Music Performance Program

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1 Music Performance Program

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3 music performance program 3 Welcome to St Joseph s Nudgee College Music Performance Program Learning a musical instrument or voice and being able to make music, not only individually but also in a group situation, is one of the joys of the human experience. Music performance at St Joseph s Nudgee College is an exciting and engaging activity, in which boys find academic, social and emotional benefits, in addition to many other positive outcomes. This handbook was produced to assist parents and instrumental music students to understand the basic functions and policies of the Nudgee College Music program. If answers you seek are not in this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact the Music Department. While the College offers this opportunity to students, a commitment is also required of the boys in choosing to take lessons. Students enrolled in the program are expected to: 1. Attend their weekly tuition lessons 2. Practice at home regularly 3. Attend their scheduled ensemble rehearsals and performances 4. Show continual improvement and commitment 5. Take the responsibility of proactively solving scheduling conflicts Yours sincerely, Mr Brett Foster Head of Music music@nudgee.qld.edu.au updated 9 October 2015

4 4 music performance program Co-curricular music performance program The aim of the Music Performance Program is the development of students musical, social and personal awareness through participation in instrumental music instruction, ensembles, rehearsal and performance. Undertaking the study of music not only involves the learning of new skills, it also teaches important timetabling and time management skills, as students are given the responsibility of managing their lesson timetables. Involvement in music is not seen as an end in itself but rather as something that will add significantly to the quality of life both now at school and later in life. It is inevitable that scheduling conflicts will arise between music and sport, assessment, camps, excursions and other co-curricular activities. Learning to manage conflict using proper communication and forwardthinking is an invaluable life skill. Students will be encouraged to participate in a wide variety of musical ensembles and musical activities, allowing them to experience the joys of music making and to stimulate their creativity. Lesson enrolment To enrol for lessons, parents need to submit a Music Tuition Application Form which can done electronically via the College Portal, via hard copy downloaded from the forms section of the College website, or picked up at the Music Office. All new enrolments must be submitted using this form as there are financial implications involved. Parents have the opportunity to request involvement in the optional AMEB or ANZCA exam preparation as part of the weekly lesson. Waiting lists may exist on some instruments, so the submission of a form does not guarantee a place in a Tutor s Studio.

5 music performance program 5 Lesson structure Students joining the program receive one private lesson per week with a specialist teacher of the student s chosen instrument. From 2016 onwards, the College will only offer group lessons for Year 6 boys continuing from the Year 5 Immersion Program. Our private Music Tutors are some of Brisbane s finest professional musicians. Music lessons are for 30 minutes, during school time. A select number of boys request a one hour private lesson and this is generally limited to Year 12 boys in the Music Extension Program. Lesson times will change each week on a rotating timetable so that students do not miss the same school lesson each week. Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for requests for a fixed lesson time, unless it is a student who has special permission to do so at a time approved by the Head of Music. This is the model that you will find across the state, in private, government and independent schools. In some cases a tutor, may be happy to continue to teach after the normal school day has completed. In this case only, allocations of lessons outside of school times are at the discretion of the Tutor/Head of Music and priority is given to senior Music students and boarders. If a student, for any genuine reason, is unable to attend his instrumental lesson, he must advise his Music Tutor or the Music Office at least one day in advance. In most cases, an alternative lesson time can then be arranged if enough advance notice is given. However, if the student or parent does not notify us in advance, or simply forgets to come to the lesson, we must pay the teacher, and therefore that lesson must be paid for by the parent. Even when a student is absent on official College excursions, year-level camps or because of assessment, it is still vital that the Music Office and/or Tutor is contacted to rearrange the lesson. It is a College policy that we do not ring classrooms if a student has not shown up to his lesson. With over 400 boys in lessons each week, this is an unfair expectation of the environment across the campus.

