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Lower School Program Years 7, 8 and 9

The Music Program provides your child with the opportunity to develop their ability, skills and passion for music through solo performances, ensemble performances, composition/arrangement techniques, aural perception, and music literature analysis and investigation.

With dedication to the pursuit of excellence throughout Years 7 to 12, students will be equipped to apply for entrance into tertiary music courses at the University of Western Australia or the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

Music program components are:

Music Enrichment

Students participate in two class lessons per week in the development of practical skills and music literacy.

Activities include aural analysis, score analysis, investigations, composition, arrangement, keyboard skill development, and performance practice.

Instrumental

Students have one individual instrumental lesson for 30 minutes per week on one of the following:

BassoonCelloClarinetClassical Guitar
Double BassElectric guitarEuphoniumFlute
HornOboePercussionSaxophone
TromboneTrumpetTubaViola
ViolinVoice


Voice students participate in a small group vocal lesson to begin, then individual lessons.
Students in Years 7 to 10 have their lesson timetabled on a rotational basis during the school day and Year 11 and 12 students have their lesson during recess, lunch or out of school hours.


Ensemble


Gifted and Talented music students as well as students in the Music Enrichment Program are selected to participate in any of the following ensembles:

  • Brass Quintet
  • Chamber Choir
  • Chamber Strings
  • Clarinet Quartet
  • Classical Guitar Ensembles
  • Classical Guitar Octet
  • Contemporary Music Ensembles
  • Flute Choir
  • Gospel/Soul Choir
  • Jazz Band
  • Orchestra for Senior Musical (alternate years)
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Senior Choir
  • String Orchestra
  • String Quartet
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Vocal Consort
  • Wind Orchestras
  • Year 7 and 8 Gifted and Talented Choir

Gifted and Talented students are expected to participate in at least two ensembles and are auditioned to be placed in the ensemble most suited to their current ability. Each ensemble rehearses once per week.

Year 7 and 8 students participate in the Gifted and Talented Choir as one of their ensembles.

Students in Music Enrichment participate in one ensemble appropriate to their instrument and current ability. Students who are learning a new instrument will join an ensemble when they are at an appropriate level.

Extensions

Performances

  •               Solo and ensemble performance opportunities.

Performance program

  •               Selection for senior and/or chamber ensembles.
  •               Professional artists.
  •               Workshops with professional musicians.

Music intensive

  •               Small groups working on different grades in music theory.
  •               Accelerated study of music analysis, covering a wide range of genres.

Technical development

  •               Use of music software for aural perception and compositional skill development.
  •               Use of music technology for recording and sound reinforcement.

Reflection

  •               Reflection on composition and performance work.
  •               Visits to performances by professional musicians.

Acceleration

Curriculum

Compacted curriculum so students are fast paced through content that has been mastered. Students work on content one year level above a normal curriculum delivery.

Students explore a range of broader, deeper and more challenging practical and written learning tasks than those delivered in a normal educational setting.

Individual performance programs set at year level above current year or study.
Theory and composition at year level above current year of study.

Year 10 music course

Analysis and composition components at Year 11 entry.

Performance and written examinations with Year 11 content and framework.
Please note: This presents an example of what is offered as part of the program.

Assessment and Practice

Instrumental/vocal practice is key to succeeding in our program. Classroom teachers may set at home practice time as necessary.
Journal entries are used to record instrumental work each week.
Methods of assessment in the course include performance practice, aural perception, music literacy, small group work, and composition process.

Dress Requirements
The music performance uniform is available from the college uniform shop at a reasonable cost and is a compulsory requirement for performances. Students wear pants and the music uniform shirt. Boys are required to wear black socks and black leather shoes. Girls are required to wear black stockings or black socks (with the pants) and flat black leather court shoes.


Professional Artists

All Gifted and Talented music students are taught by practising musicians and experienced music educators from the Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS). The skills obtained from this tuition are invaluable to the development of our students.
In addition, masterclasses and workshops are provided throughout the year with visiting international and interstate musicians. Students work with guest artists from the UWA Conservatorium of Music and WAAPA.

Performances

Students are provided with a diverse range of performance opportunities as ensemble members and soloists in a variety of contexts and range of musical styles. In addition to classroom solo performances and college concerts there are opportunities to perform at festivals and assemblies, primary schools, community venues, Fremantle Markets, as well as work through recording studios, and perform at other Fremantle venues. Students engage in cross collaboration with other arts faculties that can include performances of students’ compositions.

Instrumental Hire and Storage

The following instruments can be hired for $110 per year:

French horn
Euphonium
Tuba
Double bass
Oboe
Bassoon
Beginner saxophone (one year only)

Availability as of August of 2022.

The college has purpose built instrumental storage.
Students leave instruments in the storeroom in the morning and collect at the end of the day. Spare double basses and tubas are kept at the college to avoid students having to transport them.


Parent Support

Please know your child’s lesson and rehearsal schedule and ensure they have all equipment needed on that day. Provide time and space for daily practice. Read their instrumental practice journal so you know what should be practised.

Read our school calendar, Curtin Calls newsletter, SEQTA and notes from the music department.