MUSIC HANDBOOK 2025
Welcome
Welcome to the Penrhos College Music Department. This handbook outlines essential information on the extensive array of opportunities available to all students throughout our vibrant Kindergarten to Year 12 Music Program and provides an overview of our major music components:
• Classroom Music
• Peripatetic music (instrumental/vocal) tuition
• Performance ensembles and opportunities
• Specialist programs, awards, Fellowships
• Friends of Music support group
• Music Department contacts
Penrhos College has a long history of excellence in Music education. We foster personal growth and success at the highest standards. Our exceptional performance facilities, The Rixon Theatre and Penrhos Chapel, offer students the opportunity to hone their craft in a professional environment and allow us to celebrate the unique gifts of our students.
Regular performances by our ensembles and soloists include our Music Gala Night, Junior School and Secondary School Eisteddfods, St Georges Cathedral Concerts at One, Jazz at the Llew Woodford, the College Production, Tea Time Concerts, Junior School Spring Showcase and the Western Australian Schools Band and Orchestra Festivals.
In addition to these annual Collegebased events, Penrhos has been invited to perform at special events such as Eumeralla with Deborah Cheetham and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO). In 2023, our students had the privilege of collaborating with the Western Australian Youth Orchestra at the Perth Concert Hall, performing works by Paul Jarman specifically arranged for the occasion. Our students also have the opportunity to work with visiting artists each year – including Jazz legend and multi-instrumentalist, James Morrison in 2024 – allowing for workshops and unique insights into professional practice in a niche area of the industry.
We are looking forward to another fantastic year of Music at Penrhos and we are excited to see our students thrive in our progressive and inspiring program in 2025.
Matt Zambon Head of Music
JUNIOR SCHOOL CLASSROOM MUSIC
KINDERGARTEN – YEAR 1
The Early Childhood Music program at Penrhos College is based on the teaching practices and philosophies of Zoltan Kodaly and Carl Orff and addresses the principles and outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework.
Our approach to early Music education is based on the things children like to do, such as sing, chant rhymes, dance and clap. These instincts are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first, then reading and writing later. The ideas are centred on the fundamental unity of music through speech, singing, movement and instruments – all of which are integrated to teach the elements of music.
The aim is to educate the whole individual intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, aesthetically and creatively through active music making, individual input and group improvisation.
At this early age, students are introduced to foundation activities in music, including beat, rhythm, pitch, tempo and dynamics. Students are constantly involved with song repertoire and accompanying games.
Movement and dance are also important elements of Music education at this age, allowing students to express their feelings and responses to the music they listen to.
Highlights of the Early Childhood Music Program include various special occasion concerts for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, such as our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events. All Kindergarten to Year 2 students present the end of year Nativity, as well as the biennial Kaleidoscope performance featuring both Music and Drama. Instrumental music students have opportunities to perform at the Tea Time Concerts and Junior School Music Eisteddfod.
YEAR 2
In addition to attending weekly Music curriculum-focused classes, all Year 2 students will participate in the Strings Program with the aim being to expose them to an orchestral string instrument. They will join in small, group instrumental lessons with our peripatetic music tutors and have the opportunity to perform as an orchestra. Instruments, accessories and method books are provided at no additional cost.
Students will learn one of four instruments:
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
Instruments are allocated based on several factors, including the number of instruments available to learn and the individual preference of the student and their physical suitability.
Students who are already engaged in ongoing lessons in one of these instruments will learn the same instrument as part of the program. Additional information will be emailed to parents in Term 4 of Year 1.
In addition to regular school performance opportunities, students are given the opportunity to participate in the College’s co-curricular music program, which includes the Junior School Music Eisteddfod, Year 2 Tea Time Concert and the biennial ArtsFest or Kaleidoscope productions (rotating annually).
YEARS 3 – 4
In Years 3 and 4, students continue to learn using the Kodaly and Orff approaches, developing pitch and rhythm. Students are also introduced to other elements of music including dynamics, tempo, texture, timbre and form. Movement and dance continue to be incorporated into classes.
