The Music Department offers a range of music activities for all students, including individual instrumental or voice lessons, a strong sequential classroom program, and extensive ensemble opportunities. A comprehensive document which outlines conditions of enrolment into the Instrumental Music Program including a schedule of fees for tuition, instrument hire, accompanying and other charges is available from the Director of Music and is also posted online on the Parent Portal under Music.
Instrumental and vocal tuition is available at all levels. Specialists teach students individually and in groups, for a minimum of ½ hour per week; ¾ hour and 1 hour lessons can also be arranged. Lessons are programmed as time out of the student’s normal class time, or before or after school.
Expert tuition is offered for the following instruments: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion (tuned and untuned), Piano, Pipe Organ, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Electric and Acoustic Guitar (all styles), Bass Guitar, Jazz Piano, Harp and all Vocal categories.
For some, the program aims to encourage their joy of music and for others, the program provides the opportunity to attain musical excellence in solo performance, with particular emphasis on tone, technique, music reading and terminology, interpretation of the repertoire, aural perception, and a historical background of the music and chosen instrument.
Progressive assessment is made of knowledge and skills, and students are also given the opportunity to enter for performance examinations held at various times during the year.
All students enrolled in class Music in Year levels 9 to 12 are required to undertake a course of lessons in an instrument or voice. These can take place through the school, or through an external teacher. Lessons are strongly encouraged for to students not enrolled in class Music.
A schedule of fees for tuition, instrument hire, accompanying and other charges is published during Term 4. Please contact the Director of Music or the Instrumental Music Administrator for current fees or view the schedule on ‘Parent Portal’ under Co-Curricular.
Students undertaking VCE Units 3 and 4 (Music Performance, Music Investigation and VET) are entitled to one free 45 minute instrumental lesson each week during school time up to their performance examination early in Term 4.
The participation of music students in ensembles is an integral extension of the performance program at the College that provides musical enrichment for our students.
Large ensembles include: symphony orchestra, concert band, string orchestra, stage band, and choir. Smaller groups are formed according to demand.
All students learning an instrument at the College are expected to play in at least one ensemble. Students who learn externally, outside of the College program, are also encouraged to participate in an ensemble to develop their overall musicianship and provide a team-based music environment.
Rehearsals are conducted before, during and after time-tabled school hours to enable all year levels to participate, and regular performances are arranged within and outside the school, including the major annual Foundation Concert held in Term 3.