Music @ Shenton College
2015 Information Booklet
A handbook for music students and their parents.
Updated February 2015
Welcome to Music
@ Shenton College
Shenton Overview
Students entering the Music Extension Program at Shenton College have already been
accepted into the School of Instrumental Music (SIM) program in primary school or are
learning privately and have chosen to continue with this at Shenton College.
All students must have previous music experience and some will be considered for new
instruments if it is appropriate for our program. We are only able to start a limited number of
instruments in Yr 7/8 and those selected will have their lessons provided through SIM at
Shenton College.
Those wishing to continue on with their ‘private’ instruments will do so, and will keep up with
their private teachers, whilst participating in all other aspects of the music program.
All selected students perform in a large ensemble on their school based instrument. The
large ensembles are: Wind Ensemble 1, 2, 3 and 4, String Orchestra, (compulsory for year 8
– 9 string players) Full Orchestra, Year 7/8 Choir, Chorale, and Guitar Ensembles 1 and 2.
Attendance and participation in a Shenton Ensemble is mandatory for Music Extension
students as per requirements from the School of Instrumental Services.
All Music Extension students at Shenton College take Class Music units in Years 7-10.
In Years 11 and 12 Music is studied via the ATAR Course of Study. Students are also
able to enroll in Council Endorsed Units in Music Performance in Yrs 11 and 12, which
award points towards school graduation. This course allows students to have
Instrumental lessons and ensemble with no formal class contact.
It is expected that all students enrolling in Music Extension will continue until at least the
end of Year 10, and preferably until they finish at Shenton College. Students are
required to complete attendance and participation in their instrumental lessons,
ensemble playing and classroom music.
Expectations
It is important for parents and students to understand at the outset that this music program
requires a level of commitment. In order to operate successful performing ensembles this
becomes a very important element.
Over the years Shenton College has developed quite a profile because of its Music program,
and it is only possible to maintain this standard if all students are committed to the program.
Attendance at rehearsals, lessons and concerts is mandatory, and a positive attitude towards
regular practice is also necessary. It is the standard and excellent reputation of the program
that attracts students to Shenton College and we strive to maintain this.
Time Commitment for Students
Involvement in the program necessitates a commitment of time, however, it has been
carefully structured so that it is possible for students to maintain balanced lives at home and
at school. Students will typically be involved in one or two weekly instrumental ensemble
rehearsals. These may be before or after school. Staff request that a note or email is sent to
the teacher or ensemble director if a lesson or a rehearsal is missed. Where possible an
apology in advance is helpful to teachers and conductors. Dentist/orthodontist etc
appointments should not be made during ensemble times if it can be avoided. Lesson and
ensembles are only once a week and missing one means a whole week of learning is lost.
Students will not be permitted to leave ensemble rehearsals early or arrive late, and we
therefore ask that extra-curricular activities not be arranged during rehearsal times.
All Music Extension students are required to do regular practice on their instrument on at
least 5/6 days a week, for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Students are also expected to perform in the relevant school ensembles. The ensembles
perform publicly on several occasions during the year (see Events during the Year).
Individual students may also perform every term/semester for their class.
Shenton Music Teaching Staff
Current teaching staff are:
Ms Janine Gillett - Teacher in Charge
Mrs Teresa Duhig- Teacher
School of Instrumental Music Staff:
Flute
Oboe/Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone
Voice
Trumpet
Low Brass
Horn
Percussion
Violin/Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Guitar
Mrs Helen Gardner and Ms Natalie Dixon
Mrs Kathy Younger
Mrs Amanda Noordzy
Mr Grant Rickman
Ms Dale Twycross
Mr Lindsay Timms
Mr Laurence Le Page
Mr Laurence Le Page
Mr Lee Stanley
Mr James Charles
Mrs Stephanie Arnold
Mr Stephen Richards
Mrs Robbie-Ann Rossi
All staff may be contacted via their education department emails:
firstname.secondname@education.wa.edu.au
Parents and students must ensure that a current email address is provided to the
instrumental teacher to aid with communication.
It is important that communication is maintained between the
instrumental teacher and students/parents.
Please ensure your child’s instrumental teacher has both a student
and parent contact email address. Timetables are often emailed to
students during the term if changes are required to be made.
School of Instrumental Music (SIM) Program
SIM lessons are for small groups generally (usually 3 - 5 students), given by visiting
instrumental specialist teachers provided by the School of Instrumental Music. SIM lessons
are arranged on a rotating timetable, (for years 7 – 10).Students will leave their regular
classes at a different time each week, either on the same day or on a two day rotation.
