Music

Reception to Year 5 Music

At Pedare, music is based on an Orff Schulwerk methodology of music education.

This methodology makes so much sense for the teaching of children as it reflects the way in which children learn. The Orff methodology promotes learning through doing, through imitation and through having fun.

Through this approach to music children learn through multi-sensory, whole body experiences. In this way students develop musicality, as well as coordination, listening skills, language, eye strength and cross brain integration which is necessary for abstract thinking and helps children function in the classroom.

At each year level, students experience a general music lesson as well as a special focus area. Focus areas may include:

• Singing, movement and listening
• Un-tuned Percussion Instruments
• Drums, Chime Bars and Ukulele
• Tuned Percussion Instrumental Program - Xylophone and Glockenspiel and African Drumming.

The Year 4 and 5 Specialised Band Program enables each student to learn flute, violin, clarinet or trumpet. Students participate in a band class and receive additional instrumental support in their chosen instrument.

Co-curricular music activities and special events may include:

• Independent Primary School Heads Association Music Festival Choir (biennial)
• The BIG Choir (Year 2-5)
• Performance Singers
• Groovy Movers (Year R-1)
• African Drumming Circle
• Junior School Musical (biennial)
• Christmas Concert
• Performing Arts Showcase Concerts
• Instrumental Music Evenings.

Year 6 - Year 12 Music

At Pedare Christian College, we offer a broad range of musical experiences for the students in Year 6-12 including vocal, instrumental and performing arts.

In Year 6 and 7 students complete a full year of music. The course offers students many opportunities to develop not only their skills but their confidence. Through listening, reading, writing and playing music, students have a rich diversity of experiences built on the skills they have previously developed in the Junior School. In Year 6, students are involved in singing, percussion work, composition and performance. Year 7 builds on this again and students learn skills on guitar, bass, keyboard and drums, and perform in a Battle of the Choirs in which they take on the responsibility to prepare a performance. In both Year 6 and 7, students perform in a wide range of situations including assemblies and concerts.

In Years 8-12 students can study music as a full year subject. 

In Years 8-10 they complete the IBMYP course. In each of these years, students are part of a class band which has various performance opportunities including the annual Arts Showcase. They also develop their solo performance skills preparing them for SACE music as well as instilling in them confidence, pride and a sense of self-worth.  Students learn how to arrange music for many combinations of instruments, compose in different styles, analyse music from different cultures and times in history, and above all, enjoy playing and making music with other students.

In Years 11 and 12, students study SACE Music. In Year 11, students are exposed to all areas of music including musicianship, music in context of history and culture, solo and ensemble performing and composing and arranging. They have many performance opportunities in and outside of the College and are given a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. They have the opportunity in Year 12 to branch out into specific areas of study in Music which can include and combine performance and musicianship units as outlined by the SACE board.

Students can access instrumental lessons from outstanding and experienced teachers on a wide range of instruments including brass, woodwind, strings, piano, guitar, drums/percussion and vocals.

All students in Years 6-12 have the opportunity to be involved in many extra-curricular music groups and have the opportunity to perform at assemblies, concerts, recital evenings, shopping centres, Eisteddfods and special performances outside of the College in locations such as St Peters Cathedral and Christmas carols events. The College also presents a biannual Musical.

Extra-curricular groups can include:

• Concert Band
• Swing Band
• Performance Choir
• String Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
• Senior Vocal Ensemble.