ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE

MUSIC DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

2016

INTRODUCTION

St Patrick’s College enjoys a long tradition of excellence in Music. Our various Music Programmes form a very important part of the school curriculum and play a vital role in the cultural life of the College. It is not seen as an added extra rather it is an integral part of a student’s total development and a wide variety of music tuition is available to all students. The Music Programme provides valuable learning and teaching on a wide variety of instruments and voice, as well as outstanding opportunities for skill development in an extensive ensemble programme.

Participation in the St Patrick’s College Music Programme is conditional upon students being enrolled in the programme and that the student and parents agree to the requirements outlined in the Music Handbook.

Learning to speak the language of music is a very important part of education and a large proportion of students take the opportunity for tuition in voice or on their chosen instrument.

Music is a very ‘social sport’ and students are always encouraged to actively participate in the many ensembles offered by the Music Department. This involvement not only improves their skills but also provides a sense of satisfaction, achievement and belonging which is also reflected in other areas of their life.

The College views music tuition as a key component to a holistic education. It provides a broader educational experience to our students.

THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC Musicianship is a wonderful skill for any child but new research shows how learning music can help your child in so many more ways:

• Improved reasoning capacity and problem solving skills

• Improved maths and language performance

• Better memory

• Greater social and team skills

WHY SHOULD MY SON LEARN MUSIC?

Here are a few facts from the ‘Music. Play for Life’ website:

1. Music makes a contribution to kids’ development that no other subject can match

“Music education uniquely contributes to the emotional, physical, social and cognitive growth of all students.” National Review of School Music Education, Australia, 2005.

2. Music students are more likely to be good citizens

A 10-year US study called ‘Champions of Change’ found that high school students who participate in arts programs, including in school bands, are less likely to be involved with drugs, crime or have behavioural problems.

3. Learning music helps under-performing students improve

US researchers found that young children aged 5-7 who had been lagging behind at school had caught up with their peers in reading and were ahead in maths after seven months of music lessons. The children’s classroom attitudes and behaviour improved too.

4. Musical training can enhance brain function

Brain imaging techniques (MRI) reveal that musical tasks such as sight-reading musical scores and playing music activates regions in all four lobes of the brain and parts of the cerebellum. Music is one of the few activities which engages the entire brain.

5. Incorporating music learning into other curriculum areas helps kids learn

A US study of fifth-grade students found that their attitudes to reading (and to music) improved when music was incorporated into reading instruction. Other studies show that music students are better equipped to grasp maths and science concepts.

6. Playing music improves concentration, memory and ability to express feelings

A 2001 study in Switzerland involving more than 1200 children found that, when 3 other curriculum classes were replaced with music classes, young children made more rapid developments in speech and learned to read more easily. They also learned to like each other more, were less stressed and enjoyed school more.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TUITION

St Patrick’s College is fortunate to have the services of an outstanding team of specialist instrumental tutors’ available to teach the full array of orchestral instruments, plus voice, theory, piano and guitar. Lessons are organised on a rotating timetable be so that students are not missing the same subject/class each week. In some circumstances it is possible to arrange lessons to be conducted before or after school.

Lessons are available to learn the following:

Theory of Music #

Bass Clarinet

Clarinet

Voice *

Euphonium

Flute

French Horn

Guitar ~ Classical

Guitar ~ Contemporary

Guitar ~ Electric Bass

Oboe

Percussion

Piano *

Saxophone ~ Alto

Saxophone ~ Baritone

Saxophone ~ Tenor

Trombone

Trumpet Tuba

* Available as an individual lesson only

# Held as a group lesson before school

It may be possible to undertake lessons on other instruments if required; please contact the Music Department.

FEES

Music lessons are charged to the school fees at the start of each year. The costs of lessons are:

• Private / Individual - $36.00/lesson

• Shared Lesson (2 students) - $25.00/lesson

• Theory of Music – Group lesson - $210.00/year

An instrumental lesson is 30 minutes in duration. Theory of Music is a 45 minute group lesson held before school or during lunch breaks.

Enrolment in instrumental lessons reserves the student’s place with the allocated teacher. If a student is to miss a lesson due to another commitment a MINIMUM of 48-hours’ notice must be given directly to the instrumental music teacher. Unless this notice is given the full lesson charge will apply. In the case of illness on the day of a scheduled lesson, notification must be given directly to the instrumental music teacher as soon as practicable. At the discretion of the teacher, rescheduled lessons may be given where possible.

If a student fails to attend a lesson the fee must still be paid.

If your son misses a lesson, you will be notified by the instrumental music teacher.

In the event that an instrument teacher is not available for a lesson, no fee will be charged. In some cases the instrument teacher may be able to organise a make-up lesson.

MUSIC TIMETABLE

All instrument timetables will rotate so that students do not repeatedly miss the same classroom subject. The timetable is displayed at the music office and students must check this regularly.

INSTRUMENT HIRE

In addition to the cost of lessons, students hiring College instruments are to pay the following annual fees per year. Instruments that need to be hired through an outside provider will incur the costs applicable to that company.

Instruments for hire:

Wood Wind Flute ........................................$225 Clarinet ...................................$225 Bass Clarinet ...........................$POA Saxophone ~ Alto ...................$375 Saxophone ~ Tenor ................$375 Saxophone ~ Baritone .............$375 Oboe .......................................$POA

Percussion Snare & Glockenspiel pack ….$225

Brass Trumpet ................................ $225 French Horn ......................... $225 Trombone ............................. $225 Euphonium ........................... $POA Tuba ..................................... $POA

Guitar Electric Bass Guitar .............. $225

This fee will be charged to the school fees account at the start of the year.