6 6 music performance program Discontinuing lessons As a general rule, we will only accept cancellations of lessons at the end of a Term. All lesson cancellations or changes to different instruments require at least three weeks paid notice in writing to the Head of Music. The three weeks notice should be given in Term time (i.e. before the completion of the Term) if you are discontinuing lessons the following Term. Absences A successful program can only remain so with the commitment of parents, staff and students. Continued absence from lesson and/or rehearsal can cause problems within the lessons group or ensemble. In order to keep a good working relationship between students, tutors and parents, there are specific communication guidelines to follow outlined below. Notice of Absence must be provided directly to the Tutor or if you are unable to reach them, then the Music Office at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson, or by 8.30am on the day in the case of illness. A note to the Pastoral Teacher or to the Main Office is unfortunately not sufficient as there is no assurance it will make it to the Music Office with enough time for rescheduling to happen. An Excused Absence will be marked in the attendance register, if a student is away on camp, an excursion, or cannot leave class due to assessment, providing enough notice was given for the Tutor to reschedule their lessons for the day, and therefore not lose the teaching time. An Unexcused Absence will be marked in the attendance register, if a student does not show up to a scheduled lesson without the Tutor being notified in enough time to reschedule. In this case, the scheduled lesson is forfeited. An unexcused absence cannot be made up free of charge, as it is only fair for our Tutors to expect to be paid for the time they schedule for each student.

7 music performance program 7 If a student is away sick, a call or directly to the Music Tutor or Music Office prior to 8.30am is required to avoid being billed for the lesson. This allows us to reschedule another student into the timeslot, and therefore allow the Tutor to go home early. Notification after 8.30am will unfortunately result in that lesson being forfeited. Lesson Credits: Where lesson rescheduling due to an excused absence or sickness is not possible due to the close proximity to the end of Term or in the case of long term illness, some lessons may be credited to the following Term. If it is the end of the year, then a refund of the fee/s will be made available. Recurring absences without written explanation could result a student s exclusion from a performance or in extreme cases, from the program. Generally, notices are ed or posted to parents if a student has missed two lessons or rehearsals, and a reply is expected from the parents to confirm receipt of the notice. Music tuition fees Students involved in the Nudgee College Music Performance Program pay the same amount for lessons as other private, independent or state schools in Queensland (as recommended by the Music Teachers Association of Queensland ( At the time of printing, the MTAC recommend a rate of $35 per 30 minute lesson. Attendance logs are meticulously kept and are reviewed each term to account for excursions, sickness, and other excused absences. Any adjustments will be accounted for in the next Term fees. Students usually have 8-10 lessons per term. Music tuition fees are payable to the College in advance at the start of each Term, and are added to your College Tuition Account Fee. It is appreciated if accounts are settled within two weeks of receiving the invoice. We understand that if our accounts are not settled with reasonable notice or a mutually agreeable arrangement is not reached promptly, it is the prerogative of the Head of Music or the College Leadership Team to suspend lessons for your child until the accounts are settled. Please note: when a son/s is/are enrolled in an extra-curricular activity i.e. Private Music Tuition and parents are separated, the College will require enrolment consent to be provided in writing or by from both parents, as these fees are charged to the parents fee account.

8 8 music performance program Woodwind, Brass and String Instrument Loans A limited number of Woodwind, Brass and String instruments are available for student loan (note: we do not loan Guitars, Drum Kits or Pianos). You will be issued with a Loan Agreement for the instrument which must be completed and signed before the instrument will be available for your student to take home. Students and parents agree to look after these instruments and keep them in good working condition at all times. Students may be required to return the instrument to the Music Department at the request of the instrument tutor or the Coordinator of College Music for checking, stocktaking and servicing as required. Parents are liable for any loss or damage whilst the instrument is on loan to their student. Coverage for the instrument should be included in your normal household contents insurance policy. General maintenance of instruments on long term loan will be the responsibility of the parents. Consumable items such as Music Work Books, Woodwind Reeds, Cork Grease, Slide Grease, Key Oil, Valve Oil and replacement strings are the responsibility of the parents. These consumable items are readily available from any good instrumental music shop. Student ensemble obligations Students involved in the Music Performance Program Ensembles are required to perform in the large performing ensemble that is appropriate to his instrument or voice. Ensemble placement is decided by audition and/or in consultation with the Head of Music. Proposed major performance dates for the year are posted in the College calendar, however closer to each performance details and any schedule changes are provided via , in the newsletter and on the College website. As much forward notice is given of a special event (such as requests to play for concerts, festivals etc) as is possible. Where possible, we also try to provide a Music Department Performance Calendar each semester to help parents and students plan ahead. If students are unsure of their responsibilities, they should discuss their concerns with their Music Tutor or Head of Music. The rehearsals that precede an event are as important as the event itself. If a student finds himself in a date conflict, it is imperative that he discusses this with the Head of Music as soon as possible, as there is often a solution that may not have been considered yet.

