Term 3 Secondary Music
Term 3 Middle and Senior School (Years 7-12) Music
Awards Information
Music Awards are presented to students in the form of Full Colours and Half Colours.
The awards recognise high levels of commitment to Co-curricular Music at the School. They are awarded at the discretion of the Music Staff in response to applications received from students towards the end of the school year.
Music Certificates - Years 7 to 12
Music Certificates are awarded to students for significant achievement in music outside of School, such as receiving a special award or prize as a result of an AMEB examination or eisteddfod performance, receiving a place in a national music competition, being selected for a national songwriting competition or scholarship, or by participating in a national music camp or ensemble (e.g. Australian Youth Orchestra, Gondwana Voices).
Recipients of the annual Mona Chepmell Awards for Instrumental and Vocal Tuition also receive a Music Certificate.
Recipients of Merit Certificates do not need to be eligible for Colours awards.
Half Colours - Years 7 to 12
Half Colours are awarded to students in Years 7-12 who:
- Belong to two or more School co-curricular ensembles at the time of applying for the award and for the best part of the year
- Attend 80% of all rehearsals and concerts for at least two ensembles - there is an additional 10% allowance for explained absences (see below)
- Are punctual to rehearsals and performances
- Provide adequate notice if unable to attend a scheduled performance due to an unavoidable clash of commitments;
- Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal skills
- Regularly assist with ensemble routines such as setting out and packing away rehearsal equipment
- Demonstrate a willingness to develop their musical practice.
Full Colours - Years 9 to 12
Full Colours are awarded to students in Years 9 to 12 who:
- Belong to two or more School co-curricular ensembles at the time of applying for the award and for the best part of the year
- Attend 90% of all rehearsals and concerts for at least two ensembles - there is an additional 10% allowance for explained absences (see below)
- Are punctual to rehearsals and performances
- Provide adequate notice if unable to attend a scheduled performance due to an unavoidable clash of commitments
- Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal skills
- Regularly assist with ensemble routines such as setting out and packing away rehearsal equipment
Demonstrate a willingness to develop their musical practice
On at least three occasions in a given year contribute to the musical life of the School, such as by:
- Providing significant assistance with a School music event
- Providing tutoring to younger music students
- Singing as a member of the cast in a School Musical
Performing at a School function (soiree, assembly, reunion, external event whilst representing the School, etc.) either as a soloist, member of a small ensemble and / or member of a co-curricular ensemble, other than for class-based concerts or the music concerts and events listed below.
Concerts not included when determining additional contributions for Full Colours:
- Major School concerts and music events, such as the June School Music Concert, the Marimba Concert
- Eisteddfods.
Performing at these events are part of a student’s commitment to an ensemble and therefore do not count as additional contributions when applying for Full Colours, unless the involvement of the student is in some way in addition to playing with their ensemble.
The stated attendance requirements are the minimum requirements. It is not possible to negotiate attendance between ensembles when applying for either Half Colours or Full Colours. For instance 90% attendance at both of two ensembles cannot be substituted for lower attendance across more than two groups.
An explained absence means that the student:
- Provided a minimum of twenty-four hours’ notice
- Provided an appropriate reason
Communicated directly with the staff member assigned to the relevant ensemble when explaining an absence - it is not sufficient for a student to communicate non-attendance via a friend.
Arriving late to, and leaving early from, rehearsals will be considered when determining awards.
The teachers of the respective ensembles will also note students’ rehearsal skills and assistance with ensemble routines. These observations will be considered alongside attendance records when finalising awards.
Term 3 Ensemble Information
Senior Camerata
This senior string chamber ensemble is for experienced players of violin, viola, cello and double bass in Years 9 to 12. The focus will be on performing challenging chamber repertoire, either as a larger chamber ensemble or in smaller groups.
More advanced string players, and players of wind and percussion instruments, will be invited to join this ensemble as required by the chosen repertoire.
Occasionally the Senior Camerata may prepare material to perform in conjunction with students across the School. This will depend on repertoire and concert requirements.
WHEN: Wednesday mornings 7:30-8:30am
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Christine Akerman
Middle School Chamber Strings
This string chamber ensemble is for players of violin, viola, cello and double bass in Years 7 & 8. The focus of the ensemble will be on performing in both chamber groups and as a whole ensemble, depending on performance requirements and the chosen repertoire. It is also likely that there will be occasions for this ensemble to prepare repertoire to perform with the Senior Camerata.
Players of wind and percussion instruments will be invited to join this ensemble as required by the chosen repertoire.