Shenton College staff are very supportive of this, however, students must be prepared to
catch up missed class work in their own time.
Students will be issued with a lesson attendance slip which is to be glued into their school
diary and signed/sighted by the class room teacher on leaving to go to a lesson, and when
returning from the instrumental lesson.
The instrumental lesson has first priority and classroom teachers have been asked to allow
students to attend their lesson (with the exception of NAPLAN testing and school carnivals).
SIM teachers have very little flexibility and with small group tuition it is essential that all
members attend every week. Students are of course expected to move quickly to their
instrumental lesson and return to the classroom promptly at the conclusion of the lesson.
If students forget their instrument they must still attend the instrumental lesson as work will
be given for the following week.
If an in class assessment is scheduled during an instrumental lesson time – the students
must try to reorganize the assessment. Swapping instrumental lesson times is not easy as
there are often 5 students per group. Most students are given at least 1 – 2 weeks notice of
assessments. Students should not send messages via other students or miss the lesson
without explanation.
Where possible Year 11 and 12 lessons take place either before school or during
lunch/recess times to help minimise the disruption to subject classes. We ask that students
remember that their instrumental teachers are only at school on one day per week and it is
imperative they do not forget lessons and also arrive in a timely manner.
Year 7/8 beginners
There are some opportunities for students to begin a new instrument in the SIM program in
Yr 7/8. The instruments that may be started under the SIM program may include; oboe,
bassoon, saxophone (you may be required to own your own), horn, euphonium, trombone,
tuba, percussion and vocal studies. To start an instrument at Shenton College, a student
must have significant music reading skills and suitable musical background on another
instrument. The instruments offered will depend on the requirements of the ensembles and
they vary from year to year. In some instances an existing SIM student can swap to one of
these instruments, however, the students must have shown significant application on their
present instrument and all parties must agree that the swap will be beneficial.
Contemporary/Electric Guitar
At this stage Shenton College does not have a contemporary/electric guitar program in the 7
– 10 Year groups, and students playing these instruments are difficult to accommodate. The
School of Instrumental Music does not currently provide contemporary/electric guitar
teachers to Shenton College. It is, however, possible to study electric guitar and electric
bass for the ATAR course in Years 11 and 12 under the contemporary or jazz contexts.
Students would need to provide their own private teacher.
Tuition Books
Students will be required to purchase the set books for their instrumental lessons. Equipment
such as reeds, instrument cleaners, valve oil etc must also be purchased when required.
Percussion students will be required to buy sticks and a basic tuned percussion instrument.
Instrumental teachers will supply full details of the requirements at the first lesson. All books
and equipment to be CLEARLY labeled with the students name, as are any instruments
brought to school.
Practice Record Journal (SIM Students only)
Students who are in the SIM program are issued with a Practice Record Journal. This has
proven to be most important for tracking a student’s progress. It must be taken to all
instrumental lessons.
Its purpose is:
i.
ii.
iii.
for recording practice times
recording the practice homework given each week
and for communication between the parent and the instrumental teacher.
It is imperative that the journal is filled in and signed by the parent and the teacher each
week.
Students will be given/emailed copies of their individual lesson timetable. It is recommended
that a copy of the instrumental timetable be kept in their student diary and another one at
home. It is a good idea to keep a copy in a prominent position at home. The fridge is always
good!! You may also request extra copies from the instrumental teacher.
Instrument Hire (SIM students only)
Bassoons, Oboes, Euphoniums, Horns, Tubas, Double Basses, are available for hire from
the School of Instrumental Music for a fee of $130.00 per year. This is payable to Shenton
College and a form will payment details will be given to you prior to receiving your instrument.
These instruments can be hired through SIM for the 5 years of learning, rather than the usual
12 month period as with other instruments.
The Friends of Music @ Shenton own 2 violas which are loaned to students for a 1 year
scholarship program. After the year of the loan, the student will be asked to purchase a viola.
Excluding those instruments listed above, students are encouraged where possible to selfprovide from the commencement of instruction.
At the end of the initial loan period the students’ family must make arrangements to secure
from other sources an adequate instrument for ongoing instrumental tuition.
All instrument cases must be clearly labeled with the students name, school and address.
Insurance
SIM instruments must be insured privately to cover the instrument when not on school
grounds. SIM instruments are only covered by the Education Department on the day of the
lesson or ensemble or when on tour with a school group. They are not covered overnight.
