ROUSE HILL ANGLICAN COLLEGE

Years Three to Six Music

Information Booklet

2021

MUSIC AT ROUSE HILL ANGLICAN COLLEGE Music is a wonderful God-given gift that reflects the creativity of our Creator and can teach, heal, calm and inspire. The aim of including music in the classroom and co-curricular program at Rouse Hill Anglican College is to offer students many opportunities to experience this creative gift, while assisting the process of unlocking literacy and executive function skills that allow us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks successfully.

The Co-curricular Music program at the College offers students a diverse range of instrumental and vocal ensembles that allow them to unwrap the gift of music and pursue excellence in performance. Students are able to join the program in Year Three and progress through to Year Twelve.

Participation in the Co-curricular Music Program in Junior School provides students with the opportunity to enrich and extend their practical musical gifts beyond the curricular Music Program. The Ensembles encourage students to express and communicate musically, deepen their musical understanding and gain an appreciation of the art form. Students develop teamwork and fine motor skills and have the opportunity to be extended beyond their curricular cohort. Above all, though, being involved in music is an enjoyable experience building memories that last a lifetime.

ENSEMBLE GROUPS Students in Years Three to Six have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles that cater for a wide range of abilities and interests. All students who have private tuition at the College are required to be a member of at least one of the ensembles, while students who have music tuition outside of the College are also strongly encouraged to further develop their musical skills by joining an ensemble. Ensembles available in 2021 are:

• Beginner Band

• Intermediate Band

• Performance Band (by invitation)

• Junior School Choir

• Cantabile Chorus (by audition: Year Four to Year Six)

• String Ensemble

• Percussion Ensemble

THE BAND PROGRAM The Junior School Band Program operates to offer every student in Year Three to Six the opportunity to unwrap and explore the gift of music and unlock their creative potential. Research shows that learning a musical instrument engages every area of the brain simultaneously and helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning as well as mathematical skills. It teaches discipline, develops organisational skills and problem solving skills, relieves stress, provides a sense of achievement and allows for creative self-expression. Testing shows that simply listening to music does not have the same effect as the physical engagement involved with playing an instrument.

The program is co-ordinated and directed by the Music Ensembles Co-ordinator and Music Teacher Mrs Heather Skinner and gives every student in Year Three to Six the opportunity to unwrap the gift of music through learning to play an instrument used in a concert band and then working together as a team in Band rehearsals.

As with most skills, musical development differs from one student to another. For this reason, the Band Program endeavours to offer a number of different opportunities to students, to accommodate the varying stages of musical development. The ensemble groups offered in 2021 are as follows:

• Beginner Band – all band members are in their first year of playing an instrument

• Intermediate Band - all band members have played an instrument for at least one full year

• Performance Band – band members from intermediate band are selected, after auditioning, for particular performance opportunities

• Percussion Ensemble – percussionists, drummers and piano players are invited to participate in this specialised ensemble. Members must be having private tuition on drums or piano.

• String Ensemble & Intermediate String Ensemble– players of string instruments who have had tuition for at least one year.

These varying levels and style of ensembles will ensure that each child is given the opportunity to participate at a level equivalent to his or her stage of development.

WHAT THE BAND PROGRAM INVOLVES

The Band Program has five main parts that equally contribute to successfully achieving these aims:

1. Attending Band Rehearsals

2. Private Lessons

3. Home Practice

4. Performances

5. Music Camp

ATTENDING BAND REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are held at the College and focus on the skills of playing music together as a band or ensemble and working as a team. Students also learn to develop their listening skills and extend their ability to read music notation and play with a sense of style. It is essential for all band members to attend the scheduled rehearsals to ensure the consistent progress of each band. Email notification must be sent to the conductor prior to 7:45am if a band member will be absent from a rehearsal.

Rehearsals will take place in Music Space in lower D block commencing promptly at the designated time, with students expected to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the start of the morning rehearsal in order to get their instrument ready.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Each band member is expected to receive a private lesson on his or her instrument. This may occur through the College Tuition Program or externally with a tutor of your choice. This is essential so that the intricacies of the instrument being played can be taught to each student individually. Band rehearsals are not the time to be doing this as this may delay the progress of other students.

HOME PRACTICE

All band members are expected to practise on a regular basis, following the directions given by their tutor and Mrs Skinner. Regular practice will help students to improve and ensure they get the most out of their rehearsals and private lessons.

PERFORMANCES

Performances are the culmination of practice in rehearsals, private tuition and regular practice at home. They include playing for parents and friends at school events, evening concerts, music festivals, eisteddfods or community events. All band members are expected to attend all performances. Email notification is required if a student is absent from a rehearsal.