WHO: All Year 7 and 8 String Players
WHEN: Tuesday mornings 7:30-8:30am
WHERE: The Farrall Centre
CONTACT: Christine Akerman
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is available to players of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, bass and orchestral percussion. The ensemble consists of students in Years 7 to 12 with at least 2 years’ experience on their instrument.
WHEN: Monday mornings 7:30-8:30am
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACTS: Hilary Morgan
Intermediate Band
Intermediate Band is a group to cater for students with 6 months to 2 years experience on their respective instrument. The focus of this group will be to develop students’ ensemble skills through a variety of repertoire. This band is available to players of: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, bass and orchestral percussion. All students from Years 7 – 8 are welcome.
WHO: Year 7 and 8 Wind, Brass or Percussion Players who have already had some experience (ideally 2 years) on their chosen instrument.
WHEN: Monday afternoons 4:00-5:00pm
WHERE: The Farrall Centre
CONTACT: Hilary Morgan
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is available to players of: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, guitar, keyboard, drum kit, auxiliary percussion and occasionally voice.
It is anticipated that in Jazz Band one player on each part will be required as a minimum. Repertoire will vary from traditional swing charts through to Latin and rock.
WHEN: Tuesday afternoons 3:45-4:45pm
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Hilary Morgan
Senior Vocal Ensemble (Tenor, Bass)
This ensemble is open to students in Years 9 to 12. The choir explores choral repertoire from a variety of styles including traditional, contemporary, world music and show choir repertoire, and performs in various concerts both within school and the wider community, including eisteddfods.
WHEN: Thursday afternoons 3:45-4:45pm
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACTS: Brett Budgeon & Estelle Levy
Middle School Vocal Ensemble
This ensemble is available to all students in Years 7 and 8. The choir explores repertoire from a variety of styles including traditional, contemporary, world music and show choir repertoire, and performs in various concerts both within school and the wider community, and eisteddfods.
This choir combines occasionally with other School choirs for certain performances throughout the year.
WHO: Interested year 7 and 8 students. No experience necessary
WHEN: Friday mornings 7:40am
WHERE: The Green Room
CONTACT: Estelle Levy
Senior Vocal Ensemble (Soprano, Alto)
This ensemble is available to students in Years 9 to 12. The choir explores choral repertoire from a variety of styles including traditional, contemporary, world music and show choir repertoire, and performs in various concerts both within school and the wider community, including eisteddfods.
WHEN: Thursday afternoons 3:45-4:45pm
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACTS: Lisa Crosato & Estelle Levy
Marimba Ensembles
Marimba ensembles are very popular at The Friends’ School, so much so that there is an ensemble for every year group from Years 3 to 12. An informal approach is taken to learning repertoire; there is less of a reliance on conventional music notation, and greater use of practices such as playing by ear and improvising. For these reasons the ensembles cater for a variety of levels of musical skill and experience. In fact, no previous musical experience is necessary.
Year 7 Marimba
WHO: Interested year 7 students. No experience necessary.
WHEN: Thursday mornings 7:35-8:20am
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Hilary Morgan
Year 8 Marimba
WHO: Interested 8 students. No experience necessary.
WHEN: Wednesday mornings 7:35-8:20am
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Hilary Morgan
Year 9 Marimba
WHEN: Tuesday mornings 7:35-8:20am
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Hilary Morgan
Year 10-12 Marimba
WHEN: Friday mornings 7:35-8:20am
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Konrad Park
Years 7-12 Guitar Ensemble
This ensemble is open to all students with existing skills on guitar from Years 7-12. There will be the opportunity to improvise and play music in a range of contemporary styles, whilst also looking at basic technique.
WHO: Interested Years 7-12 Guitar Players
WHEN: Friday afternoons 3:45-4:30pm
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Devon Robson
Music Theory Group/Classes
Students wishing to further their music theory skills and knowledge are welcome to join the theory group. The group will cover a range of theory topics and the work will relate directly to various AMEB theory grades.
WHO: Years 7-12 students with an interest in music theory
WHEN: Wednesday afternoons 3:45-5:15pm
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Kathy Fazackerley
Middle School Combo Group
This group is for aspiring contemporary musicians who would like to form small rock/pop bands. This group is open to any instrumentalists and will build towards performances in contemporary music events such as The Battle of the Bands.
WHO: Years 7-8 students with an interest in contemporary music
WHEN: Wednesday afternoons 3:45-4:45pm
WHERE: Sheila Given Music Centre
CONTACT: Hilary Morgan