Instrumental Music and Voice Lessons Year 7 2018
Instrumental Music and Voice Lessons Instrumental Music Lessons at Mater Dei College are made available for two reasons. Firstly, they are an integral part of the Music Education Programme at the College. The ability to play an instrument provides an opportunity for performing music written by the student and other composers. It also helps the development of aural skills, while at the same time making sense of many of the theoretical aspects of music education. Secondly, music lessons are available at the school to support the development of the College Ensembles - all of which enrich the cultural life of the College and give students a sense of achievement through communal music making. Lessons are available for students wishing to commence learning an instrument, and for students who have been learning elsewhere and would like to continue their lessons at Mater Dei College. Each week, specialist instrumental tutors come into the College to give students individual lessons on their (chosen) instrument. The College has some instruments available for hire. As students become more proficient in playing their instrument, they are expected to join one of the performing groups for weekly rehearsals and various performances later in the year. Students who show aptitude and commitment in regard to their musical development, are also invited to take part in the annual Music Camp. Commitment to music lessons (except in rare circumstances) is for a full year. Instrumental music lessons are of no value if a child does not practise regularly, and so, parents must be prepared to gently, yet firmly, insist upon a commitment from their child to practise regularly. Although practice can sometimes be intense, the outcomes are very rewarding. A student can expect either 8 9 or 10 lessons per term, depending on the length of the particular term. When instrumental teachers agree to teach at Mater Dei, they forgo the opportunity to teach elsewhere. We must assure them of continuity and security of income if we are to attract good teachers. For this reason, one full term s notice is required if a student will not be continuing their instrumental lessons. Written notice is to be given to the Head of Music, NOT the instrumental teacher. Instruments: Tuition will be available on the following instruments. The College has a limited number of trumpets and trombones, flutes, clarinets and saxophones available for hire at an annual fee of $125 (incl. GST). Which Instrument Should I Choose? For information on instruments, please visit the College website: www.mdc.wa.edu.au Click on: Programmes Co-curricular Instrumental Music Information; this will open a document with information and a links to performances demonstrating particular instruments. Choose an instrument in which you have an interest. If you are unsure, please contact me at music@mdc.wa.edu.au and we can try to assist you with more information. Flute Clarinet Violin * Guitar (Classical* & Modern/Electric) Guitar (Bass) * Voice (Singing) * Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn/Euphonium * Piano/Keyboard * Saxophone (Alto & Tenor) Percussion (drum kit) Tuned percussion might also be possible * Should there be sufficient demand Drums, pianos/keyboards and guitars (and amplifiers) cannot be hired.
Lessons: Lessons are conducted on an individual basis for 30 minutes per week at a cost of $32.50 per lesson. Lessons occur on the same day each week, and, where possible, will take place on a rotating cycle so that students do not miss the same class every week. In any case, a student will never be absent for an entire class period. Music students are responsible for catching up on any class work that is missed. Where insufficient notice is provided, parents will be charged for missed lessons. Where 24 hours notice is given and the teachers are able to re-arrange their schedule, a credit will usually be given on the next Term s fees or a make-up lesson given. Ensembles: The Senior Concert Band will begin rehearsals early in Term One. Instrumental students with some experience will be able to join this Band. Other students will be invited to join as they become more proficient. The Band will rehearse weekly, after school. Membership of the Swing Band is by invitation / application only. Piano students are encouraged to participate in the Bands as extra percussionists. The College provides students with the opportunity to further develop their instrumental skills by sponsoring various ensembles. In 2018, Flute, and Clarinet and ensembles will continue. Other ensembles are planned. These ensembles generally rehearse at recess or lunch time. Any student (whether or not they take lessons at the College) with requisite skills and interest is encouraged to participate. Vocal Students (and any other student interested in singing) are invited to join the Mater Dei Singers. The choral group currently rehearses before school on Wednesday. Fees: Instrument Hire: $125.00 (incl. GST) per year Hired instruments are owned by the College. As parents, you are responsible for any damage to an instrument in your child s care. You may, therefore, wish to consider whether your insurance cover caters for such an eventuality. Hire charges for the selected instrument will be billed on the second account for the year. Parents can hire Instruments not covered under the College hire scheme from commercial music enterprises. Please contact me for information. After students have been learning for 12 months, it is advisable for them to have their own instrument. Except in the case of some of the more expensive instruments (e.g. saxophones) the hired instruments are usually returned to the College to become available for new students. Music Lesson Payment : Mater Dei College plays no part in the collection of fees for music lessons. Instrumental tutors will send individual accounts to parents. Generally these will be sent home at the commencement of the Term and will need to be paid within two weeks of receiving the account.