MUSIC CAMP

Students in each ensemble must attend the annual Music Day Camp or Music Camp as outlined later in this booklet.

THE CHORAL PROGRAM Participation in a Choral Program is so much more than just singing. Children in the choir learn particular singing techniques as well as develop excellence in group performance as well as giving the lifelong joy of participating in music. You are giving them the gift of music. Studies have shown that young people who sing in choirs:

• Develop personal confidence and overcome shyness when speaking in public

• If a stutterer, do not stutter when singing

• Acquire improved abilities to speak and enunciate more clearly

• If ESL, learn the language faster

• Have better posture and body alignment

• Make lasting friendships

At Rouse Hill Anglican College students have the opportunity to participate in two choirs: the Junior School Choir and Cantabile Chorus. Both choirs aim to develop correct vocal technique while encouraging a love of music and singing.

• Junior School Choir – open to all students from Years Three to Six that focuses on the joy of singing while learning the basics of voice production.

• Cantabile Chorus – students from the Junior School Choir audition for this group and learn more difficult choral music and singing techniques.

WHAT THE CHORAL PROGRAM INVOLVES

The Choral Program involves the following goals:

1. Attending Choir Rehearsals

2. Home Practice

3. Performances and Workshop

REHEARSALS AND PRACTICE

Participation in either choir requires a strong commitment from students and families. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals, participate fully in performances throughout the year, and always strive to do their best. Students are expected to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the rehearsal commencement time and in the event of an absence notify the conductor via email at info@rhac.nsw.edu.au or by phoning the College office. Members of both choirs need to bring a plastic display folder to each rehearsal in which to store their music so they are able to practice the repertoire at home between rehearsals.

PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOP

Students in the Junior School Choir and Cantabile Chorus participate in a Choral Workshop where a guest conductor is invited to work with the students in rehearsal sessions for the day. The Workshop is excellent foundational preparation, in an informal setting, for performances throughout the year that include the Anglican School Choral Festival, Eisteddfods and school events and assemblies.

THE STRING PROGRAM The String Ensemble is open to any student who is learning an orchestral string instrument and have been playing for at least one year. As students indicate their intention to participate in String Ensemble, they will be placed in either a beginner or advanced group according to their playing ability. String students are expected to attend the annual Music Day Camp in Term Two and will be invited to perform at various events during the year.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE Percussion Ensemble is open to all students in Years Three to Six who are learning to play drums or piano and are interested in playing in a specialised Ensemble. All percussionists from Beginner, Intermediate and Performance Band are encouraged to join this ensemble to extend their music reading and performance skills. Students must attend rehearsal once a week and are expected to attend Music Day Camp in Term Two.

PRIVATE TUITION As part of the College’s Music Program, Private Instrument Tuition is available on a weekly basis for a variety of instruments. Experienced private tutors visit the College to conduct these lessons at the invitation of the College.

Lessons are held during the school day on a rotating timetable so that students miss different subjects each week. Each private lesson costs around $40 which is payable in advance according to each tutors’ particular invoicing schedule.

Students are required to bring their own instrument to each lesson although there are a limited number of instruments available for hire from the College. It is expected that students attending tuition are playing or singing in a College Ensemble.

Each tutor has specific requirements for notification of missed lessons which must be adhered too. Four weeks’ notice must be given to the tutor and the College Office in the event of discontinuation of lessons. Payment of four week’s lesson fees will be charged in lieu of adequate notice.

Lessons are available on the following instruments:

• Flute • Clarinet • Saxophone • Voice • Trumpet • Trombone • Euphonium • Tuba • Violin • Cello • Piano • Drums/Percussion • Guitar (electric/acoustic/bass)

Tutors will give feedback on your child’s progress throughout the year and many of them will suggest that your child undertake external examinations through the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). These exams are an excellent motivational tool as well as providing an unbiased appraisal of your child’s progress. Undertaking such an examination requires a clear agreement between the parent, teacher and student. Please see the Music Tuition Brochure for more information and application form.

INSTRUMENTAL HIRE PROGRAM The College has a number of instruments that are available for students in the Years Three to Six band program to hire.

Instruments on offer for hire include:

• Flute

• Clarinet

• Alto Saxophone

• Tenor Saxophone

• Trumpet

• Trombone

• Euphonium

• French Horn

• Tuba

Instruments are hired for an initial period of twelve months and students must be enrolled in the Private Tuition program at the College, or be able to give contact details of the private tutor. Hire Fees are currently set at $80 per term and the amount of $160 will be debited to the family’s College Fees Account at the end of terms one and three. Payments are non-refundable once a term has commenced.

Please see the Instrument Hire Agreement for more information and application form.

