Pakenham Campus 2017

Chairo Christian School

Music Handbook

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Table of Contents

Music at Chairo: Pakenham Campus …………………………………………………………................. 2

Class Music Program ……………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Lower Junior School ……………………………………………………………………………… 3

Upper Junior School ……………………………………………………………………………… 3

Middle School …………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

Senior School ……………………………………………………………………………………… 4

VCE Music ………………………………………………………………………………………… 4

Ensembles ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Instrumental Ensembles ………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Symphonic Winds ……………………………………………………………………………..… 5

Big Band …………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

String Orchestra ………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Concert Band ……………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Brass ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Woodwind ………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Vocal Ensembles …………………………………………………………………………………………… 7

Junior School ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

Middle School ……………………………………………………………………………………… 7

Senior School ………………………….…………………………………………………………... 7

Instrumental Music Program …………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Woodwind ………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Brass ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Strings …………………………………………………………………………………………….. .. 8

Vocal ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Other ……………………………………………………………………………………………… .. 9

Chairo School Music Performance Opportunities ……………………………………………………… 9

Enrolment Process ………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

Conditions of Enrolment …………………………………………………………………………………. 10

Absences …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

Cessation of Tuition ……………………………………………………………………………………… 12

Practice …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

Free Structure ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

Music Record Diaries ………………………………………………………………………………………. 12

Other Costs ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Instrument Hire/Purchase ………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Hire Fees ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

Exams ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

Chairo Friends of Music ………………………………………………………………………………….. 14

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Music at Chairo: Pakenham Campus

Welcome to Music at Chairo Christian School’s Pakenham Campus!

This booklet is designed to provide you with information regarding all facets of Music, including private

instrumental tuition, curricular and co-curricular programs. It is the aim of the music program at Chairo to

enrich the lives of young people through the passion and love of music and instrumental practice.

Learning an instrument enhances commitment, critical assessment and time management, and also

improves musical and creative skills. There has been extensive research conducted related to learning a

musical instrument and student learning, and it has been overwhelmingly proven that learning an

instrument dramatically improves scholastic performance without exception. Equally important, creating

music gives enjoyment and a sense of achievement to students, boosting their confidence in all areas of

learning.

Musical prowess is best achieved by individual lessons, quality tuition, performance opportunities,

encouragement and regular home practice. Starting your child on an instrument at an early age will,

through accumulation of discipline, passion, perseverance and creativity, also open the possibility of

selecting one of the many VCE Music options in Senior School.

The researched link between academic excellence and students who learn a musical instrument is

significant; therefore, talent should not be the primary factor in considering music lessons. Starting age is

very often a factor in determining the extent of musical advancement and the type of instrument that can

be learnt. The effects of music on brain development are more noticeable when music study takes place

from an early age.

Music is a wonderful gift that you can give to your child and it will stay with them for their entire life. The

gift of music can also be used to worship God and provides many avenues through which to participate in,

and contribute to, church and worship events.

It is the aim of the program to provide expert tuition to the student body, allowing individual students to

take their musical journey as far as they desire. The school is pleased to be able to offer a comprehensive

Music program and looks forward to helping students discover and develop the musical gifts that God has

given them.

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Class Music Program

Lower Junior School In classroom music lessons, students will be involved in a wide range of music activities that involve

singing, rhythm and pulse, expression, tempi, non-melodic percussion playing and early aural conception.

The program will be positioned around both the ORFF and Kodaly approaches to music education and

there will be a large emphasis on improvisation, performance and expression.

Upper Junior School Year 2 students will be given the opportunity to play a stringed instrument as part of the Year 2 program.

Students will select the violin, viola, cello or double bass and receive group tuition as part of the Music

curriculum. Students will be given tuition on a semester basis and will perform at the end of semester

‘Stringtacular’ concert as part of a string orchestra. Students will continue to strengthen their Kodaly skills

through singing and music theory as part of the curriculum.

In Year 3, students are encouraged to continue learning a stringed instrument (through the private

instrumental music program) and perform as part of the classroom program. As part of the curriculum,

students will also have the opportunity to learn the recorder. Students in Year 3 will continue the Kodaly

and ORFF approaches, as well as compositional techniques and music theory.

