Music @ HCC

Resuming Face to Face Instrumental Music Lessons

It has been fantastic this week to start Face to Face instrumental lesson again. From the sounds that are drifting out of the music portables, students have improved tremendously during their remote learning experience. This week some of the Year 12 students have started working with their piano accompanist and it has been really good to hear their performance programs come together.

As we resume face to face lessons, there are a few guidelines in place, which are in addition to our current guidelines. Students need to adhere to these guidelines, so we can make the learning space as safe as possible.

Face to Face Instrumental Lessons Guidelines:

Lessons are limited to only 1 student per teaching room. When your child arrives for lesson, please knock at the door to let the teacher know s(he) has arrived and wait to be asked in. If it is raining, after letting your teacher know, please wait under the veranda near the music office.
Students are required to wash/sanitise hands before and after their instrumental lessons.
Students must bring their own instruments, music, sticks and leads.
Do not play other people’s instruments.
Spit valves to be emptied outside teaching room (into a disposable cup during band practise).
Instruments to be cleaned regularly.
Adhere to 1.5m safe distancing.

Concert Band Rehearsals

This week we have resumed our Concert Band rehearsals and what a joy it was to be able to make music together again. All rehearsals are to be held in the auditorium with students using their individual music stands 1.5m apart to enable social distancing. We will also be setting up our bands in straight lines facing forward rather than the usual semi-circle.

The Choir and Guitar ensemble will be taking a break for the rest of the term.

Absent from Instrumental Lessons

If your child is not attending school due to illness, please inform Dina Man or myself know via email at julianne.sim@hcc.vic.edu.au or at dina.man@hcc.vic.edu.au prior to 8:15am. Otherwise, charges will be applied.

Piano Teacher - Temporary Replacement

Due to personal reasons, Mr Jeff Heath is unable to teach for a number of weeks. In his absence, we have appointed Mrs Heather Wickes and Mrs Jeannie Kwan to cover his piano lessons. Both Heather and Jeannie are very experienced piano teachers and we welcome them aboard. It is expected that Jeff will return early next term and you will be advised when it is confirmed.

Withdrawing/Cancelling Lessons

If you are planning on withdrawing your child from instrumental lessons for next semester, please email us by Monday 8 June, 4:00pm. As per our Instrumental Policy, you are required to give 4 weeks written notice prior to the end of semester.

Enrolling in Music Lessons for Term 3

There are a number of vacancies for instrumental music lessons for Term 3. Please see the attached music policy and enrolment form. If you have any questions, please email Mrs Sim at julianne.sim@hcc.vic.edu.au.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me at julianne.sim@hcc.vic.edu.au.

I am looking forward to creating more beautiful music with your children as we head towards the end of the term.

Julianne Sim

Head of Music