Privately owned instruments must be insured privately.
Music Instrument Store Room
The school provides 2 music instrument store rooms for students to keep their instrument in
while they are at school on the day of their ensemble and their lesson. Music Students are
given a code to unlock the door. All instrument cases MUST be labelled with address
phone number and school. SIM instruments also.
Under no circumstances are instruments to be left overnight or over weekends or
holiday periods.
Classroom Music
Year 7/8/9 Music Extension Classroom Program
2 periods per week for a Semester – either Semester 1 OR Semester 2
All Music Extension students must be currently learning an instrument. This course is
directed towards balancing the instrumental lessons with learning in the areas of Music Skills,
Cultural and Historical Perspectives and Composition. In this way, all areas of their musical
development are enhanced. Students in years 7-10 may also be assessed in class on their
performance instrument.
Year 10 Music Extension
There are currently two options for music in Year 10.
Music 1: 1 period/week before school. This is a reduced classroom programme continuing on
with learning undertaken in Years 8 and 9.
Music C: 4 periods/week. This class programme gives a more solid introduction to the areas
of music studied in Year 8 and 9. Students considering music in Years 11 and 12 are
expected and encouraged to enroll in this course option.
Year 11 and 12
There are two options available in years 11 & 12.
ATAR: Music AEMUSW1/1 or PIMS1.
Music AEMUSW is for those who want to study music as a subject and have it count towards
their ATAR. The current ATAR course allocates 50% of the course component to their
performance instrument, and 50% of the course to class written work and exams.
PIMS is available to students in Years 11 and 12 who wish to keep up with their instrumental
lessons but do not wish to continue with the classroom learning. They must attend all lessons,
participate in a large ensemble and attend all concerts, as part of the Shenton College
concert schedule. A specific PIMS Journal must be maintained and handed in at the
completion of each year. 5 WACE points are given each year towards school graduation.
This course does not count towards an ATAR calculation.
There are a required minimum number of hours as stipulated by the School Curriculum and
Standards Authority which must be signed off at the end of each year to gain the
accreditation. (See your instrumental teacher for specific guidelines.)
AMEB Exams give points towards WACE (school) Graduation. (Year 10 – 12)
All students enrolled in music are eligible to gain graduation points by completing AMEB
Theory and Performance Exams. For more details please see your instrumental teacher or
contact Ms Catherine Sayers at Student Services.
Ensembles
Large Ensembles (compulsory)
Students are placed into the large ensemble that is most suitable for their instrument and
ability. At the end of term 3 of each year after the Year 12 students leave, auditions are
conducted to restructure the ensembles. All students are auditioned, ranked and allocated a
place. Changeover is at the beginning of term 4 each year.
Year 7/8 Choir
This ensemble rehearses weekly and is directed towards the vocal students
to enhance their vocal lessons. Rehearsals will commence in Week 4 on
Mondays in the Hollywood Lecture Theatre with Miss Dale Twycross.
Concert Bands
These large instrumental ensembles consist of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments
• WIND 4 - consists of year 7s and those that have commenced tuition on a new
instrument. Rehearsals are on Friday mornings from 7:20 – 8:40am. Mrs Teresa
Duhig is the current band director.
• WIND 3- consists of year 8s and more advanced year 7s. Rehearsals are on
Wednesday mornings from 7:20 – 8:40am. Ms Janine Gillett is the current band
director.
• WIND 2 - is for the more proficient players. Rehearsals are on Monday mornings
from 7:20 – 8:40am. Mrs Teresa Duhig and Mr Lee Stanley are the current band
directors.
• WIND 1 – is the premier Wind ensemble consisting of the most capable students.
Band rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoons from 3:15 – 5:00pm.
Mr Dale Pointon and Mrs. Teresa Duhig are the current band directors.
All rehearsals take place in the Arts Arena in the main Arts block in Senior School.
String Ensembles
•
The String Orchestra rehearses on Tuesday mornings from 7.30 – 8.45 am. The
String Orchestra is compulsory for all violin, viola, cello and Double Bass players in
Years 7– 10.
•
The Symphony Orchestra rehearses before school on Thursdays from 7.20 – 8.45
am. The Symphony Orchestra incorporates wind, brass and percussion students
who are of a suitable level to manage the high performance level of the symphonic
repertoire. These positions are filled on an audition basis at the end of term 3 each
year.