Students begin to express their ideas through simple structured compositions, both individually and in small group settings. They perform these vocally using classroom percussion instruments (tuned and non-tuned).
In addition to regular school performances, students are given the opportunity to participate in the College’s co-curricular music program, which includes the Junior School Music Eisteddfod, Tea Time Concerts and the biennial ArtsFest or Kaleidescope productions (rotating annually).
JUNIOR SCHOOL CLASSROOM MUSIC
YEAR 5
Our Band Program operates much the same as the Strings Program in that students participate in small group instrumental tuition with one of the College’s peripatetic instrumental tutors. They will also be involved in the Year 5 Symphonic Band with rehearsals every week. Instruments, instrument accessories and method books are provided at no additional cost.
To ensure they are allocated the most appropriate instrument, students will be assessed on their aural skills and be checked for physical suitability. We also ask students to rank their top five instruments in order of choice, all of which is taken into consideration when allocating an instrument to each child.
Band instruments on offer include:
• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Alto saxophone
• Trumpet
• French horn
• Trombone
• Bass guitar
• Percussion
While we continue to see the benefit for our students to experience a band instrument, we feel that it is also important to preserve the integrity of the Year 2 Strings Program and allow students the option of continuing with these instruments (violin, viola, cello or double bass) if they are making excellent progress, instead of taking on another new instrument. Students choosing to remain on their string instrument will be provided an alternative extension pathway that runs concurrently to the Year 5 Band Program, with the aim of developing a Year 5 Symphonic Band including string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
The program culminates in a Year 5 Band Concert during Term 4, featuring spotlight performances from each instrument group and a full band performance.
YEAR 6
Using principles of the Kodaly and Orff framework, students are given more challenging composition tasks and reflection activities, both individually and in small groups. They are encouraged to perform these on their own musical instruments as well as using the voice and classroom instruments, such as tuned and non-tuned percussion instruments, ukulele and keyboard.
In addition to regular school performance opportunities, students are given the opportunity to participate in the College’s co-curricular music program, including the Junior School Eisteddfod, Tea Time Concerts and the biennial ArtsFest or Kaleidescope productions (rotating annually).
JUNIOR SCHOOL ENSEMBLES
SUZUKI
REPERTOIRE CLASS
Years K – 6
JUNIOR VOICES
Years 3 – 6
JUNIOR ROCK BAND
Years 5 – 6
JUNIOR PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Years 5 – 6
JUNIOR WINDS
Years 4 – 6
JUNIOR STRINGS
Years 3 – 6
Suzuki Repertoire Class is for all students learning a string instrument through the Suzuki Strings Program at Penrhos College. It caters for all levels, beginner to advanced. Repertoire class provides an opportunity for Suzuki students to master their technique, tone, memorisation and performance skills while reviewing their Suzuki repertoire, all within a friendly, fun and motivating group environment.
Girls who love to sing and would like to perform with other students who share the same passion will feel at home in Junior Voices. Regular attendance is imperative to best prepare the group for a multitude of performances throughout the year. Students do not audition to take part.
Auditions will take place at the beginning of Term 1. Limited places are available to students who have been learning piano, guitar and drum kit/percussion for at least six to 12 months. Students auditioning for vocals do not need to be having regular voice lessons; however, they are encouraged to participate in Junior Voices to attain some form of voice training/technique.
In this group, students have the opportunity to further explore the classroom percussion instruments used during classroom Music. No current musical training is required – just the love for percussion and making music with others. They may be required to read music notation at times, which is a skill taught in classroom Music.
This instrumental ensemble consists of students who learn woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Pianists make excellent percussionists so are welcome to join this section of the band. This is a wonderful ‘training wheels’ band for beginners (who have had at least one to two terms of instrument tuition) to learn alongside more experienced students.
This ensemble is a succession from the Year 2 Strings Program and includes students who were already learning, either at the College or externally. Students will further develop their musicianship and ensemble skills and enrich the learning that takes place in the instrumental lesson by taking part in this ensemble. Junior Strings caters to students learning violin, viola, cello and double bass, and ranges in skill level, from beginner to advanced.
SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM MUSIC
YEARS 7-10
The Secondary School Music program is a diverse and engaging course, encompassing the two outcomes of the Western Australian curriculum: Making (Music Literacy – Aural/ Theory, Composing and Arranging, Practical and Performing Skills) and Responding (Analysis and Context, Response, Interpretation and Evaluation).
The aural-based program of learning integrates a Kodaly approach and is designed to activate and extend the capacity of students to recognise, create, reflect on and critically evaluate music.
Students will be involved in a variety of musical activities and tasks, including listening to and analysing a wide range of music across different contexts and styles, performing, composing and producing. Students have access to a wide range of music technology and software in a fully equipped midi lab classroom.
• Year 7 – all Year 7 students complete a term of classroom Music.
• Years 8-10 – Music is an elective year-long subject. All students who elect to study Music as a subject are required to learn an instrument or voice and participate in at least one of the major school performance ensembles.
YEARS 11 – 12 MUSIC ATAR
Students listen, compose, perform and analyse music, developing skills to confidently engage with a diverse array of musical experiences –both independently and collaboratively. They engage with a variety of activities to develop skills in aural and visual identification and analysis of the elements and characteristics of music, including playing, singing, listening, reading and writing various forms of notation. Students creatively manipulate the elements of music as they compose their own music works and refine them through critical listening, singing, playing and gathering feedback from others. Studying music may also provide a pathway for further training and employment in a range of professions within the music industry.
The course consists of a written component worth 50%, incorporating Music Literacy, Music Analysis and Composition. For the Music Analysis component, three designated works will be studied in each unit that are significant exemplars of the thematic organiser (Year 11, Unit 1 – Elements, Unit 2 – Narratives; Year 12, Unit 3 – Identities, Unit 4 – Innovations). One designated work will be drawn from each of the Contemporary, Jazz and Western Art music styles for each unit.
The practical component is worth the remaining 50% of the overall mark and can be delivered in a different context, independent of the written component. Students can choose to perform on an instrument or voice in one of four contexts, and/or submit a composition portfolio. Music students are required to learn an instrument or voice and participate in at least one of the major school performance ensembles.
PERIPATETIC MUSIC TUITION
Penrhos is proud to offer an extensive program of instrumental and vocal tuition for students, including:
+ Violin
+ Violin (Suzuki)
+ Viola
+ Cello
+ Double bass
+ Harp
+ Flute
+ Oboe
+ Clarinet
+ Bassoon
+ Saxophone
+ French horn
+ Trumpet
+ Trombone
+ Euphonium/baritone
+ Tuba
+ Orchestral percussion
+ Drum kit
+ Voice
+ Guitar
+ Bass guitar
+ Piano
+ Pipe organ
TUITION ENROLMENT OVERVIEW
By submitting a peripatetic music enrolment, families are committing to tuition for the full year. Enrolment applications are available for tuition on a specific instrument, including voice or composition. Tuition is aligned to the instrument(s) of choice and cannot be guaranteed to a specific peripatetic tutor. We endeavour to accommodate all new students in the instrument of their choice; however, all enrolments are subject to availability.
Students wishing to study more than one instrument will need to indicate this when completing the enrolment through Compass. All enrolments are completed through Compass with options for an upfront annual payment or a four-instalment payment plan. A special sign-up page is provided for Music Fellowship students to complete their online application if they are learning from one of the College peripatetic tutors.
To ensure an appropriate balance between studies of music and other academic subjects, students wishing to study more than two weekly instrumental/vocal lessons through the College will need to seek permission from the Dean of Students (Secondary students) or Head of Junior School (Junior School students).
The College aims to provide up to 32 lessons per year of either 30 or 45-minute individual lessons. Tuition is payable through Compass either as one annual payment or in four term instalments. Instrumental and vocal tuition charges are outlined below.
