The Sydney Secondary College Instrumental Music Program (SSC IMP) combines students across each of the three Sydney Secondary College Campuses of Leichhardt, Balmain, and Blackwattle Bay. The program consists of four Wind Bands, three Jazz Bands and a String Orchestra with many students participating in multiple ensembles. The ensembles rehearse once a week before school and all ensembles involve students from multiple campuses who are bussed back to their home campus each morning after rehearsal.
SSC IMP ensembles perform regularly throughout the year and all students participate in the following whole of program events: the ONE Concert (Term 1), Music Camp & Concert (Term 2), Verbrugghen Hall Showcase (Term 3) and the End of Year Concert (Term 4).
We are proud to share that the SSC IMP was also featured in the Department of Educations News highlights as a 'Mind-blowingly excellent success!'. Read the full article here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/mind-blowingly-excellent-showcase-a-spectacular-success-
Progression through the program
Movement throughout the program is merit-based and students are invited each year to audition for placement in upper ensembles. SSC IMP ensembles regularly achieve top awards at the annual Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival and many students extend themselves by being involved in the state-wide Arts Unit ensemble program.
SSC IMP Program Fees, Costs, and Payments
The SSC IMP Program Enrolment Fees are for band rehearsals and performances, and students are expected to remain in the program for a full year[1]. Fees can be paid in full at the beginning of the year, or in two instalments as indicated.
Program Fees || Program fees are billed as follows for 2025:
Students in One Ensemble: $550 for the year
Instalment 1 - $275.00 due by Term 1 Week 8 Friday 21 March 2025
Instalment 2 - $275.00 due by Term 2 Week 9 Friday 27 June 2025
Students in Two or more Ensembles: $750 for the year
Instalment 1 - $375.00 due by Term 1 Week 8 Friday 21 March 2025
Instalment 2 - $375.00 due by Term 2 Week 9 Friday 27 June 2025
Year 12 Students* in One Ensemble: $415 for the year
Instalment 1 - due by Term 1 Week 8 Friday 21 March 2025
Year 12 Students* in Two or more Ensembles: $560 for the year
Instalment 1 - due by Term 1 Week 8 Friday 21 March 2025
*Year 12 students are expected to remain in the program until after the SSC IMP Music Showcase which occurs at the end of Term 3. This showcase will include a Year 12 Graduation IMP Ceremony.
Program fees are set at a minimum to cover the annual running of the program, including the cost of conductors, administration, sheet music, equipment, and the running of events. All payments can be made through the campus's school bytes system. Parents will be emailed a link through which payment can be processed.
Financial Arrangements
Ongoing payment plans can be negotiated in consultation with the SSC IMP office. Please contact the SSC IMP Administrator at sscimp@det.nsw.edu.au if you are having difficulty making payment of program fees. The SSC IMP is an extra-curricular program run by fees paid by parents, and so relies on the prompt payment to run the program as effectively and successfully as possible.