All families hiring instruments must sign the Hire Agreement Form annually.

Parents are liable for any repairs to the instrument or for the replacement value of the instrument in the event that the instrument is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair. St Patrick’s College takes no responsibility for hired or privately owned instruments. The annual hire fee does not include instrument insurance. Parents are advised to refer to their home and contents insurer and check their policy carefully.

THEORY LESSONS

Theory lessons are conducted as a group lesson and are held on Thursday mornings before school at a term cost of $50 per term. Students need to purchase the relevant theory book and pay the appropriate AMEB Theory Examination fee when undertaking the exam.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to maintaining the student diary, your son is responsible for checking the timetable for his next lesson time.

Students are also responsible for communicating all issues with the instrumental teacher, or the Performing Arts Administrator. These include planned absences or timetable problems. Particularly during exam time, timetables may need to be adjusted. This must happen in advance so that alternative arrangements can be made. Failure to do so will result in lesson charges applying.

Students must bring all equipment required for the lesson. Their instrument, tutor book, diary, pencil, and general maintenance equipment for their specific instrument (valve oil, spare reeds or strings etc).

We expect all students to maintain a regular practice routine as indicated by the teacher.

It is expected that all students participate in one of the many College Ensembles. This is a vital part of any music experience and builds strong relationships and teamwork skills.

If a student needs to miss a rehearsal, they must see the ensemble conductor or leader or Performing Arts Administrator prior to the absence. This is not only as a matter of courtesy but also allows us to fulfil our duty of care with regard to your son.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board): All students are encouraged to undertake AMEB examinations. These are an internationally accredited qualification and are highly regarded world-wide. There is an additional cost to undertake the examinations and parents are generally required to purchase additional pieces of music. These exams are not compulsory. Your son’s teacher may recommend sitting the exam but it is up to the individual. If you wish for your son to participate in the examinations, please contact the Music Department Administrator or the Director of Performing Arts.

ENSEMBLES

One of the really fulfilling results of musical study is to perform as a member of an ensemble. A variety of performance experiences are available through a wide range of ensembles:

• Jazz bands

• Rock bands

• Concert bands

• Saxophone Ensemble

• Chamber Choir

• Guitar Ensemble

• Woodwind Ensemble

• Vocal Ensemble

• Percussion Ensemble

• Brass Ensemble

• Djembe Ensemble

• Marching Band

These groups will have ample opportunity to perform at a wide range of functions and competitions.

MUSIC TOURS

St Patrick’s College undertakes a biannual tour incorporating our premier ensembles. Most recently we have toured Queensland where our various bands and ensembles have successfully competed in the Queensland Catholic Colleges Music Festival and Urban Upbeat Festival at EKKA.

SOLO EXPERIENCE

Students benefit greatly from performing for their peers. When a student is ready for the experience, they will be encouraged to build their self-confidence through performance.

Students may wish to compete as a soloist in a variety of competitions and eisteddfods or participate as a member of a Master Class when the opportunity arises.

WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP

You can assist your son by setting him up with the correct equipment.

• All students should have a music stand. The foldable aluminium type can be

purchased for about $25 at most music stores. This allows the student to have the correct posture as well as reducing eye strain.

• Instrument stands also protect the instrument during practice times. Rather than

lying the instrument down on a chair or the bed where they are likely to be damaged, a stand keeps these safe and out of the way.

• Classical Guitar students should have a foot stool. These are approximately $15.

• Woodwind students need to have a pull through cloth to wipe and clean the inside

of the instrument.

• Clarinet and oboe students also need cork grease.

• Brass players need valve oil and slide crème as well as a set of cleaning brushes.

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

A great way to support your son’s music experience is to join the Friends of Performing Arts. This group help with fundraising and concert organisation. Meetings are advertised in The Crest and/or by emailed invitation.

WITHDRAWING FROM THE MUSIC PROGRAMME

Parents wishing to withdraw their son from lessons are required to give four weeks written notice to the Director of Performing Arts. A ‘Withdrawal from Instrumental Lessons’ form must be obtained from and returned to the Music Office where the date will be noted. Parents are responsible for payment of these lessons in the event that the student withdraws immediately.

CONTACTING THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

St Patrick’s College: - …………………………… 5331 1688

Music Office, Mrs Penny Kaletsch :-…………... 5322 4439

Music Administrator Email: …………………… pkaletsch@stpats.vic.edu.au

Director of Performing Arts: - ………… .... ……...5322 4445

...................................................................…… gshawcross@stpats.vic.edu.au

FRIENDS OF MUSIC EMAIL REGISTRATION

I would like to register my email address with the Friends of Music to receive information regarding upcoming events and performances.

My contact details are:

Name/s:

The Parent/guardian/friend of: (list student/s name/s below)

______________________________________ Year level: ______________

______________________________________ Year level: ______________

______________________________________ Year level: ______________

Daytime Phone: and/or Mobile:

Email: (Note: Email is our preferred contact – please check this is correct)

Signature: Date:

Please return completed form to:

St Patrick’s College Performing Arts Administrator Locked Bag 31 BALLARAT VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 5322 4439 Email: pkaletsch@stpats.vic.edu.au

Or in person to the Music Department Office.

Chamber Choir performing at 2015 SPC IN CONCERT