Introduction to Music
Music study at Churchlands Senior High School provides the opportunity to be part of a student group with similar interests and talents. Students belong to large and small performing groups, and receive a Kodály based music education of the highest standard available in the state.
Two streams of students
- The Gifted & Talented (G&T) Music Program stream consists of students who were successful in the selection process for a G&T Music Program place. These students receive individual instrumental or voice tuition and are involved in performing ensembles and the classroom music program.
- The General Music (GM) Program is for students who did not apply for the G&T Music Program or whose application was unsuccessful. Students from the IMSS program in primary school will receive group instrumental tuition and participate in performing ensembles and the classroom music program. They must audition before placement in an ensemble. Students learning privately can apply for the GM Program but must pass an audition and continue private lessons to remain eligible.
Course outline
The School of Music provides two different streams for music study:
Years 7-10
- 7-10 Gifted and Talented Music Course
- 7-10 General Music Course
Years 11-12
- 11-12 ATAR Music Course
- 11-12 Certificate of Music Industry Skills II/III
Ensemble performance is integral to the Churchlands music experience, including choirs, concert bands, orchestras, chamber groups, guitar ensembles, and jazz bands. To enter any level of the music program, students must complete tests and auditions. Successful applicants undertake an intensive, well-rounded course that is both practical and theoretical.
The classroom course enhances the skills and knowledge students gain from their instrumental studies. Students improve their aural, theoretical, and analysis skills in music literacy, composition, and improvisation. The course relies heavily on singing, the most accessible and equitable instrument. The Kodály-based solfa system, hand signs, and rhythm syllables are core to the curriculum.
Course expectations
Involvement in the program requires a significant time commitment, but it is structured to allow students to maintain balanced lives at home and school. Besides music classes and instrumental lessons during school, students typically attend a weekly choir rehearsal and one or two weekly instrumental ensemble rehearsals, which may be before or after school, or on Saturday mornings.
Working hard as part of a disciplined team, students form rewarding friendships and contribute to the community. The program is renowned in Western Australia and beyond for excellence in performance and music studies.
Students in the Music Program must maintain high standards of behaviour. Misbehaviour can result in removal from the program.
Students must have a strong work ethic to enter the music program. Our G&T guidelines require satisfactory progress in all subjects. If a student struggles with any part of the program, the parent/guardian is notified. If the student fails a component after monitoring, a notice of probation is sent. If there is no improvement within the stipulated period, the student is either offered a position in the General Music Program (if a G&T student) or removed from the program (if a General Music student).
There are compulsory performance commitments throughout the school year, with dates provided in advance. Students must stay at the concert venue for the entire performance unless a parent/guardian provides a signed note or collects them in person. Students should be picked up no later than 20 minutes after rehearsals and concerts. The school is not obliged to supervise students beyond this time.
