Current Registrations
See how you can be part of an Aspire Program
Concert Band
The Concert Band is a Diocesan ensemble for students in Years 5 – 12. Students must know how to read traditional music notation. The concert band will be playing a variety of repertoire and perform at a variety of events including Vivace, the diocesan instrumental showcase.
Design Ensemble 2026
Join the 2026 Design Ensemble to be an integral part of our annual production and learn skills in: Costume Design, Costume making, set design, set painting, stage hair and makeup, prop making and more!
WOW Gallery
CALLING ALL ARTISTS! WOW Gallery submissions are open now. Create an artwork in any medium on the theme: ‘FINDING WOW IN THE EVERYDAY – How ordinary moments can be extraordinary.’ Then just photograph or film your artwork and submit via the form. Accepted file formats: JPEG, PNG, MP4. Please ensure the artwork is of high resolution for optimal display.
Current Events
Come and experience an Aspire performance or exhibition
First Draft - Young Scriptwriters Performance Evenings
Students in stage 3 to participate in workshops conducted throughout the year in each region of our diocese. In these workshops the scriptwriters are tasked with writing a 3-minute script that could be from any genre and around any theme. Students are then able to present their work as a staged reading event in each region.
Manning Entertainment Centre – Thursday 16th October 2025 – 6pm
Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle – Tuesday 21st October 2025 – 6pm
Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle – Wednesday 22nd October 2025 – 6pm
Performance Arts Culture Cessnock – Thursday 23rd October 2025 – 6pm
Denman Memorial Hall – Thursday 6th November 2025 – 6pm
Warners Bay Theatre – Thursday 27th November 2025 – 6pm
Vivace
Vivace is a lively musical performance evening of instrumental music by students across the Hunter Region. The Aspire Concert Band are hosting a Instrumental Ensemble showcase featuring Primary and Secondary school bands and ensembles from across the Maitland-Newcastle diocese.
WOW Gallery
Come and experience an immersive gallery comprised of artworks created by students of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools. Open for 2 days only!
Far From Home- Manning Creative Arts Project
Now in its second year at the MEC, ASPIRE’s Manning Creative Arts Project showcases the work of one hundred students from Catholic schools across the region. In just three days, these students have rehearsed an original musical script, developed with input from the Manning ASPIRE scriptwriters. This out-of-this-world production promises to engage and entertain!