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10 10 music performance program Performance music ensembles NC Senior Concert Band (also Called NC Big Band) Membership of this group is by audition only. It is the premier band at the College and performs at most formal occasions. Students are expected to have a high level of musical ability, as well as a high degree of punctuality and reliability. They must be able to demonstrate superior leadership skills and an ability to prepare their own parts independently through regular practise. As far as possible, the instrumentation of this band should reflect the demands of the pieces chosen for performance. Students wishing to be part of this group should strive to the highest level of musical performance. Additional consideration will be given to boys who play endangered instruments, such as French Horn, Bassoon, Oboe, Tuba or Euphonium. A professional standard of performance is expected from these boys. Intermediate Concert Band This group caters for boys a minimum of 2-3 years of experience and upwards, depending on vacancies for that instrument. The three main skills which boys in this band should develop are their sound (tone), playing technique and music reading ability. Repertoire will be selected to challenge the boys in these areas. Boys with a high standard of playing and a mature attitude are given the opportunity to audition for the Senior Concert Band. Junior Concert Band This band is for boys in the College who are just starting out on their instrument (1-2 years). Rehearsals centre on the goal of developing a nice sound (tone) and improving music reading ability. In this band, boys develop at their own pace, gaining confidence to progress to the next level. Boys who show signs of rapid development will be given the opportunity to audition for the Intermediate Concert Band. Considerations for promotion to Intermediate Band will also include ability to socialise with older boys.

11 music performance program 11 NC Strings This group comprises student string players of varied degrees of ability. Consequently music is arranged for this group with this in mind. These boys provide music for liturgies and major College events as required. NC Voices This group includes students from Years 5 to 12. They develop a love of singing through group music making. Students who wish to develop their vocal skills are warmly welcomed into this ensemble. A commitment to fun, learning and attending all rehearsals/performances on time are the only entry requirements for this premier group. The NC Voices prepare repertoire for concerts, liturgies and official College functions. NC Drumline This multi-award winning Marching Percussion Ensemble, were gold award winners (2015 and 2016) at Queensland Catholic Music Festival and National Percussion Eisteddfod winner in This group caters for dedicated percussionists from Years 5 to 12. They feature at Anzac Day, Awards Night, the Ekka and at regular Home Game GPS sporting events. Guitar Ensemble This group is for boys with quite developed guitar skills, including the ability to read music. The boys in this group will be expected to learn and perform in a variety of styles. Performance opportunities include Dimensions Art Festival, Open Days, Music Soirees and other special events. Clarinet Ensemble This recently formed group were silver award winners (2015) at Queensland Catholic Music Festival. They specialise in Chamber Music of various styles for clarinets. Members of this group must also part of the Concert Band Program. Saxophone Ensemble This very recently formed group is a small ensemble. They specialise in Chamber Music of various styles for saxophone. Members of this group must also part of the Concert Band Program.

12 12 music performance program Brass Ensemble This is a specialised brass group made up of Trumpet, Trombon, Horn, Euphorium and Tuba players. Members of this group must also form part of the Concert Band Program. Rock Band 1 As gold award winners (2015 to 2017) at Queensland Catholic Music Festival, this is one of our premier contemporary music groups at the College. The group may range in size from a 5-piece traditional rock band to an 11-Piece Pop/Funk/Soul group including a Rock Horn Section (Trumpets/ Trombones/ Saxes). The group prepares an amazing range of repertoire from modern to classic pop and rock from yesteryear. This group tours regularly interstate and internationally and is in demand for community events. Entry is by audition only. Rock Band 2 As gold award winners (2015 to 2017) at Queensland Catholic Music Festival, this is our second premier contemporary music group at the College. The group may range in size from a 5-piece traditional rock band to an 9-Piece band. They regularly tour interstate/nationally and is also demand for community events. Entry is by audition only. Rock Band 3 and Rock Band 4 These are our training bands for our Contemporary Music Performance Program. The members of these groups perform regularly at College and community events. Entry is by audition only. Rock Band 5 Newly formed in 2015, this groups is a training band for younger musicians in the Junior and Middle schools. Entry is by audition only.