Year 2 to Year 12:
• 30 minutes: $60 per lesson ($1,933 per year)
• 45 minutes: $91 per lesson ($2,901 per year)
Pre-Primary and Year 1 – group lessons:
• Students in Kindy may enrol in individual tuition for Suzuki Violin. Lessons are charged at the above rates.
• Students in Pre-Primary and Year 1 may enrol in group vocal tuition* or individual tuition for Piano or Suzuki Violin.
• From Year 2, students may enrol in individual lessons on all string instruments, vocals or piano.
• The full list of instruments for tuition is available from Year 4 to Year 12.
* Group lessons are charged at $25 per student per 30-minute session ($815 per year). A minimum of three students is required. Groups have a maximum capacity of five students. Due to the nature of scheduling group lessons, there will be no refunds or reduction in fees for lessons missed under any circumstances.
Where the opportunity exists for students to have additional lessons, parents/guardians will be contacted prior to further lessons being provided for permission and payment. If the full number of lessons cannot be provided to students, a credit will be allocated to your College sundry charges account at the end of the academic year.
PERIPATETIC MUSIC TUITION
WITHDRAWAL
There is an expectation when signing up for peripatetic lessons that you commit to the full year. We understand that circumstances can sometimes change, and if lessons are to be cancelled, a formal written explanation must be provided to the Head of Music.
If you choose to withdraw your daughter at any time during the year, there will be no refund for any portion of the term in which you withdraw. To avoid the next term instalment being charged, advice must be received in writing to musica@penrhos.wa.edu.au no later than the end of Week 7 of the term prior to the withdrawal request.
A one-off, ex-gratia payment equivalent to four lessons may be charged if a student withdraws later than Week 7.
On occasion, staffing changes may occur during the year. In the event that a change of teacher is required, the College will appoint a suitable replacement and notify families affected. In this instance, the music tuition application contract remains in place.
For any further information relating to enrolments, please contact the Music Administrator at musica@penrhos.wa.edu.au
LESSON TIMETABLES
Peripatetic music (instrumental/vocal) lessons will commence in Term 1, week 2 and conclude in Term 4, week 7 (Kindergarten to Year 11).
Lessons are scheduled on a rotating timetable across Kindergarten to Year 12. This is designed to ensure (where possible) that students are not missing the same academic subject every week. A small number of instrumental lessons may be scheduled outside normal school hours, subject to the availability of tutors, with preference given to Year 11 and 12 students and students with documented learning needs. For further information, please contact musica@penrhos.wa.edu.au
Peripatetic music lessons are published and managed online through Compass. It is the responsibility of students and families to check lesson times and notify their tutor directly of any timetable clashes and request changes as required. Any changes requested will only be authorised by direct communication between the parent/guardian and tutor, according to the published timelines (see Missed Lessons and Non-Attendance) and where the timetable and availability of other students permits.
While avoided wherever possible, please be advised that timetables may change for a variety of reasons during the term and your understanding is appreciated.
MISSED LESSONS AND NON-ATTENDANCE
Where students will miss a timetabled peripatetic music (instrumental/vocal) lesson and to avoid lesson fees being charged, a student/parent must notify their peripatetic tutor via email and/or phone (including SMS):
• At least 48 hours prior to an exam, test or assessment/excursion/incursion
• Before 7am on the lesson day, in the event of an illness
If notification is not provided directly to the tutor or is received after the advised time/s, the lesson will be considered as ‘missed’ and charged to your account. Contacting school administration and/or the Music Office will not suffice and will result in a missed lesson being charged.
Attendance at regular school classes on any given day means students are deemed well enough and expected to attend their scheduled music lesson.
Due to the nature of peripatetic music tutors’ employment, missed lessons are difficult to reschedule; however, some tutors may offer a make-up lesson at their discretion. Rescheduled lessons are subject to the same cancellation policy as the original lessons.
If instruments/music books are forgotten on the day of the lesson, tutors will adapt the lesson so that it can proceed by provision of a spare instrument if available, or completion of other activities to further the development of musical skills.
