Music at Barker Programs
Introduction .................................................................................... 7 Music Curriculum .......................................................................... 8 Co-curricular Ensembles 13 Music Events ................................................................................. 20 Music Tuition .................................................................................. 22 Parent Support, Alumni and Community Music ............... 24 Expectations ................................................................................... 26 Introduction
Barker College Music Department
Our mission is to inspire a life-long love of music in an atmosphere of enjoyment and mutual respect, engaging all students in creative, active and purposeful learning. We provide an innovative continuum of teaching and learning from Pre-K - 12, through an expansive curricular and co-curricular program, reflecting the diversity of music in the 21st century.
The programs feature a vibrant and effective compulsory music program from Pre-K to Year 8 and a strong subscription to elective music courses from students in Years 9 to 12. Students from across the School are also engaged in a wide-ranging co-curricular music program. More than a thousand young people who attend Barker are involved in the instrumental, bands and choral programs Theoffered.Music teachers at the School, both individually and collectively, have helped students achieve excellent levels of performance in a diverse range of musical styles for many years. The choirs and orchestras of Barker College have an outstanding reputation at the Sydney Eisteddfod and have been successful in both regional and national championships. The School is proud of its HSC results in Music 1, Music 2 and Music Extension. Students involved in Music at Barker College have a strong sense of identity and belonging to the Music Centre. The shared ownership of the resources, classes and activities, together with support from peers in Years Pre-K to 12 and leadership opportunities in a range of ensembles, ensures that all students gain exceptional pastoral care and growth through their involvement in music at the School.
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The McCaskill Music Centre is a purpose-built facility in which most music at Barker College takes place. At any time between 7.00 am and 5.30 pm – and often later – the sounds of music-making greet you from within the Music Centre. Instrumental or vocal lessons, students practising, bands rehearsing; this is a vibrant centre of activity. The Music Centre offers the following facilities: Walmsley
• The 120 seat Malcolm Williamson Recital Hall and choir rehearsal room • The Peter
OAM rehearsal room • The Barry Simpson Book Collection • String rehearsal room • Composition suite • Music technology classrooms • Keyboard laboratory • Digital recording studio • Small ensemble rehearsal room • Rock room • 20 + practice studios • Purpose built instrument lockers for all instruments • Music classrooms Introduction
Barker College offers programs.
a large variety of music
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Prep and Junior School
Students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and Year 1 begin their journey in music with two 30 minute music lessons per week. Individual instrumental lessons are also available on selected instruments. In Years 2 - 6 lessons are structured as follows: In addition to the classroom music program, many students elect to undertake private instrumental tuition. All students involved in private tuition at Barker must also perform in the School’s co-curricular ensemble program.
The Prep and Junior School classroom teaching program is based on the Kodály methodology. Kodály believed that musical instruction should reflect the way that children learn naturally. Musical concepts are prepared and presented sequentially, through a variety of experiences including singing songs in unison, rounds, canons and in parts; singing themes from great instrumental music; games, improvisation and memory activities based on beat, rhythm, pitch and timbre; and listening and moving to music. Reading and writing skills stem from these activities. Tuned and untuned percussion instruments are also used as accompanying instruments for playing and improvising. Darkinjung Barker Music Program Music plays an important part in the learning experiences at the Darkinjung Barker school. It is an important educational tool as well as a subject in its own right. The students follow a developmental sequential music program that is relevant to the context of the School and taught with a respect for culture and tradition. Singing is a rewarding and simple way in which the students participate in fun music making whilst engaging in English and first language learning activities. Beat, rhythm and movement activities also feature strongly in the program.
Year3 Lesson 1 Classroom-based Instruction & Singing Lesson 2 Group Tuition Winds/PercussionStrings/ Lesson 3 String Orchestra or Band Year6 Lesson 1 Classroom-based Instruction Lesson 2 DjembeComposition/Guitar/drumming Lesson 3 Choir Year2 Lesson 1 Classroom-based Instruction Lesson 2 String Program Year4 Lesson 1 Classroom-based Instruction Lesson 2 Choir Lesson 3 String ClassroomOrchestra/Band/Percussion Year5 Lesson 1 Classroom-based Instruction Lesson 2 DjembeComposition/Ukulele/Drumming Lesson 3 Choir Music Curriculum
Throughout both mandatory and elective programs, performance, listening and composition are at the heart of teaching and learning, with a strong emphasis on music as a performing art.
