MUSIC
STAFF MRS NERIDA RIENECKER Head of Music
MS KELLY SPARKE Head of Faculty Performing Arts
MS DONNA KING Performing Arts & Major Events Manager
MS JENNY MOON Head of Choral and Vocal Studies
MRS MICHELLE REYNOLDS Instrumental Ensemble Coordinator
MRS SHARON ASLEY Performing Arts Administrator
MR WARREN DORR Music Teacher
MISS RENAE BATTLE
MRS TAMMY KILPATRICK
Music Teacher
PERFORMING ARTS TUTORS MR MALCOLM LIDDELL Brass
MRS LE'NETA EDWARDS Cello, Double Bass
MRS VERA HARDMAN Flute, Theory
MRS REBECCA PITT Piano, Theory
MS MICHELLE REYNOLDS Clarinet, Saxophone
MRS YAN YAN BOWIE Piano
MR ANDREW MITCHELSON Guitar, Bass Guitar
MS MICHELLE VRAGA Piano
MR LACHLAN O’KEEFE Drum Kit, Percussion
MRS SAMANTHA FIDDES Voice
MRS HELEN BRERETON Violin, Viola
Music Teacher
COCURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAM As part of our cocurricular program, Hillcrest Christian College provides specialised tuition in music that is outside the normal school curriculum. This program is available to all students and is mostly administered during normal school hours at the College for your convenience. The Cocurricular Music program is designed to complement the curriculum music education of your child. There are a range of musical instruments as well as vocal tuition that students can choose to learn from our specialist music tutors. The benefits of learning music this way are enormous and research tells us that: •
Students who learn an instrument can have greater academic success
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Learning an instrument can provide students with greater social inclusion and positive experiences with others
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Students who learn an instrument are engaging in rich learning experiences and gain life-long skills
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Engaging in these opportunities enables creative expression and increases confidence in students.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― PLATO ―
LESSON LENGTH AND FEES
ABSENCES
The College has a team of experienced specialist music tutors who work onsite to deliver our cocurricular music program. There are 32 weeks of tuition per year with 16 weeks in each semester. Once application for lessons are received, tutors are given enrollments parent contact details and will get in touch to arrange a suitable lesson time for your child. All lessons are arranged directly between tutors and families. Lessons will, in general, be held during school hours.
It is the responsibility of the student or parent to notify the tutor prior to 7.30am on the day of the lesson if the student is going to be absent due to illness. This is in addition to ringing the school absentee line. Tutors may be contacted via their College email address. 24 hours’ notice must be given for any other absence. In the case of school excursions and camps that are on the College calendar, these lessons will be made up throughout the term.
Private lessons: $35/30 minutes
Lessons that are missed without notice will not be made up. Whilst our tutors make every attempt to locate students who fail to attend lessons, if a student is at school and does not attend their lesson it is not the responsibility of the tutor to make these lessons up.
Paired lessons: $20/30 minutes – if a suitable pairing option is available. Not available for Piano or Voice Group lessons: $12/30 minutes – Music Theory only
ENROLMENT PROCESS The online enrolment form can be found in the Performing Arts section of the Parent Lounge.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Tuition fees are billed by the Tutor each term and must be paid on time for lessons to continue. Lessons can only be discontinued at the end of a term. Tutors require notice in writing from a parent or guardian at least 2 weeks prior to the end of the term if their child is withdrawing. Cancellation midterm will result in forfeiting fees paid.
TUITION OPTIONS
Piano – from Prep Violin – from Prep Guitar – from Year 3 Drums – from Year 4 Viola – from Year 4 Cello – from Year 4 All other instuments from Year 5 including: Voice Piano Flute Clarinet Saxophone Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Bass Guitar Percussion Music Theory
The Tutors must be notified, in writing, of an extended absence (e.g. overseas holiday) so that arrangements can be made concerning fees.
EXAMINATIONS AND CONCERTS Regular feedback regarding the progress of students is essential for sustaining development in Music. The most common communication method between tutor and families is through the use of a practice journal. Tutors will also provide the opportunity for students to perform in a studio concert throughout the year. Students at an appropriate level are encouraged to sit external examinations through Music examination boards such as the AMEB or Trinity-Guildhall in addition to participating in competitions and festivals.
MUSIC THEORY As students progress in their Music tuition, it becomes vital that they study Music theory to complement the practical elements. We have a number of experienced theory tutors and enrolment to study Music theory is the same as for instrumental/vocal lessons.
PRACTICE Tutors will give advice surrounding how much practice is to be done and what sorts of things need to be worked on between lessons. As a guideline, beginners should practice 15 minutes per day for 5 days a week. More advanced students should be aiming for 30 minutes and often up to an hour or more. To make the most progress, individual practice time should be organised and should include goal setting, warm ups/fundamentals, technical work, repertoire and ensemble music.
2019 INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
INSTRUMENTAL PATHWAYS
ENSEMBLE
Students can begin their instrumental journey as part of the Music curriculum.
DIRECTOR Thursday 12:20-1:00
Helen Brereton
STRINGS
Thursday 11:00-11:40
Helen Brereton
Wednesday 7:30-8:20
Michelle Reynolds
Thursday 3:15-4:15
Helen Brereton
Thursday 12:20-1:00
Michelle Reynolds
Thursday 11:00-11:40
Vera Hardman
Year 4 students can choose this option. The instruments available in this program are violin, viola cello and double bass. This program runs during Music curriculum time and students have a group lesson with our String Tutors. The College provides the instrument to the student for 2 years without charge and group lessons are also provided free of charge. Entering into this program requires a minimum commitment of 2 years. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience what it is like to commit to learning an instrument. BAND
SLC Stage Band
Thursday 7:30-8:20
Michelle Reynolds
Volare Drumline
Tuesday 7:30-8:20 Thursday 3:15-4:14
Lachlan O’Keefe
Michelle Reynolds
DRESS STANDARDS The professional appearance of our performance groups is highly important. The standard dress for music ensembles in the College is the full school uniform including navy stockings for girls and blazers for Senior students. Some ensembles wear a performance uniform.
ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS Being a member of a music ensemble means being committed to the group for the full year. We recognise that each person in a group like this has an important role to play and as such, the whole group relies upon the 100% commitment of every individual. This is collaboration at its best. As such, students are asked to carefully consider their commitment to music groups as withdrawals are generally not accepted throughout the year. Missing rehearsals or performances is not acceptable without written notification from parents.
Students in Year 5 either continue with their string instrument or begin their instrumental journey with a concert band instrument including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, bass guitar or percussion. The College provides the instrument to the student for one year without charge and group lessons are also provided free of charge. Students also attend the Year 5 band or Year 5 string rehearsals during school time. This forms the basis of their Music curriculum lesson. Students in the instrumental program in Year 5 are encouraged to continue on their instrument into Year 6.
INSTRUMENT ACCESS Instruments in our Strings and Band program in Year 4 and 5 are provided to students free of charge. Beyond this, parents need to source an instrument for their child. We can provide advice about purchasing instruments and recommend ways to hire if purchasing is not an option straight away.
To enrol your child in the cocurricular Music Tuition Program CLICK HERE
PUBLISHED JANUARY 2019