Music

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The Music Program at Mount Lawley Senior High School nurtures the musical development of students through the areas of class music, instrumental music and ensemble participation.

 

See our music students in action.

 

Year 7 Music is an introductory program designed to expose students to the elements of music whilst developing their understanding of the theoretical aspects required for year 8. The students receive two class lessons per week. All students who receive instrumental lessons in primary school through the SIM program (School of Instrumental Music) will continue to receive a weekly lesson.

Year 8 Music is a full year course, which focuses on building the foundational concepts of music in areas such as aural training, theory, composition and performance. The students receive two class lessons per week. All students who receive instrumental lessons in primary school through the SIM program (School of Instrumental Music) will continue to receive a weekly lesson.

Year 9 Music consolidates the knowledge, skills and understanding of the program material offered in year 8, with a greater focus on analysis and performance. Students are provided with further opportunities to develop their performance and composition skills through general class work and ensemble participation.

Year 10 Music is designed to prepare students for either stage 1, 2 and 3 courses. The program is designed to focus on the necessary theoretical aspects required for stage 2 Music, in either Jazz or Western Art genres, with an emphasis on aural and instrumental development. At the completion of the course students should be sufficiently prepared for the course requirements of all courses offered.

Music Year 11 & 12

  • General Music in Years 11 and 12 which have a Contemporary Music focus (not for University entrance).
  • ATAR units in Years 11 and 12 with either a Jazz or Western Art Music (Classical Music) focus (recommended for University entrance).
  • PIMS course in Years 11 and 12 with a Jazz, Western Art Music or Contemporary focus (not for University entrance).

See Music Concerts Vodcasts

Further reading Year 11 & 12 Music information from SCSA

Class Music

Class music consists of musicianship, aural and theory skills. Students listen to and analyse music from a range of styles, including classical, jazz and contemporary. Emphasis is placed on the development of aural skills through practical activity. Students also develop their performance skills through in-class performances.

Instrumental Music

All students in the music course learn an instrument, either through the School of Instrumental Music (SIM) program, or privately. SIM provides instrumental teachers who teach individuals and small groups. Many students continue the instrument they began in primary school. A limited number of new instrument places are available each year for students who wish to begin an instrument.

The following instruments are available at Mount Lawley SHS:

  • Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone.
  • Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, French Horn.
  • Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
  • Guitar: Classical, Electric
  • Percussion & Drums
  • Voice

Not all instruments are offered to beginner Year 8 students.

It is important to realise that specific instruments are offered to balance our ensembles within the program. Staff carefully select students for some of the less common instruments. Balancing the ensembles is crucial for the ongoing success of the music program.

Ensemble Music

We offer a range of ensembles which cater for the different needs of all students within the program. Ensembles are directed by Music and Instrumental staff, and rehearsals are on a weekly basis. All ensembles participate in regular performances at concerts, ceremonies assemblies and community events.

All students are expected to participate in the ensemble program, and many students participate in more than one ensemble. The ensemble program offers students a rich and rewarding experience of group rehearsal and performance.

Our ensembles include:

  • Senior Concert Band
  • Junior Concert Band
  • Senior String Orchestra
  • Junior String Orchestra
  • Big Band 1
  • Big Band 2
  • Jazz Combo
  • Classical Guitar Ensemble
  • Junior Contemporary Ensemble
  • SeniorContemporary Ensemble
  • Choir

Dress Code

As with any professional musical body, there is a strict dress code - all of our Ensembles wear all black for every performance.

Funding

Apart from the Music Department charge as listed in the Mount Lawley SHS Contributions and Charges sheet, a donation of $25 per family is requested at the start of the year to ensure that the music program functions at its best and to enrich the music program offered to students. This is supplemented by fund raising by the Music Support Committee, mainly from the Community Art Auction held in June each year in conjunction with the SVAPA parent support group. Check out the website at www.lawleyevents.com

There are costs to parents associated with camps and tours, and music books for instrumental lessons. Tickets are sold for each school concert to cover expenses. Festival organisers charge a nominal entrance fee. Depending on the location of each Festival, other schools' music parent support groups sell refreshments to make the most of the captive audience!

Music Parents Support Committee

The Parent Support Committee is an ongoing support network comprising of parents of our students, both past and present.

The purpose of this committee is to assist the Music department in various aspects of the program including financial, administration and supporting the development of students through concerts, camps, tours and ensemble development.

This forms an integral part of the music program and all parents are encouraged to participate.

The committee generally meet approximately every 5 -6 weeks to discuss up and coming events, raise funds or facilitate a variety of music events.