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We have developed an exciting and engaging program that allows students in Years 7 and 8 to explore a range of musical activities and experiences through:
Our goal is to develop students’ skills in the areas of performance, composition and listening. Performing in Year 7 involves learning and refining keyboard skills in our fully-equipped keyboard laboratory, as well as on a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments to develop rhythmic and melodic Studentsunderstanding.inYear 8 explore a unit on rock music and have the opportunity to learn the guitar, electric bass and drum kit. Composition activities involve developing traditional hand - written notation skills, graphic notation, and sequencing using GarageBand or Soundtrap on the students’ devices.
• Rock music, guitar performance, and film music (Year 8). Our program is supported by an integrated suite of ICT-based resources. Students primarily use their own electronic devices to develop their musical skills, and to discover innovative and creative approaches to learning.
The Year 7 and 8 units of work are accessed through the school learning management system ‘Canvas’. All student work is uploaded creating a digital portfolio providing formative evaluation and allows each student to keep track of their progress.
• Musical soundscapes, keyboard performance and music from around the world.
Middle and Senior School Year 7 and 8 Music
In Year 11, students in Music 1 take part in a number of activities representing topics that include Music for Small Ensembles and Music for Film, Radio, TV and Multimedia. These activities include performing as a soloist and as part of a group, composing a number of short pieces and presenting a musicological viva voce, or discussion on a musical topic that interests the student.
Music Curriculum
• Contemporary Music Studies (CMS) is a customised course designed for students who are experienced or interested in developing skills on the guitar, bass, drum kit, or for contemporary pianists or vocalists. Students in this course typically read tabs and chord charts rather than traditional notation. Topics include the study of African music, tracing the origins of blues and rock music, as well as the study of musical theatre and music for small ensembles. This course leads into the Preliminary and HSC Music Course 1 subjects in Years 11 and 12.
• The Elective Music Course is designed for students with an orchestral, band, or classical piano or vocal background. These students usually read traditional notation and have some understanding of musical theory. Topics include an in-depth study of the canon of Western Art Music (baroque, classical, romantic and 20th century styles), and the study of jazz and vocal music. This course becomes a natural progression into the Preliminary and HSC Music Course 2 and Music Extension subjects in Years 11 and 12.
Year 9 and 10 Elective Music
At Barker College, we recognise that musicians are a diverse group of people, with different musical backgrounds, skills and Forexperiences.thisreason, we allow students in Years 9 and 10 to choose a music course that best caters to their skills from the following two options:
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Additional information regarding Elective Music in year 9 can be found here.
Year 11 and 12 Preliminary and HSC Music Courses Barker College has had consistently high numbers of students taking music as an HSC subject, showing a high level of engagement and involvement by students.
• Assessment for both courses is based on an innovative electronic journal kept on Canvas. Students upload samples of their performance, composition and listening activities throughout the year, providing an all-round snapshot of their progress. The emphasis in this assessment methodology is to provide students with ongoing feedback, placing the emphasis on the learning process, not just the final product.
Students who choose to study Music in Years 9 and 10 are required to have weekly private lessons on an instrument or voice, and to take part in one of Barker’s many large ensembles.
There are two HSC Music courses in Years 11 and 12, both with an emphasis on musicology, performance and composition. Students in Year 12 can specialise to some extent in the areas of their choice.
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The Music 2 students follow similar activities in listening, performance and composition that relate to the topics Music 1600-1900 and Australian music. In Year 12, students can choose some of their own topics from the list of those approved by NESA. In addition, Year 12 Music 2 students also study the mandatory topic Music of the Last 25 Years (Australian focus) and sightInsinging.both courses, students undertake a course of study in aural training and musical concepts. Students are supported in their own, very individual program by a team which includes their class teacher, the Composerin-Residence, the piano accompanist and other visiting musicians who may assist with ensemble performances. Extension Music is an additional unit of study in the HSC available to selected Music 2 students. In this course, students undertake an additional program of either three performances, two compositions or a musicological research essay.
