of fees and payment of tutors
- Missed lessons will be made up as long as 24 hours notice of cancellation is given
- Year 7-10 students will be withdrawn from class once a week for individual lessons
- Year 11-12 students are given first priority so there is minimal disruption to lessons
Below is the list of tutors and their contact numbers. To arrange a weekly lesson contact the teacher directly. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
| Instrument | Teacher | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Violin | Daniel Rosenbaum | 0412 544 013 |
| Flute/Brass | Sam Golding | 0414 283 161 |
| Voice | Aimilia Skotidas | 0487 189 164 |
| Piano | Marcello Maio | 0401 708 205 |
| Guitar/Bass | Alan Plummer | 0405 194 724 |
| Drum Kit | James Hauptmann | 0414 097 025 |
Use the QR Code to express your interest in our Extracurricular Music Ensemble and Private Tuition Programs.
Please note that the Combined Band is a free ensemble and open to beginners and more experienced musicians from Canterbury Public School, Canterbury Boys and Canterbury Girls H.S.
Thank you for your continued support of the CAPA Department. Here’s to a creative and inspiring year ahead!
Louise Flannery
Head Teacher CAPA (relieving)
louise.flannery@det.nsw.edu.au | Ph: 02-9718-1805