Music

Music is an exciting course aimed at students who wish to continue through to Year 12, but also catering for the students who simply want to experience music at this level.

The course comprises four main units of study.

1. Performance: Solo and ensemble work. Students will be required to work on solo and group performance activities to present a music performance for special occasions e.g. Jazz ‘n’ Shiraz Evening, Hearts Festival, etc.
2. Composition/Technology: Students learn to score music, composing their own melodies and arrangements and entering these onto a computer program for editing and transposing if necessary. The more able students are encouraged to develop their composition to a higher level. All students will also have a composition/initiative assignment using the College’s Recording Studio.
3. Aural Training and Musicianship: Students learn the basics of music theory (approx. grade 3 level), recognition of notes, chords, instrument groups and sounds. They also learn correct techniques in analysing music for performance.
4. Literature of Music: A study of the major musical works in history, the great composers, learning to follow and interpret a musical score and listening to and analysing contemporary music. This includes classical and Romantic composers and the major works, jazz, pop, rock and roll, modern composers and their influences on society and music in general.

Students who study Music must also learn an instrument (or voice). Instrumental lessons take place within the school timetable in most cases. External students (e.g. piano students) are assessed in conjunction with the private tutor. Classroom ensembles and solo performances are an integral part of the students’ musical development and they are prepared for major concerts throughout the school year. A further requirement of the course is that students must belong to at least one of the major groups at the College, namely the Senior Concert Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Senior Choral, Boys Vocal Ensemble, Flute Choir, Guitar Ensemble or other suitable groups. Solo performance in class is also encouraged and participation in school concerts, festivals and liturgical celebrations is a high priority in the student’s overall musical development. Students who elect to study Music in Year 10 will be given priority to learn an instrument at the College.