The Music Extension unit involves at least 4 extra hours of study per fortnight. Students who choose to study Music in Years 11 and 12 are required to have weekly private instrument or voice lessons and to take part in one of School’s many large ensembles.
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Co-Curricular Ensembles
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Barker’s co-curricular ensemble program offers a wide variety of performance opportunities for students.
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Co-curricular Ensemble Rehearsals
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All ensembles are graded by ability and age so that the Music students work together at the appropriate level. There are occasions when the different ensembles combine for concerts. Rehearsals for all ensembles take place either before or after School. Ensembles perform at many of the major Music events throughout the year, including Symphony Under the Stars, Barker College concerts, Masterpiece Concerts, Sydney Eisteddfod and Band Festivals.
The co-curricular program is not only large, but also dynamic and diverse. Across both Junior and Senior Schools, there are over twenty-five bands, choirs and orchestras involving hundreds of students. All ensembles perform in School concerts and other events, while some also participate in competitions, festivals and undertake national and international tours.
Students are expected to attend every rehearsal and performance. Parents/ guardians should provide written explanation for absences from rehearsals. Requests to be excused from performances should be directed to the Head of Music. Members of the Chamber Choir, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra may be awarded Honour Colours for their involvement in these premier ensembles. A detailed co-curricular ensemble rehearsal timetable can be found on the Barker website. Band Program At Barker College, there are currently eight concert bands - four in the Junior School and four in the Senior School, namely: Training Band Junior School Concert Band Junior School Wind Orchestra Junior School Wind Ensemble Kurrajong Wind Ensemble McCaskill Wind Ensemble Wind Orchestra Wind Symphony
• Junior School Stage Band • Middle School Stage Band • Middle School Big Band • Middle School Jazz Orchestra • Big Band • Jazz Orchestra • Jazz Ensembles • Ska Jazz
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Jazz Program
Instrumentalists performing in the School band program may also be invited to perform in one of the School’s stage Similarbands. to the band program, these ensembles are graded according to experience and ability. The Jazz Orchestra, Stage Bands and Jazz Ensembles are featured at the School Dinner DanceBarker Swings - and they perform at many other Music events throughout the year. Ensemble String Program
String players from Junior School get their first orchestral experience through the classroom program with string orchestras commencing in Year 2. All string players at the School rehearse and perform in a string orchestra or chamber orchestra. The Symphony Orchestra combines selected members of the string orchestras and woodwind, brass and percussion players from the Band and Viotti Strings
•Program.Tartini
• Paganini Strings • Junior School Chamber Orchestra • Middle School String Orchestras • Chamber Orchestra • Symphony Orchestra
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In term 4 each year all instrumentalists and vocalists (Years 3 - 12) engaged in private tuition at Barker are required to audition for large ensemble placement in the following year. Students new to the school will be invited to an interview with music staff and parents. It is a friendly way to welcome new students to the music program and answer any questions. These interviews are held in conjunction with the school orientation program in Term 4. Chamber Music Instrumentalists involved in the large ensemble program may choose to be involved in brass, woodwind, percussion and guitar ensembles. String students from Years 3 to 12 also have the opportunity to rehearse and perform repertoire for small ensembles such as duets, trios, quartets and quintets. Pianists can also be involved in this program.
Choral Program Barker College has an outstanding reputation for its choirs. The Senior Choir is a nonauditioned choir and is open to all members of the Senior School. Singers in the Senior and Middle School choirs can audition for the Chamber Choir. Prep and Junior School students perform in year group choirs as part of their classroom music curriculum. Students in Years 4 – 6 may audition for the award-winning Copeland •Choir.Copeland Choir Middle School Choir Chamber Choir Senior Choir Ensemble Placement
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Contemporary Music Program Barker College encourages and facilitates a diverse range of contemporary music - from rock, pop, acoustic, electronic and more.
