Music News- Week 36

Christmas Concert 2023

Music students of John XXIII College are excitedly preparing for a new concert initiative for 2023: ‘The Christmas Concert’. Featuring instrumental and vocal ensembles from Years 2 to 12, this inaugural concert will feature both showcase items and community carols for singing along as families anticipate the festive season that accompanies the final weeks of the school year. Please note the following details of the Christmas Concert.

Date: Friday 25 November

Ensembles: Primary Singers, Wanju Voices, Treble Choir, Senior Voices, Barbershop, Christmas Band, Mini Minors, String Orchestra, Year 5 Band, Chamber Orchestra.

Venue: Library Courtyard

Arrival Time: 4pm

Concert Starts: 5pm

Instrument Storage: B/C Block Undercroft (Rear of stage)

Primary Performance Attire: College uniform, socks and black shoes. Appropriate Christmas accessories may be worn.

Secondary Performance Attire: Music Performance Uniform, College shoes and black socks. Appropriate Christmas accessories may be worn.

Concert Finish: Approximately 6:30pm

Families are encouraged to bring picnic chairs and mats, as well as, food and drinks (please note: FOMAD catering will not be provided for this concert). Students are welcome to sit with families in the leadup to the concert start and throughout the evening when not performing, however, all students must promptly marshal when instructed to do so by the MCs. Overflow seating is available in the Primary Amphitheatre.  Parents will be responsible for supervising their child when they are not performing. 

The Christmas Concert is not ticketed, however we ask that families indicate their attendance on TryBooking, so that estimates for audience capacity can be made.

As excitement builds for the final weeks of the College year, we are delighted to invite families to this community celebration of the season. Please contact the Music Department or ensemble directors with any queries.

Year 8 Music Incentives – for Year 8s in 2023

Each year, the Music Department offers future Year 8 students a number of placements in the Instrumental Incentive Award Program, which provides students with the opportunity to learn an instrument important to the College’s ensembles free of charge for one year.

Generally, students applying for these Incentives may not be currently taking lessons on the instrument in question and must continue with any currently enrolled lessons.

This year, the Music Department is pleased to offer placement for the following instruments:

• Trombone (1)
• Viola (1)
• French Horn (1)
• Double Bass (1)

In considering the Incentive Award Program, please keep in mind the following:

Students are committed to weekly instrumental lessons throughout the year, at a time negotiated with their tutor. On average, 36x30min lessons are undertaken yearly. The Incentive Program does not accommodate for withdrawal during the year.

Students are required to participate in an appropriate instrumental ensemble, once their tutor has deemed them ready to attend.

Students are required to undertake regular practice, and to approach learning their instrument with a conscientious and enthusiastic attitude.

Incentive Award Students must elect to take one semester of Classroom Music in 2023.

Students who participate in the Incentive Program may be eligible for a renewal in 2024, on the same instrument.

If you are interested in learning any of the listed instruments in 2023, please complete this form by Friday 26 November.

Year 3 Strings Program – End of Year Information

Families of students in the Year 3 Strings Program are asked to refer to communication regarding continuation of lessons in 2023. Please contact the Music Office with any queries.

Return of Instruments – Secondary Students

Please note that all wind and brass instruments that are hired to College families must be returned following final lessons in Week 8, or after Presentation Night, in order to undergo their annual service. String instruments for continuing students are not required to be returned. Please contact the Music Department with any queries.

Enrolment in Music Lessons – 2023

Applications are invited for individual music lessons on instruments and voice for 2023. Please complete the online enrolment form to apply. Please note that current enrolments automatically roll over into 2023.

Discontinuation of Lessons - 2023

For students who will not be continuing individual music lessons in 2023, please ensure the online withdrawal form is completed before the closure of the Music Office on Thursday 8 December at 4pm. Enrolments in lessons will automatically roll over into 2023, unless a withdrawal notice is received.

Online Lessons

For students learning at home and requiring an online music lesson, please ensure advice is provided to tutors or to the Music Office on 9383 0440.

Please be reminded that all absences from Music lessons due to illness must receive proper notice, by 3pm the day prior to the lesson, to either the Music Office or directly to tutors.

Thank you, to all students, parents and staff who have been participating in online lessons. All online lessons are conducted through Teams, so families with younger students may need to arrange login details ahead of their lesson. For assistance with any aspect of online music lessons, please contact the Music Office on 9383 0440.

If an instrument stored in the Instrument Storeroom, in the Performing Arts Centre, is required to participate in online lessons, please contact the Music Office.

James Kros

Head of Learning Area - Music