Mr James Charles directs both of these ensembles
Classical Guitar Ensembles
•
Guitar Ensemble 1 - all Yr 8 – 12 (year 8s will be auditioned for suitability in this
ensemble) this group rehearses on Wednesday afternoons from 3.15 – 4.30pm.
•
Guitar Ensemble 2 Year 7/8- Rehearses on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 –
8:40am.
Both rehearsals are in S46 in the Arts Building.
Mrs Robbie Anne Rossi is the current director for both of these ensembles.
These ensembles are also available for students who learn classical guitar privately,
providing they successfully audition. Please note that this is a classical guitar ensemble and
students will need to have appropriate notation reading skills and playing technique.
Extra Ensembles
These ensembles are started on a needs basis and differ from year to year. They are
generally staffed by SIM teachers to give students performance extension where
necessary. They are not compulsory but students who elect to participate in these
groups must make a commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances. These may
include Jazz Band 1 and Jazz Band 2, small Vocal ensembles, small Guitar Ensembles,
String Quartet, Clarinet and Flute Ensembles and Recorder Ensembles. Students can
be part of an extra ensemble but must give priority to play in their main large ensemble.
Senior and Junior Jazz Bands
The Jazz Band 1 rehearses on a Tuesday Morning 7.40 – 8.40 and is directed by Mr
Lindsay Timms.
The Jazz Band 2 rehearses on a Tuesday afternoon from 3.10 – 4.30, and is also
taken by MrTimms.
Both the Jazz bands rehearse in S46 in the Arts Building.
Auditions for the Jazz bands will take place early in Term 1 if it is required. These are
‘extra’ ensembles formed to give SIM students jazz experience. Students must also be
participating in a large ensemble eg Chorale, Guitar Ensemble, String Orchestra,
Symphony Orchestra, or WIND 1, 2, 3, or 4
Exceptions are the Jazz students in Year 11 & 12 playing instruments not usually in a large
ensemble i.e. Electric and Bass guitar, and jazz piano. These students are typically enrolled
in ATAR music as a subject, hence their ability to study these instruments in a different genre.
Students wishing to participate in the Jazz Bands must be enrolled in Class Music or
PIMS, which requires them to play in one of the large ensembles first.
Private students are permitted to play in the extra ensembles providing they are
continuing with their private lessons and also play in a large ensemble.
Shenton Concerts
The following is a list of performances/events for this year. It is essential to note the relevant
dates for your child, as they are compulsory events and absentees cause problems for the
whole ensemble. Please put these dates in your diary.
(Other possible performance venues may include local fetes, primary schools and other
community organizations.)
Year 7/8 Music Night: June 18 - 6pm @ Shenton College
Intermediate Music Night: June 23 - 7pm @ Shenton College
Senior Music Night: June 30 – 7pm (venue to be confirmed)
(Second semester school concert dates are yet to be finalized)
Shenton Xmas Concert: December 10 at Shenton College Middle School lawn.
WA Government Schools Music festivals Calendar 2015
Please put these dates into your diary.
All Shenton ensembles will be participating in these Festivals and attendance is compulsory.
August
8-9
13-16
22 - 23
23
November 7-8
WA Schools Orchestra Festival
WA Schools Jazz Festival (Aug 9th only)
(inclusive) WA Schools Band Festival
WA International Classical Guitar Festival
WA Government Secondary Schools Choral Festival
Solo Vocal Festival
Each ensemble is required to perform at these festivals and a time commitment of
approximately two hours would be required per group, at their designated time.
Attending WA Schools Festivals is a compulsory part of our music
programme at Shenton College.
This year our Guitars have been invited to participate in the annual SIM
Showcase Concert: OPUS 2015
This will take place on Monday June 29 at the Perth Concert Hall. Mrs Rossi
will provide details during the semester to students who will be participating.
Music Uniform Policy
Music students participate in many performances at various locations and presentation is
very important. Students are performing to high standards and must be dressed
appropriately every time they are representing the school and the music department. For
formal, public performances, “Formal concert uniform” is required. Please note students are
to arrive and remain in the appropriate uniform until they leave after their performance.
Formal Concert Uniform








Shenton Music Shirt to be purchased from the uniform shop. Years 7 and
8 students and those students in years 9-12 who require new shirts must
order their size at the uniform shop as soon as possible. Shirts will be
available for collection in term 2
Long black formal pants – definitely no jeans or skinny leg pants.