In Year 4, students will continue to expand upon their rhythmic and melodic notation, musical styles and

composition through use of keyboards. Students will learn about the different music symbols, including

how to read basic music in both treble and bass clefs.

All students in Junior School will have the opportunity to be involved in one of the Junior School choirs

(upper and lower) and will sing as part of their Music class.

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Middle School

In Years 5 and 6, students will have the opportunity to participate in the brass and woodwind program.

Students will be provided with a wind instrument for a semester where they will develop ensemble and

soloist skills. A concert to highlight student achievements will be held at the end of the program at 5.00 pm

on a Wednesday evening (details to be advised). Students will continue to expand on musical history, genre

and notational skills, and continue aural work and instruments of the orchestra and orchestral music.

Students are encouraged to continue learning a wind instrument (through the private instrumental music

program) and perform as part of the classroom program and be involved in the School Concert Band.

In Year 7, students will further develop their performance techniques as part

of a class band. Students will study the musical genres of baroque to blues

and their uses. Students will continue to develop strong musical elements in

theory, aural and analysis techniques. Students will also begin to analyse a

variety of musical works and genres, and will sing as part of the class.

In Year 8, students will begin the use of music technology. They will

continue with performance, theory, analytical and aural training while

applying all they have learned to music technology. Students will further

their compositional techniques, and study and analyse music from early

romantic periods to jazz. Students will continue to sing as part of the class program.

Senior School In Years 9 and 10, students may select Music as an elective and develop strong music analysis and music

literacy skills. Students discover music elements and compositional devices, explore prominent Australian

music composers and engage in advanced theory methods. Students perform and rehearse as both a soloist

and as a member of an ensemble regularly in this class.

VCE Music As part of VCE Music, students have the opportunity to select more than one Music subject. Students who

are established in their instrumental music lessons are eligible to commence Units 1 and 2 Music

Performance (group or solo) as an advanced subject in Year 10 as approved by the Music Coordinator.

These students would complete Units 3 and 4 in Year 11 and then have the option to complete either VCE

Music Investigation or Styles and Composition in Year 12. Units 1 and 2 Music

Performance (solo and group) will, on most occasions, be offered in both Year 10 and

Year 11. Chairo currently offers students the opportunity to complete VCE studies in:

1. Music Performance (both solo and group)

2. Music Styles and Composition

3. Music Investigation

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Ensembles

At Chairo Pakenham, we have a vibrant and comprehensive ensemble program in which all students are

encouraged to participate. This program caters for students of all abilities and ages.

Instrumental Ensembles

Symphonic Winds The Symphonic Winds Band rehearses every Tuesday before school at 8.00 am sharp. This band is the

school’s premier wind ensemble and entry is by audition and the availability of places. The Symphonic

Winds Band is free of charge. It performs regularly at school functions and events, participates in

eisteddfods, competitions, an annual music camp, Christian Schools Band Program, CSEN Band Festival,

Chairo Music Festival, Music on the Lawn, High Tea, an annual band tour and community events. The

band participates in an interstate tour every second year. The benefits of playing in an ensemble are an

essential part of the student’s growth, development and overall enjoyment of learning an instrument.

Big Band The Big Band rehearses every Wednesday before school at 8.00 am sharp. This band is the school’s premier

jazz ensemble and entry is by strict audition. The Big Band is free of charge. It performs regularly at jazz

festivals, school functions and events, participates in eisteddfods, competitions, an annual music camp,

Christian Schools Band Program, CSSN Band Festival, Chairo Music Festival, Music on the Lawn, High

Tea, an annual band tour and community events. The band participates in an interstate tour every second

year. The benefits of playing in an ensemble are an essential part of the students’ growth, development and

overall enjoyment of learning an instrument.

String Orchestra The Presto and Allegro String Orchestras rehearse every Monday at lunch time and are open to all students

who play a string instrument, free of charge. Allegro String Orchestra is open to students who have

completed approximately AMEB grades 3 or above and entry is by invitation. Presto String Orchestra is for

students of all abilities and ages.