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14 14 music performance program Orchestral / Concert Band Music Immersion Program (Year 5) As part of the Year 5 Classroom Music Program at Nudgee College, all students in this year group learn either a Concert Band or Orchestral String instrument to take part in a beginner classroom band or orchestra. The boys have two music lessons per week as part of their normal weekly timetable. Through actively learning a musical instrument with a professional tutor and playing it in a class Band or Orchestra, the boys will learn about music in a very practical way. This includes learning to read music at a basic level. This immersion program is a standard part of the Nudgee College curriculum, so there are no additional costs for participation for Year 5 boys. It has been shown conclusively in many international studies on the developing brain, that learning to play a musical instrument is one of the best ways for young people to fully develop their brain s capacity. Playing an instrument encourages the brain to develop a greater number of neurons / nerve connections between the left (analytical and mathematical) and right (creative and spatial) sides or hemispheres, thus improving their overall cognitive (thinking) ability. Please find below an internet address for a great little video, featured on Channel 7 News last year, which explains much of this process in an easy to follow format. The Year 5 boys also watch this in class The choice between Concert Band or Orchestral instruments will depend on their class timetable allocations. Up to two classes will choose instruments from the Orchestral Strings family and the remaining four classes will choose from Concert Band instruments. The list of instruments includes Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. As the boys are young, they will be learning on smaller versions of these instruments. These are half (½) size for Violin, Viola and Cello and quarter (¼) size for Double Bass. (Please note the basses are still reasonably large, however where possible, the boys will have access to two basses; one to keep at home for practice and one at school for classes).

15 music performance program 15 The list of Concert Band instruments available for Year 5 include: Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone), Brass (Trumpet, Trombone or Euphonium) or Percussion (Featuring Glockenspiel, Timpani and Snare Drum). During their first few music lessons at the start of the year, the boys have an opportunity to learn about the instruments on offer to their particular class, as well as to see and hear each of these played. From here, each boy is able to nominate the instrument they would be interested in learning from those allocated to their class using a preference order system. Using this system we try our best to match each student to an instrument listed in their higher preferences on the form. Allocation of instruments will be based on the very important need to create balanced musical groups (in the same way that not every person can be the goalkeeper in a soccer team). For a group to function as a Band or Orchestra we need to have both high and low pitch instruments. Similarly, if we allocate too many Percussionists, we will not be able to hear any of the Flutes or Clarinets. We also will take into consideration some of the current physical attributes of the boys and that they will grow during the year. For example, does the student have a long enough reach in their arm to stretch out a Trombone slide, or is he tall enough or strong enough to support a Euphonium, Cello or Double Bass which are slightly larger and heavier instruments. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will receive their first few preferences and this has been discussed with the boys in their Music class As part of this program, the boys will be provided with a small group instrument lesson each week on their allocated instrument during one of their Music periods. They will also be provided with a free loan instrument belonging to the College, that should be taken home to practice each night (with the exception of Percussion and Double Bass students). Most of the larger instruments have either built in wheels (Cello) or a small trolley is provided (Euphoniums). Please note, that if your child has been allocated Percussion, they will only be provided with a set of sticks and they can use any flat padded surface to practice on, they will not receive a Drum Kit.