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Middle and Senior School students who are interested in these styles are welcome to join the Contemporary Music Program. The aim of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to form a band, learn rehearsal techniques and perform on stage. The program can assist students forming their own rock band with like-minded students and caters for beginners to more experienced players. For established bands, the program provides rehearsal spaces, fully equipped with a drum kit, two guitar amps, bass amp, keyboard amp, microphones and a PA. Rehearsals take place in the Music Centre during lunchtime and after School, and music staff are available during rehearsal times to help develop performance skills. Students involved in the program will also have the opportunity to attend various workshops throughout the year, learning from musicians working in the industry. The program offers a number of performance opportunities throughout the year, including: Coffee House Unplugged Coffee House Spring Fair Lunchtime Jams
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Masterpiece Concerts
Band, Orchestra and Choral Concerts
Each music co-curricular program is represented at a concert that showcases performances from Junior, Middle and Senior School Ensembles. Student soloists and professional guest artists are sometimes also invited to perform at these events.
Coffee House Unplugged Coffeehouse Unplugged is the more relaxed acoustic version of Coffee House. Held in Term 1, students perform acoustic pop and rock styles for their friends. Chamber in The Chapel Held early in term, 2 Chamber in the Chapel features performances by the Chamber Orchestra and school choirs. The event is performed in the wonderful acoustic of the War memorial Chapel. Jazz Café An informal jazz soiree held in the Music Centre atrium featuring performances by the jazz orchestra, big bands, stage bands and jazz ensembles.
Coffee House Coffee House is a student-run rock concert organised by the Music Captains which showcases over twenty of the very best Barker student rock bands. For some young musicians, Coffee House is the first time their band hits the stage in front of an audience. For others, it is a chance to engage the audience and show off their musical skills. All bands gain valuable experience in the art of performing and musical expression and for many students, Coffee House is the highlight of contemporary music at Barker College.
Music Events
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An important part of the senior ensemble program is the presentation of showcase concerts at the Concourse Chatswood. The concerts are popular not only with the students, but also with families, staff and the wider community.
Music at Barker Programs Music Camp Music Camp is one of the highlights of the school year for Barker’s Senior School music students. Music Camp is a great start to the School year and takes place in late January just prior to the resumption of School. The students have fun concentrating on their music in the company of their peers. New students have a wonderful opportunity to meet with other musicians and enjoy the highly supportive rehearsals and social Theactivities.three day Music Camp is compulsory for all Middle and Senior School musicians who participate in the co-curricular music ensemble program. Enrolment details and other information is sent to parents/guardians early in Term 4 each year. A two day music camp for Junior School ensembles is held in Term 1 of each year.
Symphony Under the Stars
Symphony Under the Stars is Barker Music’s annual outdoor concert showcase. The event takes place on the OBA Soundstage in March on a balmy late summer evening and attracts an audience of over 2000 people. Over 450 students perform on the night. The evening concludes with a large combined singalong performance of karaoke classics. Families bring their own picnic-style refreshments and can order meals from the Friends of Barker Music to support its fundraising.
Junior School Ensembles Concert
This concert is the last time Year 12 ensemble members perform at Barker. It is a celebration of their achievements and provides an opportunity for parents/guardians, staff and students to express thanks to the Year 12 students for their contribution to the Music program over their School life. After the concert Year 12 students and parents/ guardians come together for a supper in the Music Centre Atrium. Musical Production
Music Events
Senior Ensemble Farewell Concert
Prior to their HSC Performance Exams, all Year 12 elective music students perform at special showcase concerts. The repertoire performed represents courses of study undertaken by the students in HSC Music Course 1, Course 2 and Music Extension. The audience of parents/guardians, students and staff enjoy outstanding performances of contemporary Australian music, baroque, classical, romantic, jazz, rock and pop styles.
Barker Swings is held in Week 2 of Term 3. The event is coordinated by the Friends of Barker Music (FOBM) and features the School’s jazz program. The event is also a major fundraising for the Music Centre resources for students. Each year a respected Australian jazz musician spends a week in rehearsals, workshops and classes with the students and performs on the night with the Barker Music Staff Invitational Big Band. Barker Swings is a cabaret style dinner dance held in the School’s Multi-Purpose Hall. The evening includes pre-dinner nibbles, a twocourse meal and licensed beverage service.
The annual Barker College Musical Production is one of the biggest events of the year. Involvement in the musical production is open to Years 10 and 11. Rehearsals are on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday afternoons. The production of the show is a collaboration of the Music department and Drama staff.
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The HSC Showcase Concerts are held in Term 3 in the Malcolm Williamson Recital Hall.