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Concert Band The Concert Band rehearses every Thursday before school at 8.20 am sharp. This band is open to all

students learning an instrument, free of charge. It performs regularly at school functions and events,

participates in eisteddfods, competitions, an annual music camp, Christian Schools Band Program, CSEN

Band Festival, Chairo Music Festival, Music on the Lawn and High Tea as required. The benefits of playing

in an ensemble are an essential part of the student’s growth, development and overall enjoyment of

learning an instrument.

Brass The Senior Brass Ensemble rehearses every Tuesday at lunch time and is open to brass students who have

completed AMEB grades 4 and above. Students are invited to join this ensemble. The Junior Brass

Ensemble rehearses on Fridays at lunch time and is open to all students learning a brass instrument.

Woodwind The Clarinet Choir rehearses every Wednesday at lunch time and is open to all students who play the

clarinet and have completed AMEB grade 3 and above. Entry into this ensemble is through invitation. The

Flute Ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays at lunch time and is open to all students who have studied AMEB

grade 5 flute or above. Entry into this ensemble is through invitation.

All ensembles are provided free of charge and perform regularly at school functions and events, participate

in eisteddfods, competitions, an annual music camp, Chairo Music Festival, an annual band tour and

community events. Please contact the Music Coordinator on ext. 323 for more information regarding how

to become involved in any of the ensembles.

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Vocal Ensembles

Junior School Lower Junior School Choir (Prep to Year 2) rehearses on Thursday mornings at 8.30 am sharp. Upper Junior

School Choir (Years 3 and 4) rehearses on Tuesday mornings at 8.30 am sharp. Students discover the joy of

singing in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and perform at school functions, community events,

Pakenham Carols by Candlelight and aged care facilities. Students in both of these ensembles will have the

opportunity to participate in eisteddfods and other school events as able.

Middle School Choir Middle School Choir rehearses on Wednesday mornings at 8.30 am sharp. All students who are in Middle

School, and enjoy singing, are invited to participate in the choir, which performs regularly at school and

community events, eisteddfods, competitions and the CSEN Choir Festival.

Senior School Senior School Vocal Ensemble rehearsals will be on Thursdays at lunch time. All Senior School students

with a passion for singing and performing are encouraged to join one of these groups. Students in this

ensemble rehearse with a repertoire specialist for these music voicings and may be divided into smaller

groups as required.

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Instrumental Music Program Instrumental tuition (group and individual) is offered in the following instruments:

Woodwind Flute

Clarinet/bass clarinet

Saxophones: alto, soprano, tenor and baritone (see note below for conditions)

Oboe

Bassoon

Note: As our program is designed to give students the best opportunity to achieve their desired

goals, those students wishing to learn saxophone are strongly encouraged to complete AMEB

Grade 2 in clarinet or flute (or equivalent) before they can learn saxophone within the school.

All students are expected to participate in a school ensemble when able. It is planned that piano

tuition will give students the opportunity to play in both classical and jazz styles, therefore

equipping them to perform with school groups as an accompanist or band member, as well as

performing at school functions, soirees and community events. Specific training will be available

regarding how to be an accompanist once a certain level of skill has been reached.

Brass Trumpet

Trombone

Euphonium

Tuba

French horn

Strings Piano

Violin

Viola

Cello

Double bass

Guitar

Vocal Classical or contemporary

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Other Due to space limitations, we do not intend to offer other instruments such as drums at this point.

It is hoped that, in providing students with a strong musical understanding through our

classroom program and the instruments on offer, students will then find it easier to branch out

into these other musical areas later if they so desire. Students who wish to can pursue these

options outside of the school program and participate in the band program at school. Please see

the Head of Music for further information regarding reputable tutors outside of school.

Music Performance Opportunities Students involved in the Music program at Chairo have a variety of

opportunities to gain experience by performing at a variety of

events throughout the year.

A music soiree is presented every term to provide students with the

opportunity to perform as a soloist, to gain experience and

preparation for exams.

The bands and choirs are involved with the Music on the Lawn

event in Term 1, the High Tea fundraising event in Term 2, Middle

School and Senior School Music Festival in Term 3, the Junior

School Music Celebration in Term 3, and performances at school

expos, open days and presentation evenings to name a few.

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Enrolment Process

Students wishing to enrol in the Private Instrumental Music Program are to return a signed enrolment form

to the Assistant to the Head of Music, who will allocate a tutor and inform parents of the commencement

date. Once a tutor is allocated, you will be contacted to arrange your first lesson. During your first lesson,

you will be given your term timetable.

