Music Department

Handbook

Contents

JUNIOR YEARS ......................................................................................................................................... 1

YEAR 2 STRINGS PROGRAMME, FREE LESSONS FOR ALL .................................................................... 3

YEAR 4 ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMME, FREE LESSONS FOR ALL ............................................................ 3

JUNIOR YEARS BAND ........................................................................................................................... 3

JUNIOR SINGERS ................................................................................................................................. 3

YEAR 4 AND 5 'FUN' CHOIR ................................................................................................................. 4

MIDDLE YEARS ........................................................................................................................................ 4

YEAR 6 to Year 9 - INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAMME, FREE LESSONS FOR ALL ...................................... 5

YEAR 8 AND 9 MUSIC ELECTIVES ......................................................................................................... 5

YEAR 6 AND 7 BAND ............................................................................................................................ 5

YEAR 8 AND 9 BAND ............................................................................................................................ 6

SENIOR YEARS ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Senior Music (Year 11 and 12) ............................................................................................................ 7

Music Extension (Year 12 only) ........................................................................................................... 7

Senior Music Ensemble ....................................................................................................................... 7

Extra-Curricular Involvement .............................................................................................................. 7

Lessons outside Core Subject Lesson Time ......................................................................................... 7

IN THE GROOVE - MULTI-SENSORY MUSIC MAKING .............................................................................. 8

JUNIOR YEARS

YEAR 2 STRINGS PROGRAMME, FREE LESSONS FOR ALL

Every child will have the opportunity to receive one whole term of Violin tuition from our string specialist free of charge.

Through gentle and caring instruction, each year level class will be split into smaller groups to receive lessons which are

free of charge to our families. By the end of Year 2, every child will have had one term of free tuition, free music and free

instrumental rental.

Why violin? It's as simple as size - Violins come in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 size making this the perfect choice for our very youngest

and smallest musicians.

YEAR 4 ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMME, FREE LESSONS FOR ALL

Now that our young musicians are getting a little bigger, they can try out the bigger and heavier instruments and begin to

experience music making in small group and large ensemble situations. This exciting Instrumental Programme is again

offered to every child in Year 4. Your child will now be able to choose from Trumpet, Cornet, Clarinet, Flute or Violin.

Through caring and enthusiastic instruction, lessons are given by our specialist teachers and by the end of the term; all

students perform as part of a whole class ensemble. If you would like more details of dates and times, please contact any

member of our Music Department.

JUNIOR YEARS BAND

All students who are learning an instrument with any of our staff at St Andrew's are invited to attend these sessions.

This is specifically geared towards the band / orchestral instruments including brass, woodwind, strings and orchestral

percussion. (Guitars have the opportunity to play in the Guitar Ensemble).

All music is specifically composed or arranged to suit the needs of every individual student. Mr Hurdley (our resident

composer/arranger) takes pride in creating music that is engaging and manageable for every child.

The band rehearses on Thursday every week at 8:20am.

JUNIOR SINGERS

This choir is by audition only and is open to students from Years 1 - 5. These auditions take place at the beginning of every

term (if we have spaces) and places are always at a premium as more students take up the opportunity to take their singing

to a higher level (part singing).

Last year this young choir performed at many concerts and the Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod picking up

awards. They were awarded a First, Second and a Third in the sections entered, and some of that was against Year 7

choirs!

We rehearse on Fridays 8:20am - 9:00am.

YEAR 4 AND 5 'FUN' CHOIR

This choir is split into two parts throughout the year:

The first half of the year (Semester One) is for all students who are having lessons on an instrument at St Andrew's (private

students are of course welcome). We visit part singing, music reading, aural and theory skills and work towards

involvement in the Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod.

The second half of the year (Semester Two) is for everyone who has not had the opportunity to sing in our choir. We work

at a fast and vibrant pace and choose songs that invigorate and excite our young singers. We work towards the End of Year

Concert where we always bring the house down!

Many young musicians have started off their love of music here. "From little acorns..."

MIDDLE YEARS

YEARS 6 - 9 - INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAMME, FREE LESSONS FOR ALL

Many of our students at St Andrew's Catholic College are already playing an instrument or have experimented on an

instrument in the past.

This programme is designed to give those students who have previously experimented or have never played at all, an

opportunity to try before they commit. We hope that after the completion of the 'free' programme, students will take up

the opportunity to get involved further by committing to our Music Programme of lessons, bands and choirs.

This FREE programme is also designed to give new students to St Andrew's a taste of what we offer our families, and

hopefully encourage those students to take their music making to the next level. These lessons will work on a rotating

timetable so that students do not miss the same classroom activities each week.