HSC Showcase Concerts
Barker Swings
This event features the Junior School ensembles and is held in Term 3. Concerto Competition Students involved in the co-curricular ensemble program my audition for Braker’s annual Concerto Competition. Heats and final are held in term 1. The winner of the competition performs their concerto with the Symphony Orchestra at the Masterpiece Concert in Term2.
Spring Fair
Lunchtime Concerts Throughout the year, a number of lunchtime concerts are held to provide performance opportunities for Music students from Years 3 - 12. All students are welcome to perform. The concerts are held in the Malcolm Williamson Recital Hall.
Junior School Atrium Concerts
The Barker College Spring Fair is held biennially in September, and Music forms an important role in the day’s entertainment program. Students from across the school are involved in the bands, jazz ensembles, choirs and rock bands that perform at the Spring Fair. Carols at Sunset Carols at Sunset is a relaxed outdoor concert held on Rosewood Field in late November each year. Each of the School’s ensembles performs traditional carols and Christmas tunes. Members of the audience are encouraged to join in with the community singing of the carols performed on the night.
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AMEB Honours Concert
Atrium Concerts are held in Terms 2 and 4 to demonstrate the musical development of students involved in the Year 2 and 3 classroom instrumental program.
The AMEB Honours Concert is held in term 4 and recognizes students who have gained excellent results in their Australian Music Examinations Board performance exams. Performance at the concert is by invitation. Students must be having private tuition at Barker and be involved in the co-curricular ensemble program. Celebration Music plays an important part of in the annual Barker College Celebration award ceremonies. Music Tours Barker College Music is recognised internationally as a result of numerous overseas music tours. International touring broadens and deepens the musical experience and understanding of our students and many have highly valued the performance opportunities, the cultural diversity and the richness of global perspective that come from being in contact with the musical life of a variety of countries around the world. Barker College ensembles have also travelled throughout Australia to national championships, music festivals and Eisteddfods. The Middle School ensembles have enjoyed several tours interstate and to NSW regional areas.
Music Events
Music at Barker Programs | 21 Barker College International Music Tours 1997 New Zealand Symphonic Wind Band and Senior Choir 1999 UK & Europe Symphonic Wind Band and Senior Choir 2001 Argentina Chamber Orchestra and Senior Choir 2002 USA Symphonic Wind Band 2004 England, Wales and Europe Senior Choir 2006 China Symphonic Wind Band and Senior Choir 2008 Europe and England Chamber Orchestra and Senior Choir 2012 Cuba Symphonic Wind Band and Jazz Orchestra 2013 USA Chamber Orchestra and Senior Choir 2015 Gallipoli, Venice and Turkey Symphonic Wind Band, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra and Senior Choir 2016 USA Symphonic Wind Band and Jazz Orchestra 2017 Europe and UK Choir and Strings 2019 China Copeland Choir
The instrumental and vocal Visiting Music Teachers are an integral part of the Music Department’s teaching team, working closely with the Music classroom teachers and the Directors of Strings, Choral Programs and Bands. Students having private lessons at School are expected to participate in the School’s large ensemble co-curricular program. Students are issued with a music practice book that helps them organise their practice during the week. Regular daily practice is essential to maintain progress on any instrument. Young students need plenty of encouragement to practise and this should be positively supervised as much as possible. One of the best things about learning an instrument is that the more you practise it, the more you enjoy it. Lessons are 30, 45 minutes or 1 hour in length. It is recommended that students of higher grades take one hour lessons to cover syllabus requirements.
22 | Music at Barker Programs Music Tuition
Lessons Available Woodwind Oboe, Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon and Saxophone Brass Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Trombone and Tuba
Voice Classical, contemporary and music theatre for all voice types - soprano, alto, tenor and bass Jazz Piano, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Voice
Percussion All Orchestral Percussion instruments and Drum Kit Keyboard Piano, Jazz Piano and Pipe Organ Strings Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Bass Guitar and Guitar
Visiting Music Teachers are allocated to students from the beginning of Term 1. The Visiting Music Teacher will contact the parents/guardians and students directly to organise weekly lessons. In the case of a student being unable to attend a lesson, their Visiting Music Teacher must be advised directly, 24 hours in advance of the lesson. Tuition Fees Fees for lessons received will be charged to the parent/guardian directly by the visiting music teacher.