Black formal covered shoes- definitely no runners, open sandals or open
toe shoes.
Black socks/stockings
Long hair is to be tied back.
Informal Performance Uniform
(Required for school performances – ANZAC, school assembles, tours etc)


Shenton Navy Polo


Shenton Navy school long pants, skirt, shorts


Black covered shoes


Black socks/stockings
Directors will advise of any changes to this as is appropriate.
A message from the Friends of Music @ Shenton
The Friends of Music @ Shenton would like to extend a very warm welcome to all new
parents of students in the music program. We are sure that like us, you will find your child
has accepted the chance to be involved in a very exciting and challenging high school
education. As parents we have had the opportunity to watch our children participate in
fantastic experiences and be part of a talented and committed group of students.
The Friends of Music @ Shenton was formed in 2006 to provide assistance to the music
department and endeavour to make the music experience as enjoyable as possible for our
students while they are at Shenton College. The group consists of parents of music students
combined with support from the music department. By working together to support the
teachers and the program we get to know each other and the staff, and participate in a
rewarding partnership. All activities are voluntary and any help is welcomed and appreciated.
As this group is still in its infancy the structure and positions of this group are still being
developed and formalised.
2014 AGM: TBC
6pm Arts Staff Room
(Arts T & E building)
Functions Performed

Co-ordinate helpers for ensemble rehearsals, performances, stage setup,
concert suppers, organising music, transporting of equipment venues, and any other
areas where it is possible to assist the music department and students.

Fund raising to assist with purchasing music equipment, music scores and any
other requirements of the music department.

Fund raising for tours.
Parent Helper details
It would be appreciated if you could fill in your details on the list provided. Being part of the
Friends of Music at Shenton gives you an opportunity to help out and meet other music
parents. We hear time and time again that parents don’t seemed to be involved in the high
school – here is your chance!!
Become Involved – Helping with Ensembles!
Parents are welcome at ensemble rehearsals and any assistance that you may be able to
give to the directors is greatly appreciated. The directors need assistance in setting up,
distributing music, handing out notes etc
Auditorium for Shenton – online petition
 The Shenton College Parents and Citizens Association is petitioning the State
Government to fund a 500 seat multi - purpose auditorium at Shenton College.
 A new 500 seat auditorium is needed for assemblies, presentation of awards, lectures as
well as theatre, dance and music performances.
 The auditorium will be available to feeder primary schools and the wider community. It
will be a wonderful community asset providing benefits for decades to come.
 You can help by visiting our website and signing the online petition at
www.auditorium4shenton.com
Meetings
Meetings are held on a Monday (once per month) at 6pm in the Arts staff room at Shenton
College, in the Arts T & E building. All parents are invited and welcome to attend. You will
not be required to take on any tasks just because you attend a meeting, it will however give
you the opportunity to be involved and help in the many performances put on by the Music
Department.
Ongoing Fundraising
Friends of Music @ Shenton welcome ideas for, and assistance with, ongoing fundraising.
Tour Fundraising
In the event of a tour taking place, parents of the students going on tour need to be involved
in fundraising and preparing for the tour. This can take anything from 6 – 12 months leading
up to the tour and is a busy time, however it is enjoyable and the end result is extremely
worthwhile. Shenton College has taken over 100 students on each of the last 3 tours.
Proposed Music Tour 2017
It is anticipated that the next music tour will take place in 2017. Time after time we see Year
12 students write in the Year Book that the music tours are the highlight of their schooling.
Music tours seem to bring out the best in the students. Shenton College offers many
travelling opportunities for the students, however, the music tours rely on having viable
ensembles - not just numbers. We ask that you keep this year in mind when considering
other touring options offered at Shenton College to ensure availability.
Previous Tours
2004 – Sydney
2006 – Queensland
2008 – Sydney
2009 – Pilbarra
2010 – New Zealand
2012 – Singapore
2014 – Beijing
2017 …………………..
Parent Helper details
It would be appreciated if you could fill in your details on the list provided. Being part of the
Friends of Music at Shenton gives you an opportunity to help out and meet other music
parents. We hear time and time again that parents don’t seemed to be involved in the high
school – here is your chance!!
Become Involved – Helping with Ensembles!
Parents are welcome at ensemble rehearsals and any assistance that you may be able to
give to the directors is greatly appreciated. The directors need assistance in setting up,
distributing music, handing out notes etc
_____________________________________________________________________
NOTES: _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________