As students are expected to be at school for the duration of term time, any family/personal extended leave (and events of that nature) that encroach on the school term are not acceptable reasons for absence from scheduled music lessons during term time – these lessons will still be charged. Please note only schoolspecific sporting/academic events/camps/tours are acceptable reasons for absence. Attendance at non-school-specific events may result in a missed lesson charge unless a lesson reschedule has been negotiated.
If a tutor is absent from a lesson, the lesson will either be rescheduled by the tutor or will not be charged.
PERIPATETIC MUSIC TUITION
LESSON EQUIPMENT
Students are expected to bring the following items to every lesson:
• Instrument, with the exception of pianists, drummers/percussionists. Drummers/ percussionists must bring their own stick bags.
• Music
• Pencil and eraser
PURCHASE OF MUSIC AND ACCESSORIES
Sheet music, tutor books and instrument accessories are the responsibility of the student/ family. Peripatetic tutors will advise of any requirements, all of which will be available from a range of stockists.
INSTRUMENT HIRE
Some instruments are available for hire through the College at $180 +GST per Semester. All students are responsible for the security of their own instrument. In the case of Penrhos-owned instruments, loss or damage to an instrument or its case is the parents’ responsibility for the term of the loan or hire (we suggest the instrument be listed on your contents insurance).
• Hire instruments will be distributed to the student in their first lesson, provided that the completed hire agreement form has been returned to the Music Office and full payment has been received.
• A limited number of instruments are available for hire to students learning through Penrhos. The College cannot guarantee all requests for instruments will be met.
• Pianos and drum kits are not available for hire through the College.
• All hire instruments must be returned on the day of the last lesson or following the final College performance for the year.
Students wishing to take their instrument home for the Christmas holiday break may collect their instrument during office hours in the final week of school with the submission of the appropriate holiday hire agreement form. All instruments need to be re-issued at the beginning of the academic year. New hire forms must be completed before any instruments can be reallocated, pending availability.
WEEKLY MUSIC LESSON FEEDBACK
Peripatetic tutors will provide weekly feedback via the individual Compass Class Pages. Each Class Page will be a ‘live’ document with lesson feedback from peripatetic music tutors.
In addition, instrumental reports will be issued twice a year at the end of each Semester.
EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS
Students may wish to study AMEB or equivalent music board examinations as part of their instrumental and/or vocal tuition. While not compulsory, many students and tutors find these beneficial and worthwhile. For further details, please discuss with your tutor.
SECONDARY PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES
Membership in the College’s instrumental and choral ensembles provide the opportunity to experience a positive and supportive musical environment while developing technical and performance skills alongside like-minded people.
NON-AUDITIONED
Basie Band Year 7-9
(up to Year 12 if not in Coltrane Jazz)
Coltrane Jazz Year 9-12
(Year 7-8 by invitation)
Contemporary/ Rock Band Year 7-12
Annual Production
Orchestra
Term 2 and 3
(Instrumentation as required – placement by audition)
Wind Orchestra Year 7-12
String Orchestra Year 7-12
Cantabile Voices Year 7-8
Chorale Year 9-12
Camerata Strings Year 9-12
Vox Year 9-12
Special projects
Dates vary
(As required – placement by audition)
Non-auditioned ensembles in Secondary School are open to any student currently learning an instrument (within the College or externally). Students not having regular lessons are welcome to join ensembles with the proviso that they commit to regular practice of ensemble parts.
Auditioned ensembles run from Term 4 to Term 3 the following year, with placements for 2025 already completed. Auditions for 2026 will be held prior to the conclusion of the school year in 2025. Audition details will be provided to all students across the College.
