Search Results for core ensembles

Structure of Ensembles

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Structure of the St Leonard’s College cocurricular music program in 2023

All year 7-12 students taking private music lessons on instruments and voice are required to participate in the cocurricular music program as part of their study of music. Students will be a member of at least one Core Ensemble. Through working in St Leonard’s College ensembles they will be exposed to a wide variety of repertoire and also develop skills in performing music with others. We know that these qualities are essential to every musician’s ongoing enjoyment of music. There are two types of ensemble:

Core ensembles

These are the large (mainly) non-auditioned ensembles that deliver a broad musical offering accessible to all     St Leonard’s College students. A student cannot be awarded Music Colours or Awards if they are not a member of a Core ensemble. Core ensembles will perform at major events such as the Music Festival and Speech Nights. Core ensembles in 2023 are:

ORCHESTRAL – SLSO* & STL Pops

CHORAL – Senior Choir & Middle School Choir

BAND – Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE)*, Wind Band* & Concert Band

GUITAR – Acoustic Guitar Ensemble

Specialist ensembles

These are ensembles that have a musical focus upon a style or instrumental grouping. All music students who participate in a Specialist ensemble MUST also be in a Core ensemble. Specialist ensembles in 2023 will include:

It isn’t possible for a student to be in a Specialist ensemble but NOT a Core ensemble. It is possible for a student to be in a Core ensemble but NOT a Specialist ensemble. A student in a Specialist ensemble may choose to be in ANY Core ensemble. For example, a student in Auditioned Choir may choose to play violin in SLSO as their Core ensemble commitment.

* An audition is required for this ensemble

The following is a diagram that shows the relationships of the various St Leonard’s College Music Ensembles:

2016 Ensemble Structure

 

Music Awards and Colours

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Music Honours Group

Year 12 students may achieve the highest student musical recognition by becoming a member of the St Leonard’s College Music Honours Group. Please click here for information >>> HERE

Every year music awards and colours are presented to students from years 7 to 12 who have shown a high level of commitment to the cocurricular music program.

 

Middle School Music Award – Years 7 to 9

Students can apply to be considered for either a FULL or HALF Music Award.

To be considered for a half Middle School Music Award a student must have completed within the current school year: Minimum 90% attendance in one core ensemble and one other specified music ensemble/activity. It is necessary that students gaining these awards participate, cooperate and be observed as a role model to their peers.

To be considered for a full Middle School Music Award a student must have completed within the current school year: Minimum 90% attendance in one core ensemble and three other specified music ensembles/activities.  It is necessary that students gaining these awards participate, cooperate and be observed as a role model to their peers.

To complete the online registration and apply for a Middle School Music Award, click  >>>HERE

 

Senior School Music Colours – Years 10 to 12

Students can apply to be considered for either FULL or HALF Music Colours.

To be considered for Half Music Colours a student must have completed within the current school year: Minimum 90% attendance in one core ensemble and one other specified music ensemble/activity. It is necessary that students gaining these awards participate, cooperate and be observed as a role model to their peers.

To be considered for Full Music Colours a student must have completed within the current school year: Minimum 90% attendance in one core ensemble and three other specified music ensembles/activities.  It is necessary that students gaining these awards participate, cooperate and be observed as a role model to their peers.

To complete the online registration and apply for Music Colours, click  >>>HERE

 

Specified music ensembles and activities for colours and awards:

Middle School Core Ensembles

  • Acoustic Guitar Ensemble
  • Concert Band
  • Middle School Choir
  • SLSO
  • STL Pops
  • Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE)
  • Wind Band

Middle School Specialist Ensembles

  • Senior Vocal Ensemble
  • Big Bands
  • Chamber Music Groups
  • Chamber Strings
  • January Music Camp
  • Jazz Choir
  • Middle School Chamber Choir
  • Middle School Musical Cast* (participation cannot be used for claiming BOTH Music AND Drama awards)
  • Middle School Musical Orchestra
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Senior Musical Orchestra
  • String Quartet
  • Tuesday Jazz Ensemble
  • Wednesday Jazz Ensemble