Please note: Once a student has been given their term timetable, it is their responsibility to inform the

tutor of any school excursions, sporting events, tests or other clashes that may interfere with any future

lessons. Failure to do so may result in the lesson being forfeited without the possibility of refund or a

‘make up’ lesson.

Parents are asked to consider the conditions of enrolment and read the Music Handbook thoroughly before

signing the enrolment form. Students should enter their timetable in their Music Diary. A copy of your

child’s timetable will also be sent to your child’s classroom teachers and displayed in the classroom to assist

with students remembering their lesson time, and the student’s next lesson or changes will also be noted in

their Music Diary. Before a lesson, the student should inform their class teacher that they will need to exit

the class at some point to attend a music lesson and have their timetable ready to show the teacher if asked.

On returning to class, the next class teacher may also ask to see the timetable. Students will need to leave

class 4 to 5 minutes before the scheduled lesson time to ensure punctuality. Students are required to return

directly to class when the lesson is completed. If the lesson has been cancelled that day, they should

return to class immediately.

It is imperative to your child’s progress and learning that the following items

should be brought to every instrumental music lesson:

Music Diary

Music Record Book

Music books/sheet music

Instrument (if applicable)

If any of these items are forgotten, a lesson in theory or aural may be given.

Conditions of Enrolment Tutors will aim to provide a minimum of 32 lessons per year. The Finance Department will send a separate

music account to parents two weeks prior to the start of term and fees are payable at the start of each term.

Students in upper Junior School, Middle School and Senior School will be placed on a rotating timetable to

ensure that only one class per term is being missed, whereas students in lower Junior School will be offered

a place on a fixed timetable after consultation with the classroom teacher. Upper Junior School, Middle

School and Senior School students requesting lessons out of school hours or on a fixed time will need to

provide a note to the Head of Music from their parents outlining the reasons for the request. Every effort

will be made to accommodate requests for lesson times but we are unable to guarantee a fixed time or

before/after school lessons.

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Absences

In the event of an absence from a lesson, a credit will be granted providing the Head of Music is notified at

least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson. In the event of no notice, or insufficient notice, being given of

an absence, the lesson will be forfeited and the normal lesson fee will be charged. Where students miss a

lesson because of tutor illness/absence, the lesson will be rescheduled or credited. If students have an

excursion or assessment scheduled during lesson time, they must inform their tutor or the Head of Music

at least one week beforehand. In most instances, teachers will give students ample notice for upcoming

tests and excursions.

Families that choose to take holidays during the school term time will usually be expected to pay for tuition

if enrolled. This will reserve your child’s place in the program. However, every possible effort to make up

lessons will be arranged. Individual ‘make up’ lessons or credits will not be granted for students in group

tuition. Parents must also play an active part in reminding students of their lesson day and informing the

school of tests, appointments and excursions that clash with their lesson time. Any absences may be

emailed directly to the Assistant to the Head of Music (ssmit@chairo.vic.edu.au) or alternatively phone

through to 5942 5632 (ext. 356).

In summary:

Lessons will not be credited or made up if students miss their lesson through:

forgetfulness;

an un-notified excursion/incursion or test (unless notification has been given to the

tutor/coordinator at least one week prior to the excursion/incursion, test or immediately upon

student possibly being aware of the clash);

absence or appointment during school hours (unless notification is given at least one week prior);

illness (unless notification has been given 24 hours before lesson); or

through family/private holidays taken during term, of any length of time (unless notification is

given the term before).

Lessons will be made up or credited if:

public holidays or student free days occur during the term on the usual day of the lesson;

the teacher is absent on the day of the lesson; or

appropriate notice has been given.

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Cessation of Tuition

To cease a student’s tuition, written notice must be given to the Head of Music at least one term in

advance or the next term’s fees may be payable. This is to allow students every opportunity to succeed in

the program and to assist the school and tutor to make adjustments or seek a replacement student. Any

student who starts lessons at the beginning of the term will be expected to complete the lessons for the

whole of the term and during periods of notice of cessation. Refunds will not be given to students who fail

to attend lessons without notice or valid reason. It will be assumed that students will continue tuition

from term to term and into the following year, unless a letter is received by the end of Term 4 indicating

the ceasing of tuition.