MUSIC CAMP Students involved in the Instrumental Program will attend an annual Music Camp or Music Day Camp. Music Camp is a fundamental part of the band program and involves going off campus for intensive music tuition together with other recreational activities. Older students stay overnight to take advantage of the extended rehearsal time, while younger students and smaller ensembles attend for one day. The cost of Music Camp is met by students attending and covers the cost of camp catering and accommodation, bus travel and tutors. Music Camp is a wonderful opportunity for each student to extend his or her musical ability by taking part in rehearsals and tutorials with visiting professional musicians and directors as well as participating in activities to build team relationships.

ENROLLING IN AN ENSEMBLE The Enrolment form for each ensemble is included in this booklet and is also available on the Wiki. Students in Years Two to Five wishing to enter the Band Program will be given the opportunity to do an Instrument Trial Test in Term Three or Four each year. This test looks at the physical aptitude on different instruments as well as an Aural Preference Test to determine the instrument that best suits each child. Please complete and submit the Ensemble Application to notify the College of your interest in enrolling in an Ensemble.

ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

BEHAVIOUR CODE

Participation in the Junior School Co-curricular Music Program is a privilege, not a right. It is the desire of all who participate that each person has the opportunity to enjoy and contribute fully to the program. A high standard of behaviour is expected from all students both in rehearsal and performance. Disruptive or rude behaviour will be dealt with according to the policies of the College.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend all rehearsals on time.

• Be prepared for each rehearsal by bringing your instrument, including all the equipment required to play your instrument.

• Absenteeism and Lateness – A note or email must be sent to explain any absences from rehearsals.

• Injury – if a student is injured but attending school and unable to play his/her instrument, then he is still required to sit in on the weekly rehearsals.

• If you forget your instrument or it is in for repair, you are still required to sit in on rehearsals

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Here are some ways in which parents may support their child:

• Remind your child to practise, clean and maintain the instrument.

• Be patient and encourage your child. Some things are learned easily, others require intensive and repeated application. Some instruments take longer to learn than others.

• Create a musical atmosphere in the home. Tune into interesting musical programs on radio and TV, invite friends who play instruments into the home and make playing for one another a part of the occasion. Also add new CD’s to your collection from time to time.

• Avoid placing undue stress on musical work. All healthy children want and need a considerable amount of physical activity. A balanced schedule of interests, including music practice, will pay big musical dividends.

• Support your child’s attendance at all rehearsals, tutorials, performances and Music Camp and Festivals.

• Most children go through a period of not wanting to practice. Setting up regular practice routines with incentives is a positive way of encouraging children through this period.

CORRESPONDENCE

All formal correspondence for instrumental groups should be addressed to the Music Ensembles Co-ordinator, Mrs Heather Skinner, through the College office. You are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss the progress of your child in Band.

All formal correspondence for vocal groups should be addressed to the Choral Conductor or Mrs Skinner.

ATTENDANCE

Students are reminded to arrive promptly for each rehearsal and to come prepared with relevant instrument and/or music. In the event of an absence, students are asked to make their apologies in writing or by email to the Director of the ensemble.

WITHDRAWAL FROM ENSEMBLES

Once enrolled, it is expected that students commit to participating in an ensemble for the duration of the year. In exceptional circumstances, notice of withdrawal must be given in writing to the director of the ensemble concerned after discussion with student and parent have taken place.

MUSIC AWARDS The Music Award System acknowledges and rewards students for their significant effort and role within the life of the Junior School at Rouse Hill Anglican College.

BRONZE AWARD & CERTIFICATE

• First year of service in any ensemble group

• Minimum of Three performances during the year

• Consistent attendance at rehearsals throughout the year

SILVER AWARD & CERTIFICATE

• Second year of service in any ensemble group

• Minimum of Three performances during the year

• Consistent attendance at rehearsals throughout the year

GOLD AWARD & CERTIFICATE

• Third year of service in any ensemble group

• Minimum of Three performances during the year

• Consistent attendance at rehearsals throughout the year

MUSIC PIN & CERTIFICATE

• Fourth year of service in any ensemble group

• To be awarded at the end of Term 1 of the fourth year of service

• Displays strong commitment to the music program through involvement and attendance in previous years

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL DAY REHEARSAL TIME VENUE

Beginner Band Monday 3:30 – 4:30pm Music D Space

Thursday 8:00 – 8:50am Music D Space

Intermediate Band Monday 8:00 – 8:50am Music D Space

Performance Band Thursday (from term 2) 3:30 – 4:30pm Music D Space

Percussion Ensemble Lunch time tba 12:15 – 1:00pm Music D Space

Junior School Choir Wednesday 8:00 – 8:50am TLC

Cantabile Chorus Friday 8:00 – 8:50 Music D Space

String Ensemble Tuesday 8:00 – 8:45am Music Room M1