DISCIPLINE AREAS - Performing Arts
Senior Music
Years 7 & 8 Music
In Years 7 and 8 Music is part of the core curriculum. The music program aims for students to experience the essence of music; to have an understanding of music elements (rhythm, melody, form, texture) through practical experience. Students listen (aurally and critically), sing, perform and create - using voice, keyboard and percussion as their main tools. The ultimate aim is for students to remember music as a positive, stimulating and creative experience; and for those particularly talented to be challenged, extended and supported in finding their ultimate expression.
The Year 7 Instrumental Program enables students to learn a band instrument free of charge for an entire year. This program is taught in a three-week cycle consisting of two practical lessons and one theory lesson. Students learn with a specialist tutor on a wide range of instruments, including euphonium, French horn, bass clarinet, piccolo, and all the members of the saxophone family. The Instrumental Program teaches the basics of music using an exciting, hands-on approach. Students have the opportunity to try out different instruments and experience the thrill of producing live music in one of three class bands. These bands regularly come together as one massive group of 60 players to produce a sensational sound and spectacle.
The Year 7 Music Specialist Class
The aim is to cater for musically experienced students and the curriculum will cover :
- Performance - solo and ensemble (students will focus on their present instrumental study and not join the Year 7 Band program, i.e. not study a second or third instrument).
- Accelerated aural and musicianship training.
- Australian Music Examinations Board theory examinations.
- Music Technology.
Years 9 & 10 Music
The Years 9 and 10 Music Elective Program is an extension course which aims to develop and refine skills acquired in previous years. The program includes formal and informal performance, regular participation in a selected ensemble, repertoire analysis, composing, arranging, improvising, aural comprehension and theory exercises.
Music Technology
Music Technology is integrated into the classroom music curriculum in the areas of aural training, music history, analysis, composition and arrangement. Students research and examine works written in different musical styles, learn to record and arrange, print out notation, compose an original work, arrange an existing piece, or record backing tracks to play along to.
Some students may have an opportunity to record, edit and mix their own live recording. Music Technology is also integrated into other curriculum areas eg. Multimedia and House Performing Arts.
- Software: Auralia, Logic Audio Gold, Acid Music Studio
- Hardware: 10 PCs with keyboard/ synthesizers
Extension Theory
Whilst music theory is an integrated part of the classroom curriculum, extension theory is offered to students wishing to complete AMEB examinations. This is part of the Shelford co-curricular program.
Senior School Ensembles
- Middle School Percussion
- Senior Chamber Ensemble
- Senior Choir
- A Cappella
- Senior Stage Band
- Senior Strings
- Jazz Ensemble
- Clarinuts
- Brass Ensemble
- Clarinet Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Senior School Ensembles
- Senior Concert Band
- Irish Band
- Senior Percussion
- Mallet Ensemble