Musicianship
Music scholarships assist in covering the cost of instrumental tuition and provide a reduction in academic fees. These are advertised through the Enrolments office and take place at various times throughout the year for entry into year 7 and 10 the following year. Details regarding scholarship audition requirements are available through the Enrolments office. Music scholars are expected to be fully involved in the co-curricular music program performing in ensembles as requested by the Head of Music. They must also maintain an outstanding level of participation, effort and achievement.
Musicianship develops a student’s musical understanding and is tested in written form. It starts with basic concepts such as notes, scales, chords, terms and signs and in the higher grades develops compositional skills and musical understanding of works, composers, styles and instruments. Grade 4 onwards also tests aural skills. Exams are completed online throughout the year at the students own pace and recommendation of their musicianship tutor. Please note that enrolments for Musicianship are on a separate Musicianshipform.
Security of Instruments
Most instruments are available for hire for one year only, after which time students will be expected to purchase their own (piano, guitar and drums are not available to hire). The cost of hire is $150 per term. In the case of large and expensive instruments an extension of the hire period may be considered. Instruments are allocated to Junior School students involved in the Years 2, 3 and 4 classroom instrumental program. There is no hire fee for these instruments. The School’s insurance policy does cover damage or loss to instruments whilst in the care of students. There is a $250 excess fee payable by parents/guardians in event of loss or damage.
lessons are recommended for all students taking instrumental tuition and are conducted in a group or one-on-one.
Music Scholarships
Hire of Instruments
All instruments – whether on hire from the school or privately owned – should be marked clearly with the student’s full name and contact number both inside and outside the Eachcase.instrumental student may apply for the use of a purpose-built locker supplied with a school padlock. Students should secure their instruments inside the locker when not in use. Instrumental lockers are allocated by the Music Centre administrative staff.
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FOBM is a music parent support group that was established in 2002. FOBM supports the students and Music staff in a number of music activities throughout the year and helps initiate fundraising activities that support the costs of music centre resources and international touring. The Music staff are extremely grateful for the generous support of FOBM over many years.
OBA North Shore Wind Symphony
OBA Big Band
Friends of Barker Music (FOBM)
Parent Support, Alumni and Community Music
The Old Barker Association Big Band was formed in 2010 and rehearses one evening a week in the Music Centre. The band performs at School events such as the Town Hall Concert, Barker Swings, OBA Annual Dinner and Spring Fair. It also performs at community events and on the club circuit.
The North Shore Wind Symphony was founded in 2016 and its members are passionate about making meaningful music. We promote a lifelong love of music by providing like-minded individuals the opportunity to perform quality wind ensemble repertoire in an environment driven by enjoyment and respect. With the support of the Old Barker Association, we strive to share this enjoyment of music-making across Sydney and beyond.
Some of the activities undertaken by FOBM include catering at music events, publicity of concerts, front of house duties, fundraising and assisting with the maintenance of the music resources.
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Students are expected to attend all of their rehearsals and performances. Students involved in co-curricular ensembles are expected to undertake private instrumental tuition either within School or outside School hours. A written explanation must be provided to the ensemble director for any rehearsal absence.
Co-curricular Music Ensembles
Auditions for co-curricular ensembles are held during Term 4 for placements the following Instrumentalistsyear. who wish to participate in Jazz Ensembles must already be performing in one of the large instrumental ensembles (for example, Symphonic Wind Ensemble).
Private music tuition is organised on a strictly rotating timetable during the School day, to reduce disruption to academic classes and this means that students should miss no more than two classes of the same subject per Term. Times appear on the student’s School timetable. Students or parents/guardians are not able to request specific times for lessons, as this disadvantages other students. Students should notify their private music teacher of any assessment tasks or excursions in Theadvance.visiting music teacher will invoice parents/ guardians directly for all lesson charges. In the case of a student being unable to attend a private music lesson for any reason, students must advise their instrumental tutor directly at least 24 hours in advance of the lesson. Failure to notify the visiting music teacher will result in that lesson being charged to parents/guardians. It is expected that the visiting music teacher will make arrangements with the parent/ guardian with respect to any decision by the parent/guardian to cancel lessons. A minimum of four weeks notice is required. The parent/guardian should also notify the music department of any cancellation of lessons.