Senior School Core Ensembles

  • Acoustic Guitar Ensemble
  • Senior Choir
  • SLSO
  • STL Pops
  • Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE)

Senior School Specialist Ensembles

  • Senior Vocal Ensemble
  • Big Bands
  • Chamber Music Groups
  • Chamber Strings
  • January Music Camp
  • Jazz Choir
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Senior School Musical Cast* (participation cannot be used for claiming BOTH Music AND Drama Awards)
  • Senior School Musical Orchestra
  • String Quartet
  • Tuesday Jazz Ensemble

Edna G Forster Music Award

The Edna G Forster Music Award is presented annually to the most outstanding year 12 musician. They will be recognised on the Edna G Forster honour board. The recipient will be announced at the St Leonard’s College Speech Night.

It is required that the scholarship recipient use their abilities to enhance the learning of other music students by being a visible and active role model to music students of all ages within the College.

This award is open to current year 11 students. Interested students need to complete and submit this form by 4:00pm on Friday 25 August, 2023 (no late applications will be considered).

The successful applicant may be expected to perform at the induction assembly in the first week of the school year and be willing to perform at significant occasions throughout the year at the discretion of the Head of Music.

Year 6 Music

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Music in Year 6

In year 6 Music students develop their musicianship skills either as a member of the Vocal Ensemble, Practised Group (for those already learning an orchestral instrument) or Established Groups (students continue to learn a brass, woodwind or string instrument as part of the program).  Each group explores appropriate technical skills and students gain experience in performing both as a soloist and as a member of a group. They develop skills in reading the appropriate music notation and the conventions of music notation are reinforced. All students participate in the year level choirs and perform at a number of school and community events. The first performance for the year 6 Choir will be at Community Day and all year 6 students are expected to be available for this performance.

Students will continue in their music groups from year 5. Students joining the College in year 6 will be asked to choose from the following options.

Practised Ensemble

This group is designed for students who have been learning an orchestral instrument and are continuing with private music lessons (either in or outside of the College). These students will be experienced in their instrument and need to be able to read music notation. They will work together in an ensemble class to extend their music performance and musicianship skills. Orchestral instruments include violin, viola, cello, double bass, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Click here to access the online private music tuition form.

Vocal Ensemble

This group is for students who would like to continue developing their singing skills. It will include students who are taking private singing lessons and those with a genuine interest in developing their skills in singing.

 Established Groups

Students will continue learning one of the following instruments that they were learning in the year 5 program: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola or cello. Tuition will be given in small groups. A school instrument will be provided for hire at a discounted rate.

Cocurricular Opportunities

In addition to the classroom music program, there are opportunities for year 6 students to be involved in the cocurricular music program. Some examples of the core ensembles suitable for year 6 students are Concert Band, Soprano/Alto Choir and Power Strings. Students may also choose to audition for specialist ensembles.

Year 5 Music

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Year 5 Music Curriculum at St Leonard’s College 

In year 5 every student has the opportunity to learn an instrument or be a member of a vocal ensemble. In addition everyone sings in the year 5 Choir and their first performance will be at Community Day.  Students need to choose one of the following options for music. There will be an instrument demonstration at the start of the year to assist students in their choices.

Option 1: Practised Ensemble

This group is designed for students who have been learning an orchestral instrument and are continuing with private music lessons (either in or outside of the College). These students will be experienced in their instrument and need to be able to read music notation. They will work together in an ensemble class to extend their music performance and musicianship skills. Orchestral instruments include violin, viola, cello, double bass, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Click here to access the online private music tuition form.

 

Option 2: Vocal Ensemble

This group is for students who would like to develop their singing skills. It will include, but not be limited to, students who are taking private singing lessons and those with a genuine interest in developing their skills in singing. This could be the ideal ensemble for piano and guitar students as it will further enhance musicianship skills through singing.

