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Williamstown High School provides an excellent instrumental program developed through years of experience and hard work. The program provides a valuable co-curricular experience for more than 140 students across the school. In addition to teaching students to play their particular instrument, the program fosters an appreciation of music among participating students, it develops their teamwork, self discipline and study skills, and it bestows upon them a unique life experience which they will remember for the rest of their lives. What does the program entail? Students who participate in the instrumental music program attend weekly lessons with our qualified instrumental staff. These lessons are held during class time and times are alternated weekly to ensure students are not repeatedly missing the same class. To further develop their musical skills, the students must show a commitment to participation in the concert band that suits their musical experience, which rehearses before or after school once a week, or any another ensemble as directed by music staff. Music groups are an essential component of the program, as they provide the enriching experience of playing and performing and learning from other musicians. Our student musicians enjoy regular performances – both with the concert band, the Stage Band and a variety of other smaller ensembles. Musical items are often required for assemblies, open days, local events and special activities. Of course, the ultimate event of the year has been the annual music concert at the Williamstown Town Hall - an evening eagerly awaited by parents, students, faculty and the local community. In year 8, students may attend a music camp and in later years there is a performance tour in country Victoria or interstate. In 2009, the Senior Concert Band and Stage Band travelled to Canberra where they performed in The Great Hall at Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and several other venues where they were extremely well received. How can my child participate? All year 7 students will be given the opportunity to express their interest in learning an instrument through our program. (A wide range of woodwind, brass, stringed and percussion instruments.) These instruments are available for instrumental music students to hire from the school; alternatively, they may own an instrument already or be interested in an external hire-purchase arrangement. What does it cost? The program is run on a non-profit basis and relies on the subscription of its participants. The fees are set each year at the discretion of the business manager. In 2009 the main music subscription fee is $325 per year. Instrument hire fees range from $130-$195 per year; Once students are selected for the program an agreement will be sent which clearly states these details and must be signed by the parent/guardian if they wish to enter the program. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AT PASCO OR BAYVIEW STREET CAMPUS. Additional Information This course is suitable for students who have an existing interest in, or are competent in: Singing Playing any instrument Performing in a group/ ensemble Recording in a group/ ensemble Solo performance (individual practice & performance) Music technology (using software for mixing, recording, composing and arranging, aural comprehension) Sound management & sound reinforcement (acoustics) Music production & recording Listening/ theory/ analysis/ music based research activities
Successful students in this course need these skills or personal attributes: Music performance skills Team work skills, and the ability to work outside of your immediate friendship group Ability to work independently and with a disciplined approach Organisational skills Creativity Listening skills and/ or a broad appreciation of music Some knowledge of traditional music notation Analytical skills
Some of the practical tasks in Unit 1 & 2 include: Developing music performance skills to rehearse and perform in a group with an audience. e.g. a school assembly, outdoor setting on campus. Using music performance skills to rehearse and perform in a group with an audience in a setting outside of school. e.g. corporate functions, openings, community events such as Williamstown Festival. Music production & recording Performing solo Using software for mixing, recording, composing and arranging, aural comprehension Watching/listening to music performances (all styles) Improving ‘aural comprehension’ skills through listening, singing and notating
Some of the written tasks in Unit 1 & 2 include: Performance (self) evaluation Keeping a journal of the rehearsal process Performance reviews (all styles) through listening Interviewing performers (learning from the experts) Researching many aspects of performance Analysing/interpreting music (all styles) through listening Aural comprehension exercises through listening and notating (recognising music components such as chords, melody, rhythms, structure) Some theory exercises (in relation to aural comprehension activities)
For units 3 & 4, students need to specialise in either solo or group performance: Some of the tasks in Unit 3 and 4 Group Performance include: Further developing music performance skills to prepare a program for an end-of-year performance examination (30-40 minutes). Further developing music performance skills to perform regularly in a group with an audience (in and/or away from school) Further developing knowledge of many aspects of performance Further developing improvisation or arranging skills Further improving ‘aural comprehension’ skills and knowledge of music notation, mainly through listening.
Some of the tasks in Unit 3 and 4 Solo Performance include: Further developing music performance skills to prepare a program of pieces for an end-of-year solo performance examination. Further developing solo technical skills Further developing ensemble skills Further improving ‘aural comprehension’ skills and knowledge, mainly through listening Further improving knowledge of theory, especially in relation to aural comprehension topics Further developing analysing/interpreting skills and knowledge
At the end of Unit 4, you will be examined on things such as: Your ability to perform in a group Your knowledge of different aspects of music Your knowledge & skill in improvisation or arranging For Solo and Group Performance: your ability to recognise different elements such as chords, melody, rhythms, structure) For Solo Performance: your ability to perform as an individual and in an ensemble For Solo Performance: your ability to demonstrate a high level of technical ability For Solo Performance: your knowledge & skill in analysing/interpreting music
NB: At the end of Year 12, there is a written and a performance exam for both Solo and Group Performance. Students who have successfully completed Unit 1-4 in Music Performance have gone on to gain local, state or national recognition as musicians. Students who have successfully completed Unit 1-4 in Music Performance have gone on to study courses such as Music Performance, Jazz, Music Education, Performing Arts, Law, Creative Arts and Arts, at places such as The University of Melbourne, Monash University, Victorian College of the Arts, Deakin University and RMIT.
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