PERFORMANCE MUSIC
We encourage parents to support their child’s participation in the Middle School co-curricular activities. These activities give students opportunities to learn and develop personal and ensemble performance skills and values, to develop a positive outlook and social balance, and to achieve well academically.
Instrumental and vocal tuition is absolutely vital for students to establish and enjoy practical music making. For students and parents wishing to choose a fine teacher, our excellent team of specialist tutors is on hand with the added convenience of lessons being taught at the College.
Students may choose from the extensive range of Performance Music Ensembles on offer in Middle School, which includes choirs, string ensembles and bands. The College presents a musical, usually every two years, which involves Performance Music students.
Students who are particularly advanced on their instrument, or whose voice has changed considerably, may have the opportunity to apply for acceleration into one or more of the Senior School Ensembles.
MUSIC TUITION - Tuition fees apply
Students may choose to play or sing for many valid reasons, be it personal enjoyment, fun or career. Parents and students may select a teacher from our team of specialist instrumental and vocal tutors.
Note: It is a prerequisite for students to have regular lessons on their chosen instrument to be in the College Instrumental Ensembles. To participate in the College ensembles, students will need a College tutor or a private tutor who can teach the appropriate playing skills required.
Lessons with the specialist tutors are conducted at the College in purpose-built studios during normal class hours. Lessons are scheduled to vary from week to week to avoid disruption to any one particular subject.
Instrumental and Vocal Tuition on offer at the College includes the following:
Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass, Tuned and Non Tuned Percussion, Drum Kit, Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Vocal & Theory.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENSEMBLES
Ensemble levies are payable, and prerequisites apply for membership in the Performance Music Ensembles.
The College ensembles are designed to challenge and extend students’ musical horizons and provide enjoyment for participating students through rich and diverse learning experiences.
Students attend regular rehearsals and give scheduled performances throughout the year at the College, other external venues and various eisteddfodau.
Students who participate in their chosen ensemble/s for a full year are eligible to receive awards and/or certificates.
Entry Requirements and Conditions
I
t is a prerequisite for membership of instrumental ensembles that students undertake tuition on the instrument/s which matches their specific ensemble’s requirements (see Music Tuition above.) e.g. If you are wishing to join Symphonic Band as a percussionist, choose percussion tuition to learn both tuned and non-tuned percussion instruments (not just drum kit). If you are wishing to join Jazz Ensemble as a guitarist, choose a guitar tutor who will teach your child conventional notation (not just tab etc.)
Students who are members of choral ensembles only, may wish to consider undertaking voice tuition to best develop and acquire personal and ensemble singing skills (see Music Tuition above.)
Entry into all Middle School Ensembles is by audition (and/or review if a continuing student). Other than in exceptional circumstances, auditions occur late in Term 4 or early in Term 1.
An Ensemble Agreement Form (which acknowledges the Terms and Conditions of participation) and the Music Calendar of Events (showing commitments for the whole year) are distributed in week 2 or week 3 of Term One. Students and parents are asked to sign and return a copy of this form to the Performance Music Department by the advised due date.
It is recommended that students participate in no more than three ensembles each year, in order to contribute effectively and avoid over-commitment.
Successful students must accept the need for teamwork, understand their personal responsibilities, and be punctual and well prepared for all rehearsals and performances.
Successful students are required to honour their signed Ensemble Contract for the whole year and commit to the Calendar of Events.
SPORT
Co-curricular sport opportunities are available to students of the Junior School after school hours during the week.
The Athletics Club is a free activity which provides athletics training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for students who want to strengthen their physical fitness. This activity is co-ordinated by one of our parents, Mrs Bev Faulks.
CAMPS
Each year the Year Seven students are offered the opportunity to attend a tour of Sydney and Canberra. A major highlight of the trip is visiting our national capital where students are involved in a mock election and Parliament sitting, followed by a tour of the Senate and the House of Representatives. In Canberra, students also visit the War Memorial, Questacon, Australian Institute of Sport, National Planning Authority and Cockington Green. No tour would be complete without a play in the snow. En route, students enjoy an early morning feeding tour of Dubbo Zoo, a video in Cowra where there was a prisoner of war camp, a cruise on Sydney Harbour and a visit to The Rocks area and Sydney Tower. An exciting “educational” tour!
The Year Seven trip to Sydney and Canberra is strongly recommended, although it is voluntary.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
chess
math enrichment
debating
public speaking
drama
RIZN
student prayer group
bible study groups.