Where Term accounts are not paid on time, the lessons will cease until payment is made. Please contact me at any time if you wish to discuss any issue further. Parents and Students, please note the following : Should a student withdraw from the programme, the hire fee is non refundable. Participation in the Bands or other ensembles (as required) is compulsory. Attendance (as required) at all performances is also compulsory (competitions, fetes, recitals, etc.). Students will be required to practise their instrument for at least 15 minutes per day, five days a week. Although involvement in the Instrumental Music Program requires a huge commitment from both students and parents, the final results make the hard work worthwhile. If your child is interested in learning an instrument and joining an exciting programme, please complete the attached form by numbering two instruments in order of preference. In some cases, it may not be possible to give your child his/her first preference and hire instruments will be allocated on a first in first served basis. Forms should be returned as soon as possible. Thank you for taking the time to read this document. Should you have any questions, please contact me by email: music@mdc.wa.edu.au Mr Vincent Basile, Director of Music
BAND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME Band Development Assistance Scheme : NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE As student populations change so does the mix of instruments available to give performing groups within the school a balanced mix of sound. To facilitate this, the College implements a Band Development Assistance Scheme. This assistance will be available to TWO students entering Year 7 WITH NO PREVIOUS MUSICAL EXPERIENCE. Please be aware that there will be a selection process for the limited assistance available. What is this assistance? (a) no instrumental hire fee for the first 12 months (usually $125 incl. GST per annum) (b) Term 1 and Term 3 instrumental lesson fees paid by the College ($32.50 per lesson) (c) Term 2 and Term 4 fees charged at half price (College pays half and parents pay half.) (d) assistance is only available for one academic year. What are my obligations? (a) pay the Terms 2 and 4 fees as outlined above. (b) your child will be required to join an ensemble when music staff feel that he/she will be able to make a contribution and gain from the experience; (c) to ensure that student practises regularly, and cares for the instrument. What instruments are available under this scheme in 2018? There will be TWO assistance packages available this year. Instruments available: Flute, French Horn, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone. How do I become involved? (a) complete the separate form entitled Band Development Assistance Scheme and return to the College be prepared to bring your child to Mater Dei for a short interview and aptitude test when contacted. What happens if I am unsuccessful for the Band Development Assistance Scheme? If you are unsuccessful in obtaining an assistance package within the Band Development Assistance Scheme, your child will still be eligible to participate in the Instrument Music Lesson Programme. Should you wish this to be the case, please complete the Expression of Interest form overleaf and lodge with the College. To apply, complete the tear off slip and return as soon as possible to: Mr V Basile - Director of Music, Mater Dei College - PO Box 10 - JOONDALUP WA 6919 (or email: music@mdc.wa.edu.au) Band Development Assistance Scheme Application Form Student s name Postal address Current school Chosen instrument My child has had NO previous individual instrumental music lessons. Parent / Guardian Signature:
BAND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME Band Development Assistance Scheme : PREVIOUS INSTRUMENTAL EXPERIENCE In 2018, we will be offering some assistance to students currently learning a concert band instrument. This assistance will be available to FOUR students entering Year 7 with previous musical experience who intend to take instrumental lessons at the College. Please be aware that there will be a selection process for the limited assistance available. What is the selection process? Selection will be based on: (a) Results of the musical aptitude test administered on Orientation Day (b) A performance audition and interview (c) Instrumental balance in the College Bands What is this assistance? (a) No instrumental hire fee for the first 12 months if applicable (usually $125 incl. GST p/a) (b) Term 1 and Term 3 instrumental lesson fees paid by the College ($32.50 per lesson) (c) Term 2 and Term 4 fees charged at half price (College pays half and parents pay half) (d) Assistance is only available for one academic year. What are my obligations? (a) Pay the Terms 2 and 4 fees as outlined above. (b) Your child will be required to join an ensemble. (c) To ensure that student practises regularly, and cares for the instrument. What instruments are available under this scheme in 2018? There will be FOUR assistance packages available this year. Instruments available: Any orchestral or Concert Band instrument as determined by the needs of College Bands. (Piano and guitar are not eligible instruments under this scheme). Bass guitar players would be considered. How do I become involved? (a) Complete the separate form entitled Band Development Assistance Scheme and return to the College (b) Be prepared to bring your child to Mater Dei for a short interview and performance if contacted. What happens if I am unsuccessful for the Band Development Assistance Scheme? If you are unsuccessful in obtaining an assistance package within the Band Development Assistance Scheme, your child will still be eligible to participate in the Instrument Music Lesson Programme. Should you wish this to be the case, please complete the Expression of Interest form overleaf and lodge with the College. To apply, complete the tear off slip and return as soon as possible to: Mr V Basile - Director of Music, Mater Dei College - PO Box 10 - JOONDALUP WA 6919 (or email: music@mdc.wa.edu.au) Band Development Assistance Scheme Application Form Current Experience Student s name Postal address Current school Instrument Current Instrumental Teacher: Parent / Guardian Signature:
Student s Name: Year Year 7, 2018 - Instrumental Music Lesson Programme EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Please number the instruments in order of 1st & 2nd preference: Please tick the appropriate Hire box if you wish to hire an instrument from the College Please describe any previous musical experience and attach any information regarding experience Confirmation of acceptance into the Instrumental Music Programme will be sent out at the end of Term Four or in the New Year. Parent / Guardian Name (Parents/Guardian Signature) (Date)