With a focus on developing their gifts for a purpose, in a vibrant community bound to excellence, St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s world-class performing arts programme provides students with an outstanding range of opportunities, along with the support of exceptional mentors, all the way from Junior School to their final years. Harnessing the School’s unique location, students are able to hone their performances in professional venues across the city.
The programme’s teachers and mentors, many of them professional musicians and performers themselves, take a progressive approach to developing the skills and character of the students in their care. Mr Ben Milis, the School’s new Director of Performing Arts believes the “layers of mentorship” at the School makes all the difference.
“What I love most is seeing our students grow in confidence and character as they create together, and being surrounded by such gifted, dedicated staff who give so much of themselves to their work. I’m constantly inspired by their creativity and generosity.”
“Younger students often make music alongside older ones, creating natural opportunities for guidance and connection across year groups,” he said. “We also have alumni who return to mentor and inspire our current students, which adds a lovely sense of continuity and legacy. Within the School, students are supported by an incredible team. Each of them brings deep expertise and genuine care, helping students grow in every area of their musicianship, from academic and compositional study to chamber music and solo performance.”
Ben Milis believes that the School’s formation as a choral school is significant, with the School’s Choir developing exceptional quality vocalists. “Music has been at the heart of St Andrew’s since the very beginning,” he said. “When the School opened in 1885, it followed the English choir school tradition, founded to educate choristers who would serve in the Cathedral. That legacy continues today as the only choir school of its kind in Australia, part of a tradition stretching back over a thousand years.”
The Performing Arts programme has also produced countless professional concert musicians and actors. A busy schedule of productions each years allows students to enjoy a huge range opportunities on stage, from Showcase, the annual whole school performing arts concert (held at the Sydney Town Hall), to musicals and major drama productions. Students can hone individual performances but also choose from more than 30 music and drama ensembles, alongside jazz bands and orchestras.
Ben Milis joined the School eight years ago as Junior School Music Teacher, allowing him to watch the development of performers all the way from Junior School to their final years.
“When I first started … I directed my first Junior School musical, and one of those students recently went on to perform in her final show. Watching her journey over all those years has been incredible. She’d faced a really challenging season along the way, and seeing her step back onto that stage, light up, and rediscover herself through performing was unforgettable … those moments of transformation stay with you.”
Given the School’s emphasis on providing rich learning experiences that equip students with the voice, leadership and agency to make a difference, Ben Milis sees the Performing Arts programme through a larger lens: “My vision for the Performing Arts programme is that it would be a place that brings genuine joy to those who take part and to all who experience the beauty of what we create together,” he said. “I want our students to pursue excellence in their craft, but also to understand why their gifts matter. The arts have this remarkable ability to inspire and unite, to lift our eyes to something greater, and to remind us that every act of creativity has the power to bring light and life to others. My hope is that our students learn to create with purpose, to be peacemakers, and to lead with hope in a world that needs it. I know I’m building on a really strong foundation that others have laid before me, and I am looking forward to building on that legacy.”
Join St Andrew’s Cathedral School Music Scholars programme in 2027, applications close 8 February 2026.
To find out more about our Music Scholarships, visit this page of our website and apply now: www.sacs.nsw.edu.au/Music2027