If you are not currently a member of a performance ensemble and wish to join, please contact musica@penrhos.wa.edu.au
SECONDARY PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
Camerata Strings*
Contemporary/Rock Band#
(Previously Senior School Rock Band)
Wednesday, 3.30-4.45pm
Tuesday, 7.15-8.15am
Camerata Strings*
Wednesday, 3.30-4.45pm
CHORAL ENSEMBLES
Chorale Monday, 7.15-8.15am
Coltrane Jazz* Wednesday, 7-8.15am
String Orchestra
Thursday, 7.15-8.15am
Vox* Monday, 3.30-4.45pm
SPECIAL ENSEMBLES
Production Orchestra*
Tuesday, 3.30-5pm Term 2-3 only
ENSEMBLE MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT
Camerata Strings*
Basie Band Wednesday, 7.15-8.15am
Wednesday, 3.30-4.45pm
Wind Orchestra Friday, 7.15-8.15am
Cantabile Voices Tuesday, 7.15-8.15am
* Indicates auditioned ensembles
# Vocalists are invited to audition for Contemporary Band
All students undertaking instrumental and/or vocal tuition through the College are expected to be a member of at least one ensemble suitable to her instrument/voice. Once a member of an ensemble, students are expected to attend all rehearsals.
Where a student will be absent from an ensemble rehearsal, an attendance note must be completed in Compass and a courtesy email sent to the ensemble director. Non-advice of absence and late arrival to rehearsal can result in students being ineligible for any respective awards for that ensemble.
A variety of performances are programmed throughout the year which include various school concerts, assemblies, services and community functions, as well as external festivals and performances as appropriate to specific ensembles. Key performance dates for 2025 are included in this handbook and will also be published in the 2025 College Calendar and made available through Compass.
It is expected that students will be available for all compulsory rehearsals and performance events. Non-attendance of a calendared performance commitment can result in students being ineligible for any respective awards for that ensemble.
Social evenings, special dinners and birthday celebrations are generally not considered reasonable excuses for non-attendance. Where an internal concurrent co-curricular commitment exists or arises, please advise the Head of Music at the earliest opportunity to allow for negotiation with the relevant parties.
SECONDARY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE UNIFORM
Membership of Secondary School performance ensembles (both choral and instrumental) require the purchase of the music performance uniform, which is worn by all Secondary School ensembles for major representational and concert events.
MUSIC AWARDS
In line with College policy, the school issues a range of awards recognising student achievement in Music. Pennants, Emblems and Colours are awarded depending on the student year and ensemble involved.
These awards exist to acknowledge consistent and outstanding service to music ensembles. Participation in an ensemble enables students to develop outstanding performance and leadership skills, as well as providing a framework in which students are encouraged to be cooperative, hard-working and reliable members of their ensembles.
All Music awards are given to participants at the discretion of ensemble conductors/directors around published criteria. For a full list of award criteria and how it applies to each ensemble, please visit the relevant co-curricular ensembles page in Compass.
MUSIC FELLOWSHIPS
A number of Music Fellowships are awarded each year by application, based on musical excellence and the current needs within the Music Department. These Fellowships cover the cost of all or part of the instrumental or vocal tuition fee. Application for these Fellowships also comprise audition and interview components.
Fellowships are initially tenable for one academic year, and subject to satisfactory annual review by the Head of Music at the end of the academic year, will continue for the duration of a recipient’s schooling. Fellowship students are expected to study classroom Music in Year 7 to Year 10 and encouraged to pursue ATAR Music in Years 11 and 12.
Fellowship students are also expected to perform for assemblies, special functions and occasions as requested by the College and Music Department. Parents of Fellowship students are expected to support their daughter’s musical endeavours through active involvement with the parent support group, Friends of Music. A full list of Music Fellowship criteria and conditions, including the requirements for submission of applications and closing dates is available on the College website from November of each year, with applications closing in January of the following year.
Fellowship recipients will complete the application for enrolment via Compass if learning from one of the College peripatetic tutors. Students learning from an external tutor will be provided with an external tutor nomination form at the start of the year. Fellowship students will have their instrument hire covered if required, pending instrument type and availability.
SUZUKI STRINGS VIOLIN PROGRAM
The Suzuki Violin Strings Program is offered to all students starting as early as Pre-Kindergarten. It is a program designed to nurture and encourage all students in a positive musical environment to develop musical skills, memory, confidence, character and self-esteem. The program follows the principles of the method created by Dr Shinichi Suzuki and is taught by a qualified Suzuki violin teacher.