Practice As your child’s musical journey is a partnership with the teacher, the student and the parents, it is

imperative that students undertake regular and consistent practice to take full benefit of the tuition offered.

It is also expected that students will participate in the School Band Program when able if learning an

instrument through the school and will be required to practise material for these group activities as

necessary in addition to their private lessons. The Head of Music would ask for full parental support to

encourage students to complete practice schedules set to ensure best learning outcomes.

Fee Structure Number of students Length of lesson Cost per lesson per student

Individual 30 minutes $39

Group of 2 (price per student) 30 minutes $27

Individual 1 hour $76

Students will be offered lessons as set out in the table above. Lessons will generally be for 30 minutes per

week unless parents agree to a longer lesson based on tutor recommendations (usually for advanced

students). Please note that group lessons are only available when students are deemed (by their specialist

tutor) to be of a compatible standard and are not available for piano. To ensure a high standard of tuition,

all of our tutors are qualified and registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Accordingly, fees are

based on the Victoria Instrumental Music Teachers Association Fees Schedule and are to be paid one term

in advance. The school will send separate music accounts to parents, payable using similar methods as

regular school fees. Lessons will be suspended if payments are not kept up-to-date.

Music Record Diaries Students are required to purchase a Music Diary through Reception when enrolling in the program. Books

are $10 each and can be paid for with cash or by using EFTPOS facilities. The Music Diary is an invaluable

communication tool between parents and tutors, to monitor student progress, lesson times and/or changes

and opportunities. The Music Diary also has a section for students to fill in weekly practice and for tutors

to write homework and relevant practice materials.

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Other Costs Students may be required to purchase music from time-to-time. If this is the case, parents will be sent home

a Request to Purchase Music form, which should be returned to the Assistant to the Head of Music with the

appropriate funds payable at Reception.

All students will be provided with performance and exam opportunities. Students, when able, are

encouraged to sit external examinations. Teachers will send an examination form home as required and the

costs that are involved will need to be met by parents and will be put onto the student instrumental music

account. This will include the compulsory accompaniment fee as set out by AMEB.

Students, when able, are encouraged to compete in eisteddfods and competitions. The entry fee and

relevant accompanist costs will be payable by the parents. However, if there are groups or ensembles

entered at such an event, the school will cover the entry fees and related expenses. Additional fees may also

apply to participate in music camps, tours and selected excursions.

Instrument Hire/Purchase Chairo has a small number of instruments for hire. These are allocated on a first in, first served basis.

There are a number of instrument suppliers around Melbourne who also offer this service. The school has

purchased instruments from The Music Place (9699 9099) and they are offering special prices and

agreements for families of Chairo. The Head of Music has more information regarding these offers. Other

reputable suppliers offering rent, or rent-to-buy options, include Wrights Music (9489 0809) and Bows for

Strings (8802 7905) but there are many others. Parents are encouraged to consider a number of options

when making a hire decision and are welcome to discuss potential options with the Head of Music.

Hire Fees Instruments available for hire at school: clarinet, flute, trumpet, french horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba

and some string instruments. Each instrument is $50 per term. After two years of hiring, it is generally

expected that parents purchase their own instrument to allow other students to access the program. This

does not apply to the larger more expensive instruments.

Exams When able, students are encouraged to sit music exams. The Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB)

is internationally recognised and provides students with a written critique and achievement certificate.

Exams are a wonderful tool for students to prepare for the nerves and requirements of VCE and other

performing opportunities. Students may also be selected to sit Trinity College London exams as an

alternative to AMEB exams. Generally, as we have so many students participating in exams, the exams are

held at Chairo where the AMEB sends an examiner to the school.

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Chairo Friends of Music The Music Department at Chairo embraces the parent, student and teacher partnership through a Friends

of Music parent group. This group supports the students in their musical pursuits in a variety of musical

mediums such as fundraising activities, transport, barbeques, event management, and assistance at

concerts and performances. This partnership is very important to the success and opportunities that can be

made available to the students. Parents wishing to be involved in the Friends of Music parent group should

contact the Assistant to the Head of Music on 5942 5632 (ext. 356) for further information.