Surround Sound

Surround Sound

Region: Regional North Regional North and West Regional South Rural North Rural South and West | Rural and remote schools
Years 7 to 12
Program Music

Surround Sound is a band program for students from secondary schools in rural and remote areas. The program includes 3 events. 

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Enquiries

Simon Kermode
Student Access and Engagement Advisor
surroundsound@det.nsw.edu.au
0448 529 847

Surround Sound 2026 finalist announcement

Surround Sound 2026 - Finalists announcement

Duration: 1:04

Reveal the finalists
School Band
Bowral High School Dead by Autumn
Byron Bay High School Wild Rocket
Condobolin High School The Acrylics
Dubbo College Sunlotus
Kooringal High School Undercover Funk
Mulwaree High School Purely
Narromine High School Day Release
Willyama High School Scream St.
 
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How to participate

Surround Sound competition

Enter your band in this competition for secondary school students in public schools in regional and remote NSW.

Surround Sound band day

Access masterclasses, performance workshops and valuable tips to incorporate in your entries for the Surround Sound competition.

Surround Sound camp

Finalists of the Surround Sound competition will be invited to the camp in Sydney, taking part in workshops, mentoring sessions and live performances at SpecFest.
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Aims of the program

The Surround Sound programs work with bands to improve their:

  • ensemble skills
  • technical proficiency
  • musicality
  • performance skills.
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Surround Sound 2025 competition winner

The 2025 Surround Sound competition has concluded, celebrating standout contemporary bands from public high schools across rural and regional NSW. After a season of workshops and performance development, 8 finalist groups were selected to submit their polished video entries for final judging by a panel of industry professionals.

All finalists were praised for their musicianship, creativity and the strong representation of regional talent showcased throughout the program.

Reveal the winner

Byron Bay High School’s Wild Rocket was announced as this year’s winner, recognised for their cohesive sound and confident performance.

A group of people on stage in daylight, some holding certificates, dressed in casual and formal clothes, smiling.
Two musicians performing on stage, one playing a red electric guitar and singing, the other on drums. Bright stage lights and a smoky atmosphere.

 

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High school band performing on festival stage to live audience
High school band performing on festival stage to live audience
High school band performing on festival stage to live audience
High school band performing on festival stage to live audience
High school band performing on festival stage to live audience
High school students performing in a rock band inside a classroom
High school band performing in workshop to tutors
High school band performing in workshop to tutors
High school band performing in workshop to tutors
High school band performing in workshop to tutors
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Surround Sound 2025 was proudly supported by Eclipse Lighting and Sound and Turramurra Music.

All Arts Units programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in Surround Sound, please email surroundsound@det.nsw.edu.au so we can assist.