All Suzuki students receive one individual and one group lesson per week. Suzuki students have opportunities to perform in many concerts at the College, such as assemblies, eisteddfods and solo performances. From Year 4 onwards, students may also play in the school string orchestras.
Penrhos Suzuki students also have access to the wider Suzuki community out of school hours. This can involve Saturday group classes, solo and group concerts and workshops with highly respected Suzuki teachers from Australia and overseas. Many of our Suzuki students participate in the Suzuki Graduation Program, which is recognised both nationally and internationally.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The Music Department is committed to providing inspirational musical experiences through workshops, camps, tours and special projects and performances.
WESLEY COLLABORATION
In 2025, we will continue to work with Wesley College to provide extension and performance opportunities for our students with combined rehearsal and performance activities across some of our secondary performance ensembles.
CAMPS AND TOURS
Penrhos has a long history of camps and tours, allowing for intensive rehearsals, workshops, music-making and special performance opportunities. Tours are normally conducted triennially.
Previous tours have included participation in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Festival in Vienna in 2016 and 2019; Generations in Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier; an invitational performance of a world premiere performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City; USA tour to Washington, New York City and Los Angeles; the Kodaly symposium in Brisbane; and the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod in Wales.
SOLO PERFORMANCE
The Music Department affords a unique opportunity for all girls to pursue, enjoy and gain experience with solo performances. Solo performance opportunities include College assemblies, Chapel services, functions and the annual Junior School and Secondary School Eisteddfods.
We are privileged to have a professional accompanist on staff to prepare and accompany students for solo performances and Collegebased assessments and examinations conducted throughout the year.
VISITING ARTIST PROGRAM
The Visiting Artist program is an annual event shared with Wesley College and Aquinas College, where Music students participate in workshops and rehearsals with renowned music educators, performers, composers and conductors. These workshops usually culminate in a combined performance at the end of the residency. Previous Visiting Artists have included Mark O-Leary, Michelle Leonard, Paul Jarman, Andrew Eisenmann, Dr Cristian Grases, James Morrison and The Idea Of North.
Penrhos College remains committed to supporting our music students to attend high quality workshops and musical performances with local, national and international musicians.
RECENT SPECIAL EVENTS
In 2021, Penrhos was invited by composer Dr Deborah Cheetham AO (Yorta Yorta) to perform in ‘Eumeralla’ – a war requiem for peace – with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Dhungala Children’s Choir, soloists and WASO Chorus. A fusion of Western classical tradition and First Nations culture, Eumeralla soared with resilience and reconciliation. Cancelled due to COVID, the performance was rescheduled for September 2022.
In 2023, our Junior and Senior choristers combined to perform a special concert with the Western Australian Youth Orchestra in the Perth Concert Hall. They performed two works by Australian composer, Paul Jarman, with orchestral arrangements created especially for the occasion.
In 2024, Penrhos Choirs and Coltrane Jazz ensemble had the privilege of working alongside Perry Joyce, as well as multi-instrumentalist and Jazz legend James Morrison. Performing in a combined schools concert with Wesley College, Perth College and Aquinas College, this was a truly unforgettable event!
FRIENDS OF MUSIC
Friends of Music (FoM) is an enthusiastic group of Penrhos parents (and friends) who assist and support the Music Department to provide inspiring and challenging experiences for our girls. Together with the Music Department, FoM fosters the enjoyment and promotion of music throughout the College. Parents of Music students are encouraged to join and play an active role in their daughter’s music education. FoM support many events throughout the year, including Gala Night performances, recitals and the Junior School and Secondary School Eisteddfods.
Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month during term time, commencing at 7pm in the Colwyn Centre.
If you are unable to attend meetings, but would like to be receive FoM information throughout the year, please email ‘Please include me in Friends of Music emails’ to friendsofmusic@penrhos.wa.edu.au
CONTACTING THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Class Page information for peripatetic music tuition and ensemble membership will be provided on confirmation of enrolment, or by contacting the Music Department Administrator at musica@penrhos.wa.edu.au as required.