 

Option 3: Apprentice Groups (for beginner instrumentalists)

Students will have the opportunity to choose from the following instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola or cello. Tuition will be given in small groups and all students will be beginners. A school instrument will be provided for hire at a discounted rate. A demonstration of these instruments will be given in February.

 

Option 4: Established

Students may choose to continue learning the string instrument that they learnt in the year 4 music program, without taking private music lessons.

 

Cocurricular opportunities

In addition to the classroom music program, there are opportunities for year 5 students to be involved in the cocurricular music program. Some examples of the core ensembles suitable for year 5 students are Concert Band, Soprano/Alto Choir and Power Strings. Students may also choose to audition for specialist ensembles.

Speech Night

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The annual St Leonard’s College Speech Night will take place at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 13 October at 7pm. All senior core ensembles will perform as well as some featured musical items.

Year 10 French Horn

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Options for a student learning FRENCH HORN in Year 10

Curriculum options:

Suggested private music teachers:

Please be sure to read how music lesson times are allocated at St Leonard’s College.

 

RECOMMENDED TEACHER(S)
Ms Ingrid Martin
CORE ENSEMBLES
Wind Symphony
Symphonic Band
SLSO
Philharmonic
SPECIALIST ENSEMBLES
Senior Musical Orchestra
Middle Sch Musical Orchestra

 

 

 

 

 

Core Ensemble options (membership of a Core Ensemble is required when a student takes private lessons or participates in a Specialist Ensemble):

Specialist ensemble options (membership of a core ensemble is necessary when joining a specialist ensemble):

Upcoming music tour options

Year 7 Drums/Percussion

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Options for a student learning DRUMS/PERCUSSION in Year 7

Curriculum options:  Follow this link to view details of the Year 7 Music curriculum (This page will open in a new window)

RECOMMENDED TEACHER(S)
Mr Jack Bennett
CORE ENSEMBLES
Wind Symphony
Symphonic Band
Concert Band
SLSO
Philharmonic
SPECIALIST ENSEMBLES
Swing Band
Jazz Band
Thursday Jazz Ensemble

 

 

Suggested private music teachers:

Please be sure to read how music lesson times are allocated at St Leonard’s College.

Core Ensemble options (membership of a Core Ensemble is required when a student takes private lessons or participates in a Specialist Ensemble):

Specialist ensemble options (membership of a core ensemble is necessary when joining a specialist ensemble):

Upcoming music tour options

Allocation of lesson times

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How private music lesson times are allocated at St Leonard’s College

Lessons for students in years Prep –  6

Students in years Prep – 6 will be generally given lessons on a rotating timetable. This means that a student will only miss a part of any particular curriculum class occasionally. For example, a student scheduled for a lesson in a maths class may miss 30 minutes (out of an 80 minute class) of that maths lesson in one week. In the weeks following, subsequent lessons would most likely be scheduled during different academic lessons meaning that they would not miss a part of another maths class for a substantial time. In some cases music lessons may be scheduled in a fixed weekly time that is decided upon after consultation between the music teacher and the student’s homeroom mentor.

 

Lessons for students in years 7, 8 & 9

Lessons will be scheduled on a rotating basis during periods 1, 2, 3, X & 4. This means that a student will only miss a part of any particular curriculum class occasionally. For example, a student scheduled for a lesson in a maths class may miss 30 minutes (out of an 80 minute class) of that maths lesson in one week. In the weeks following subsequent lessons would most likely be scheduled during different academic lessons meaning that they would not miss a part of another maths class a substantial time. Music lessons will not be scheduled in a way that may cause a student to miss the same academic class on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

 

 