Music Tuition
The music department will not provide parents/guardians with anticipated rates but trust that all visiting music teachers will stay within reasonable bounds when setting fees.
Instruments and Security Parents/guardians should be aware that the School’s insurance policy only covers damage to school hired instruments. There is a $250 excess fee payable by parents/guardians in the event of loss or damage. In the event of Expectations
All students who take private music lessons at Barker are required to be part of the cocurricular music ensemble program. The music department will arrange the allocation of lessons for all students.
Two unexplained absences from rehearsals may disqualify senior ensemble members from the award of Honour Colours.
Music Events
Students wishing to be excused from performances must seek written approval from the Head of Music. Some students perform with outside music organisations. It is important to remember Barker College music activities take priority for students enrolled at the School. Students wishing to perform in another school’s musical productions or with external music organisations must seek written permission from the Head of Music.
Students applying to study music as an academic subject may be asked to attend an interview with the Head of Music to ascertain their suitability for the course and to confirm involvement in the co-curricular ensemble Studentsprogram. preparing for HSC performances may employ the services of peripatetic staff as accompanists. Expenses to cover the cost of this accompaniment is covered by the student Music Scholarships Music scholarships assist in covering the cost of instrumental tuition and provide a reduction in academic fees. Details regarding scholarship audition requirements are available through the Enrolments office. Music scholars are expected to be fully involved in the co-curricular music program performing in ensembles as requested by the Head of Music. They must also maintain an outstanding level of participation, effort and achievement.
Online Forms Applications for private tuition, instrument hire, instrument lockers and discontinuation of private tuition can be found at school/middle-school-music/music-formsmy.barker.college/discover/portal/middle-https://
Rock Band Rehearsals
Students wishing to use the facilities in the Music Centre for their own bands are required to book a room in the first instance with the Music Centre administration.
Students may apply for the use of an instrumental locker by completing an Application for Music Locker. It is important that these lockers are used appropriately to ensure the safety of instruments. Students must not leave their instruments on the floor in the locker rooms or around the Music Centre. Those that do may incur a detention and have their locker privilege reassessed. Barker Music cannot be responsible for the loss or damage to students’ personal property.
All students who enter the allocated room to rehearse must be involved in the band. No additional students are allowed to be in the room at any time.
All students must have the necessary equipment. No leads, guitars, straps, sticks, extra cymbals, double bass drum pedals will be lent out to any students during this time. All equipment has been set up for easy access. Nothing can be moved between rooms. Any damage to equipment will be charged to a student account if necessary.
All students studying Elective Music in Year 9 through to Year 12 are required to take private instrumental or vocal tuition.
All rooms must be left in a suitable condition after rehearsal, ensuring that all gear is exactly as it was when the rehearsal started.
Curricular Music
Music at Barker Programs | 27 loss, a police report must be obtained and sent to the Head of Music.
All students studying Elective Music in Year 9 through to Year 12 are required to be part of the co-curricular music ensemble program.
Any damage to equipment from natural wear must be reported immediately to a staff member so that it can be repaired. Volume levels must not be damaging to students’ health.
28 | Music at Barker Programs 91 Pacific Highway Hornsby NSW 2077 Australia t +61 2 8438 7999 w barker.college Mary Jayne Smith Head of Junior School Music - Curriculum Kathy Day Assistant Co-ordinator of Music Curriculum Simon Smith Head of Music Gerard Plummer Senior School Head of Bowman House & Music Teacher Peter Ellis Director of Choral Programs Brendan Collins Composer in Residence David Saffir Director of Strings Andrew McWade Director of Bands Alice Hanna Piano Accompanist Graham Hunt Music Teacher Bridie Taylor Junior School Music Teacher Alex Hone Music Teacher Andy Mifsud Digital Learning Leader & Music Teacher Galit Fisher Assistant to the Head of Music Dean Lovell Technical Support Assistant August 2022 Elaine Slawski Acting Head of Junior School Music - Co-curricular Lesley Moxon Senior School Head of Mackenzie House and Music Teacher Barker College Music Staff
