It is very easy for a boys' school which naturally places a high value on sporting achievement to drift into a position where cultural pursuits such as music and drama are regarded as effeminate.  Since its early years, Epping has boasted a thriving musical and dramatic tradition which has provided a balance unusual in a boys' school.

The foundation of the school's musical success has been the dedication of the staff of the music department.  Over the years they have fostered individual talent and given up their own time to train musical groups.  The String Chamber Group formed in 1963 was the first of various groups such as jazz bands, concert bands, brass bands and wind ensembles which have graced school concerts and won honours in inter-school competitions.  In 1970 the Concert Band won the Open Section in the NSW School Band Championships, while in the same year the Wind Ensemble won first place in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod.  In the 1970s, musical evenings and talent quests were fostered.

The achievements of the music department were first formally recognized in 1980 when the first school "Blues for the Arts" were awarded to Allan McCracken and John Law - Allan had conducted the school choir singing John Law's arrangement of Waltzing Matilda at the Canberra Eisteddfod.

Mrs Mary Lopez revived the choir in 1976.  By 1978 the standard was high enough to participate in the Combined High Schools Choral Concert and in 1979 produced its own record.  In 1980 the Chamber Choir became the first school choir to win the Open Male Choral Championship which had been contested in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod since 1932.   Similar victories in 1981, 1982 and 1983 enhanced the choir's reputation.  After helping to launch Channel Seven's Carols by Candlelight in 1982, the choir performed in the massed choirs for the opening of the Sydney Entertainment Centre in 1983 and was chosen to support the singer, Barry Manilow, in his three concerts at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. 

Also, the choir contributed greatly to the tone of assembles and official school functions.  The tradition of singing Gaudeamus Igitur as the processional for official parties came into being at this time.  The formation of the Rugby Choir, encouraged by the sportsmaster, Mr Dundon, helped to legitimise the choral activities amongst the more 'macho' elements of the school.

Two musicals, Oliver and Iolanthe, were produced with the cooperation of Cheltenham Girls' High School.   Annual musical productions favouring Gilbert and Sullivan became a feature of Epping's calendar culminating in 1972 in the production of West Side Story, in cooperation with Cheltenham, - won first prize for the best musical in the state-wide High Schools Drama Festival.  In 1983, Grant Pearce's production of Babes in Arms received wide acclaim.