This programme is offered to every child in Years 6 - 9 and can be accessed by ALL students. We would suggest that if your

child is already learning an instrument and having lessons in College time that you should not take this opportunity, they

will be already coming out of class for their first study instrument. Students who are currently on the Music Programme

are welcome to try another instrument, but only through careful consultation with their instrumental teacher.

Your child will be able to choose from Trumpet, Cornet, Clarinet, Flute or Violin. We do not offer FREE lessons on Guitar or

Percussion.

Through enthusiastic and specialist instruction, lessons are given by our highly qualified specialist teachers and by the end

of the term, each student will have the tools to enable them to make an informed judgment to go to the next level of

music making, or to just have enjoyed and learned from this new experience.

YEARS 8 AND 9 MUSIC ELECTIVES

This class is a progression of what the student receives as part of their involvement in the Music Programme. All students

who receive lessons from one of the Music Staff (whether employed by St Andrew's or not) is required to choose at least

one semester per year in both Years 8 and 9. Each semester will be written and adapted specifically for the needs of each

individual student. We study theory of music, analysis, composition techniques and performance.

Each student receives extra help during these sessions including repertoire choices, accompaniment sessions, extra

specialist tuition (when staff are available) and gentle guidance on coping with nerves and performance anxiety.

Certificates of Distinction, Merit and Participation are awarded in each criteria studied and student’s hard work and talent

is acknowledged in their Semester Recital where they show off their gifts to an invited audience.

YEARS 6 AND 7 BAND

This ensemble rehearses on Tuesday, 10:40am – 11:20am (Period 4) in the Band Room. Our repertoire is carefully chosen

and most often specially written for this ensemble. All brass and woodwind students are expected to attend. String

players will be invited to attend when their instrumental teacher feels they are ready and will benefit from the

experience. As this is an ensemble, not every percussionist who learns in school is able to be involved, so interested and

keen individuals are encouraged to be involved.

YEARS 8 AND 9 BAND

This ensemble rehearses on Wednesday, 10:40am – 11:20am (Period 4) in the Band Room. As in Year 6 and 7 Band, our

repertoire is carefully chosen and most often specially written for this ensemble. All brass and woodwind students are also

expected to attend. As this is an ensemble, not every percussionist who learns in school is able to be involved, so

interested and keen individuals are encouraged to be involved.

SENIOR YEARS

Senior Music (Years 11 - 12)

Music is an integral part of everyday life

Studying Music fosters students' confident expression of their creativity and individuality. A study of music helps students

understand and heighten the enjoyment of the arts in their lives. Students who are learning an instrument should seriously

consider this option.

For more information about this service:

Music (2013) (Authority subject) [Qld Studies Authority]

Music Extension (Year 12 only)

Do you have specific talents in music that you would like to really improve?

Music Extension is an exciting and challenging course for students in Year 12 who have or are already enrolled in Senior

Music (having completed one year already). Music Extension is studied over both semesters in Year 12.

For more information about this service:

Music Extension (2008) (Authority subject) [Qld Studies Authority]

Senior Music Ensemble

On Wednesday Period 7 and 8 each week, senior students are offered the opportunity to come along to the music block to

make some music. This is aimed at instrumentalists and vocalists of all ability levels.

Extra-Curricular Involvement

All Year 10, 11 and 12 students are encouraged to be a part of at least one extracurricular activity each week. Students

are improving in their musical abilities by this time and sharing music with like-minded, talented students is a rewarding

and exciting experience.

For more information about this service:

maureen.cameron@standrewscc.qld.edu.au

Lessons outside Core Subject Lesson Time

All instrumental lessons will be offered to our Year 11 and 12 students in their non-core subject times. That could be at

lunch time, during Assembly or during PC.

For more information about this service:

bryan.hurdley@standrewscc.qld.edu.au

For further details on any information above, please click on the links or ask the advice of any of our knowledgeable music

staff.

IN THE GROOVE - MULTI-SENSORY MUSIC MAKING

'In The Groove' music at St Andrew's Catholic College is a music enrichment course especially designed for students with

special needs.

How does it work?

Students attend a weekly lesson in groups of between three and six students of a similar age and ability level.

What happens in lessons?

'In The Groove' music is catered to the age and ability level of the students in each group and therefore activities vary

according to each group. Activities range from musical games, songs, rhythm activities, movement, dancing and

computers.

What are the benefits?

The aim of 'In The Groove' music is to enrich your child's everyday life through movement and fun music making. The

program helps to develop confidence, social skills (team work, turn taking, sharing, interacting with others), motor skills,

co-ordination and sensory development. We also have classes aimed at those students who may excel academically and

use it as an enrichment course of study.

How do I get my child involved?

If you are interested in your child attending 'In The Groove' classes, or you would like to learn more about it please contact

the Learning Support department at the College.