16 16 music performance program The instrument lessons, instrument loan (where applicable) and required books/accessories will be provided free of charge to the boys for the duration of this year. For the group instrument lessons, the boys will receive tutoring on their allocated instruments by specialist tutors during one of their two music classes per week. In their first lesson they will also receive instruction on instrument care and how to put their instrument together for playing. Lesson times are generally the same each week and your child will generally be notified by the tutor or their class teacher if any changes occur. Please remember the boys will be assessed on their work in learning to play an instrument, so they need to take their home practice and lesson attendance as seriously as they would any other subject. To achieve the best outcome from our music program, the boys will be encouraged to do around minutes of practice per week day on their instrument, as set homework for music (minimum of 50 mins total per week). The key to success for young musicians is many short practices, done regularly. If they have a few busy afternoons, weekend slots can be used as an alternative to make up their missed practice. At the end of the year, all groups will join together for a final concert in the last week of Term 4. After this, anyone who has enjoyed the Year 5 program will have the option to apply to continue tuition on this instrument for Year 6 and onwards (additional charges apply beyond Year 5). This will also open up the option of playing a College Music ensemble from Year 6 onwards as well. If the boys are not taking the option to continue in Year 6, they will be asked to return their instruments, spare parts and lesson books. What if my child in Year 5 already plays a Concert Band or Orchestral instrument? If your child already plays a Concert Band or Orchestral Instrument (and is having private music tuition on it), we will look at their level of playing. If they are not too advanced, they may be able to continue on their existing instrument. If they are advanced (which is most likely), they may be asked to learn a new but closely related instrument. This way we will have all of the boys at a similar level for the class bands. It is quite common for musicians to play more than one instrument and this is known as doubling by professional musicians. These students who are already having lessons will have an opportunity to play their existing instruments in the Junior School Band, which is a separate extra-curricular group.

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18 18 music performance program History of Music at Nudgee College Music has been an integral part of the Nudgee College curriculum since the College s inception in We even have photos of the College music classes, bands and orchestras from as far back as A number of very notable and famous musicians have graduated from Nudgee College and gone on to do great things in the music world. Composer, Ron Grainer ( ) graduated from the College in 1938 and went on to study music in Great Britain, becoming one of Britain s most renowned early film and television composers. Ron is most famous for composing the famous theme music for Dr Who, as well as a string of other theme tunes for television and movies: Steptoe & Son, Tales of the Unexpected, as well as the incidental music for the famous movie To Sir With Love. Composer, Richard Mills graduated from Nudgee College in Richard was initially a percussionist who went on to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Richard is now deservedly one of Australia s most sought after composers and music directors. In recent years he has pursued a diverse career as a Composer and a Conductor, which has seen him working with a large number of the nation s music organisations. Notable works by Richard include the operatic version of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. Mills continues a high level of involvement in the community through such commissions for music for the 1982 Commonwealth Games, the 2000 Olympic Games, the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and the Australian Bicentenary re-orchestration of Charles Williams Majestic Fanfare (the ABC news theme). Richard is currently the Artistic Director, Victorian Opera and the In Perpetuity Director Emeritus Australian Music Program, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

19 music performance program 19 The founder of the Queensland Youth Orchestra and current Director of Music, Mr John Curro (NCOB 1949) is also a Nudgee College Music Alumni. John studied at the Conservatorium of Music in Rome and went onto play for a number of years with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. In 1969, he was appointed to the staff of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, a position he held for almost 25 years. Mr Curro has conducted many of Australia s professional orchestras as well as many opera and ballet seasons in Australia. His guest conducting appearances include the London Virtuosi, the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, the Australian and Bavarian Youth Orchestra, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Curro has received many prestigious awards including Member of the Order of Australia and Member of the British Empire. He has received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Queensland and Griffith University, Rotary International s Paul Harris Fellow award, the Australian Music Centre (Qld) Award, the Don Banks Music Award, the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award, the Orchestras Australia Lifetime Achievement award and the Queensland Premier s Millennium Award for Excellence in the Arts. Contemporary musician and Nudgee College Old Boy Pete Murray released his debut album Feeler in 2003, which has gone on to sell over half a million copies worldwide. The album earned him 12 nominations in the Australian Record Industry Awards and spent over two and a half years in the Australian Top 100 Music Charts. Like all schools, the popularity of styles of music has waxed and waned as times have changed throughout the years. For a while through the 1990s the College also boasted a solely Contemporary Music program. However since 2012, a musical renaissance has taken place as part of a wider cultural revival for the Arts, and the College is now positioned with a large and well-balanced Music program. From its modern classroom teaching methods to traditional Concert bands, Choirs, Orchestras formations through to a unique Contemporary Music Program, Nudgee College has something to offer all budding musicians.

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