Benefits of a School Music Program

• Develops responsibility • Builds self-confidence and self-esteem and self-discipline
• Improves communication
• Cultivates creativity • Develops a lifelong appreciation for music and arts in general
• Develops coordination
• Assists academic development

Instrumental Music Program Aim

The Instrumental Music program aims to provide further opportunities for students in practical music. Instrumental music will emphasise performance skills, musical understanding, perceptive listening and positive attitudes. A commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and practice is expected. Students taking private lessons at the school and hiring St Joseph’s College instruments are expected to fully participate in the Bands Program, Vocal Ensemble and small ensembles.
Brass and Woodwind instruments may be hired for an initial period of twelve months, then students are encouraged to purchase their own instrument after two years of tuition. A Hire Contract is required before instruments can be taken home.

Junior Band Academy

This exciting venture aims to create an opportunity for the boys to develop musical skills for performances and to represent the College in music activities. Junior Band Academy is an opportunity for music making outside the normal timetabled music classes.
The Academy offers a group lesson followed by a full concert band experience each week with specialist music tutors. Students have the opportunity to perform at eisteddfods, bands’ festivals, concerts, workshops and assemblies throughout the year and represent St Joseph’s College to the wider community.
The cost for the program is $250 for the year and this will contribute towards the cost of lessons and hire of the instruments.

Instrumental Tuition

Tuition is offered in the following areas:
Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone
Voice: Individual
Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Piano: Modern, Classical and Jazz
Percussion: Drum Kit and Mallet Percussion
Strings: Double Bass
Guitar: Classical, Jazz and Modern, Electric Bass Guitar
There will be a limit on instruments and lessons available.

Tuition Fees

Accounts will be issued by and paid directly to the contract music tutor and are payable in advance. Lessons will be terminated if fees are not paid.

Lessons

Lessons are timetabled on a rotating basis so that students will not miss the same class each week. A report outlining progress will be issued at the end of each semester. Lessons are generally undertaken for a full year. If lessons are terminated, the student must finish the term or give a minimum of five weeks notice.

AMEB/ANZCA Exams

Students are encouraged to sit for Australian Music Examination Board or ANZCA examinations in Practical and/or Theory. Prescribed fees for these examinations are to be paid in advance.

College Band Groups & Ensembles

There are many choices for students wishing to join a musical performance group, the College currently has the Junior Band Academy, Intermediate Concert Band, Senior Concert Band, Stage Band and Celtic Group along with the Vocal Ensemble, Senior Drumline, Junior Drumline, Saxophone, Flute, Guitar and Brass Ensembles.
Regular attendance at weekly rehearsals is expected, so as to maintain and develop high standards of musical performance. Attendance will be recorded and a review will be held at the end of each term. Parents will be informed if attendance or progress is not satisfactory.

Music Program Enquiries

Contact the Music Administrator at the Music Office on 5226 8156.
Alternatively you can email:
Amy Young
[email protected]