The co-curricular music program is not only large but also dynamic and diverse. Across both Junior and Senior Schools, there are over twenty-five bands, choirs and orchestras involving hundreds of students.
All ensembles perform in School concerts and other events, while some also participate in competitions, festivals and undertake national and international tours.
Students involved in music at Barker College have a strong sense of identity and belonging to the music program. The shared ownership of the resources and activities, together with support from peers in Years Pre-K to 12, and leadership opportunities in a range of ensembles, ensures that all students gain exceptional pastoral care and growth through their involvement in music at the School.
Band Program
At Barker College, there are currently nine concert bands – four in the Junior School and five in the Senior School:
| Training Band | Junior School Wind Orchestra | Middle School Wind Orchestra |
| Junior School Concert Band | Kurrajong Wind Ensemble | Wind Orchestra |
| Junior School Wind Ensemble | McCaskill Wind Ensemble | Wind Symphony |
Instrumentalists performing in the Band program may also be invited to perform in the Jazz program, comprising Big Bands and smaller jazz combos.
String Program
All string players at the School rehearse and perform in a string orchestra and may be invited to play in the Symphony Orchestra.
There are eight orchestras currently:
| Tartini Strings | Middle School String Orchestras (Red and Blue) |
| Viotti Strings | Chamber Orchestra |
| Paganini Strings | Symphony Orchestra |
| Junior School Chamber Orchestra |
Choral Program
Barker College has an outstanding reputation for its choirs. Students in Years 4 – 6 may audition for the Copeland Choir, which won the Primary section at the Sydney Eisteddfod in 2023.
The Secondary School choirs are open to all and there is also an auditioned Chamber Choir who perform at many events in the Chapel and in the wider community.
Contemporary Music Program
Middle and Senior School students who are interested in rock, pop, acoustic, electronic and other contemporary styles are welcome to join the Contemporary Music Program. This program provides opportunities for these students to rehearse, write their own songs and perform on stage at Lunchtime Jams and major school events.
Music Camp
Music Camp is one of the highlights of the year for Barker’s music students. The year begins with a compulsory four-day camp for the Senior School musicians just before the start of Term 1.
A two-day camp for the Junior School ensembles occurs in Term 1 every year.
Annual Music Events
| Concerto Competition | Coffee House Unplugged | Musical Production |
| Symphony Under the Stars | Chamber In the Chapel | Lunchtime Jams |
| Sydney Eisteddfod | Jazz Café | String Solo Competition |
| Masterpiece Concert | Barker Swings! | Carols At Sunset |
| Junior, Middle and Senior Ensemble Concerts | Australian Schools Band and Orchestras Festival | Lessons and Carols |
| Coffee House | HSC Showcase Concerts |
