TOLENTINE PRIMARY CONCERT

On November 29 we are putting on our last concert for the year. The “Tolentiny” Concert is a chance for our youngest musicians to perform for their family and friends.  All are welcome to attend this free event.  

WHERE: Good Counsel
WHEN: 4:30PM, November 29
WHO: Stage Band 2, Concert Band 2, College Choir, Junior Jazz Ensemble.  

MUSIC REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

This is a clarification of our expectations on rehearsals:

• The time listed on the rehearsal schedule is the start time (bands take at least five minutes to set up before rehearsal to put out chairs, stands, music, and to get their instruments out).  Please arrive at least five minutes before the published start time (listed below for your convenience).
• Rehearsals run every day unless communicated otherwise.  This includes first days of term, College event days (carnivals, liturgies, special breakfasts).  If your son has the Wednesday morning mass, he should attend rehearsal until 8:00am.
• If for any reason, your son is unable to attend, a courtesy email to the conductor or Joseph Montz is appreciated.   

MUSIC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 29                                  Primary “Tolentiny” Concert

Year 10 Elective Music Album Recording

On Tuesday 13^th November, the year 10 elective class travelled to Everland Studios in Five Dock to record original compositions they have been working on this term with producer and engineer Ben Worsey. The students spent eight hours in the studio, getting used to the process of recording. There was opportunity to listen back, give feedback, collaborate and even make final changes after hearing the pieces come together.

The three original songs recorded were all representative of the topics we have studied in class over 2017 – 2018. One combines elements of World Music with Minimalism. The second is representative of Australian Small Ensembles and the third a Jazz piece. The project was an outstanding way to wrap up a fantastic two years of elective music together and I look forward to seeing what these young musicians accomplish in the future.

Amelia Granturco

CLASSROOM MUSIC NEWS  

Year 6 Instrumental Immersion Program 2019  

After the success of the Year 5 Instrumental Immersion Program, the College is delighted to announce the continuation of the program into Year 6, 2019. Throughout this year students have been introduced to instruments of the woodwind, brass and string families. Aside from the many benefits associated with an instrumental music education, students have developed an understanding and appreciation of those instruments and are now in a position to make an informed choice as to what instrument they would like to study for the duration of 2019 and hopefully into their secondary schooling.  

About the Program

In the Year 6 Instrumental Immersion Program students will have one 60-minute lesson per week on their chosen instrument. The lesson will be divided into a group tutorial session and a large ensemble session; they being advanced concert band, beginner concert band and string ensemble. Strings will only be offered on the proviso that there is enough student interest. Students already learning a concert band instrument will be eligible for advanced concert band, as will beginner students who show a strong work ethic, aptitude and ability on their chosen instrument. It will be an expectation that advanced concert band students participate in the Year 6 Extension Concert Band which will rehearse before school on the Year 6 Instrumental Immersion Program lesson day.  

There will be 12 teaching and instrumental specialists working on the Year 6 Instrumental Immersion Program. It is anticipated that students who already take private tuition on a particular instrument will continue to learn it as part of the program. The instruments offered for study in Year 6 are flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, orchestral percussion, violin, cello and double bass. To keep the program as affordable as possible for families, tuition and instrument purchase costs will be heavily subsidized by the College.  

Choosing an Instrument to Study

On Wednesday 14 November, Year 5 student will take part in the Year 6 Instrumental Immersion Program ‘Blow Test’/Instrument Tryouts. Instrumental specialists will demonstrate the instruments being offered for study and student will then have the opportunity to play each one. To help students with their decision making, further information about the various instruments will be given in general classroom music lessons. After the ‘Blow Test’/Instrument Tryout day, parents will be emailed a link to the Year 6 Instrumental Program instrument choice form. The form is an online questionnaire which has been designed to find out students’ preference and suitability for their choice of instrument. It contains questions relating to learning style, personality and physical development which will be used to inform teachers in helping to guide students appropriately.   

Progression in Year 6 and Music Opportunities

The knowledge and skills students have gained during instrumental lessons in Year 5 has provided them with an invaluable foundation upon which to build on next year. With dedicated and consistent effort on one instrument and under the guidance of specialist instructors, it is anticipated that students will progress quickly in the Year 6 Instrumental Immersion Program. Learning opportunities of course extend beyond the classroom and all students are invited to get involved with the Cocurricular Music Program, where they can extend themselves in Concert Band 2, Stage Band 2 and then Junior Jazz Ensemble.    

Year 5 Instrumental Immersion Program 2018 – Invitation to Open Rehearsal  

In line with the College’s strategic improvement intention of delivering a rich and varied curriculum, a curricular instrumental music program was implemented this year. The Year 5 Instrumental Immersion Program has been a vital next step in the provision of a comprehensive music education for our students, one commensurate with best practice displayed in Australia’s premier schools and indeed of those throughout the world.  

Throughout the year, students have experienced and learnt to play woodwind, brass and string instruments. The instrumental immersion lessons have co-existed with the current singing, music appreciation and composition lessons. Weekly instrumental lessons have been divided into small group tuition sessions followed by an ensemble experience.  

To demonstrate how the program works and progress made this term, all members of the College Community are invited to the Year 5 Instrumental Immersion Program, Open Rehearsal Presentation. This will be held from 12.00 to 12.30pm on Wednesday 28 November in the Lecceto Auditorium.  

Alan Caulfield
Faculty Coordinator Music