Lessons for students in years 10 & 11

Lessons will be scheduled on a rotating basis during periods 1, 2, 3, X & 4. This means that a student will only miss a part of any particular curriculum class occasionally. For example, a student scheduled for a lesson in a maths class may miss part of that maths lesson in one week. In the weeks following, subsequent lessons would most likely be scheduled during different academic lessons meaning that they would not miss a part of another maths class for a substantial time. Music lessons will not be scheduled in a way that may cause a student to miss the same academic class on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

In as many cases as possible, students in year 11 will be offered lesson times that may be available outside of periods 1, 2, 3, X & 4. While these outside of curriculum times (before school, lunchtime and after school) cannot be guaranteed, every effort will be made by the music department to offer these. Where available out of curriculum times exist (after they have been offered to year 12 & 11 students), these will be offered to year 10 students.

 

Lessons for students in year 12

Students in year 12 will have their lessons scheduled either before school, lunchtime, after school or in a study period. (IB students only may have their lesson permanently scheduled into Period X should there be no available before school, lunchtime, after school or study period times). In such case, the music instructor will inform the student’s mentor that this is occurring.  Year 12 students will not have their lessons scheduled during curriculum class time (unless in exceptional circumstances that have been agreed with their mentor).

 

Variation to published music lesson times

It is recognised that occasionally there will be circumstances (tests, excursions, music teacher absence etc) that require a music lesson time to be changed. Any one of the classroom teacher, mentor, subject teacher or music teacher may organise this change. It will be advised to all parties at least 8 days prior to the new lesson time. Any change to lesson time within 8 days of the scheduled lesson must always be negotiated and agreed to by all affected parties.

 

Core ensemble requirements

St Leonard’s College offers an extensive variety of music ensembles to enhance every student’s learning and music experience. The St Leonard’s College Music Faculty firmly believe that it is essential to the balanced musical development of any student that they participate in both solo and ensemble performance activities. All year 7-11 students taking private lessons are required to perform in a Core Ensemble. Piano students are required to either sing in a choir or to play keyboard percussion in a band or orchestra. A list of Core Ensembles and the Core Ensemble policy can be found on the St Leonard’s College website. *Please note that year 12 students are strongly encouraged to participate in a core ensemble and that only those year 12 students who do so will be eligible to be considered for the Music Honours Group.

 

 

 

 

Choir Program

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Choirs at St Leonard’s College are organised to cater for the wide variety of interests and voice types within the College. There are core ensembles for all voice types as well as smaller auditioned choirs from y5-12. In addition EMVE provides the opportunity for students to explore the beauty of renaissance and baroque vocal music.

Ms Renee Badcock

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Music Instructor – oboe and bassoon

Email: renee.badcock@stleonards.vic.edu.au

Lessons for this term can be viewed on the calendar that appears on the right hand side of the STL Link homepage

Parents may view lesson times by clicking on their child’s calendar in STL Link

Renée holds both Bachelor of Music, majoring in oboe performance, and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Tasmania. She completed her post graduate studies in Oboe and Cor Anglais at the UTAS Conservatorium of Music under the renowned oboist Jane Gilby in Melbourne. She has over 20 years teaching experience in both classroom and instrumental music programs in Hobart, Launceston, and now in Melbourne.

As an orchestral musician Renée has performed as principal oboist and cor anglais with many ensembles including Melbourne Opera, City of Stonnington Symphony, Grainger Wind Ensemble, Launceston Camerata, Launceston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hobart Wind Symphony.

Beginning her musical life as a flautist and saxophonist before the chance to play oboe arrived, Renée has also had the opportunity to perform professionally as both an oboist and a multi-instrumentalist with professional and touring musicals in Tasmania, most recently “Les Mis” and “Wicked” for Encore Theatre Company, and “In The Heights” for Launceston College.

In her second life Renée is also an accredited Figure Skating Coach, coaching professionally in Hobart and in Melbourne, and skating competitively at National Championships and international competitions. She is an experienced choreographer for both solo competitive skaters and local ice shows, including choreographing skaters for pre-show performances at Disney On ice.