Heathfield High School has a strong commitment to a diverse and exciting music program, encompassing both classroom and extra-curricular activities. Students are provided with performance opportunities as soloists and ensemble members, both within the school and wider community.

Instrumental and vocal tuition is provided in school both by DETE Instrumental teachers and private providers. The Music Program is strongly supported by an active Music Committee consisting of staff, students and parents.

• Students are selected in Classroom Music on the basis of ability, aptitude and commitment.
• Students undertaking Music as a subject are obliged to study an instrument or voice.
• Students are expected to provide themselves with an instrument. The school is able to advise on appropriate hire arrangements or purchase.

Ensemble Program

• Concert Band (rehearsal immediately after school every Wednesday)
• Jazz Band (rehearsal immediately after school every Tuesday)
• Flute Ensemble (Wednesday lunch rehearsal)
• String Ensemble (Wednesday lunch rehearsal)
• Saxophone Ensemble (Thursday lunch rehearsal)
• Girls Vocal Ensemble (Friday lunch rehearsal)
• Guitar Ensemble (lesson time rehearsal)

Participation in all ensembles is done on the invitation and recommendation of the Music Director. All students in the classroom music program or DETE instrument program are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one appropriate ensemble.

Concerts

Music students are encouraged to participate regularly in concerts including -

• Various community concerts and performances
• Formal recitals both within and outside the school
• Band tours, concerts, camps and competitions

Facilities

All students studying Music have access to keyboard laboratory and computer with appropriate programs.

Middle School Music Curriculum

Music students in Years 8, 9 and 10 -

• Develop their knowledge of musical notation and structure through rehearsing, playing and performing a variety of musical works.
• Study the structure of music including pitch, duration, tempo, tone, colour, dynamics, rhythm and form.
• Learn basic musical improvisation.
• Learn to do simple musical arrangements.
• Perform to a variety of audiences.
• Create compositions for a variety of instruments or voices.
• Reflect on the role of the audience and of musical practitioners in performances.
• Discuss, analyse and listen to a variety of music.
• Research and write about a variety of music.
• Attend and write about live performances.
• Discuss, analyse and listen to Music of other cultures.

Senior School Music Curriculum

Students who have demonstrated a good level of musical competency are able to access the senior music program. At this time, the school is able to offer an Advanced SACE Stage I course and Music Craft at SACE Stage II level, incorporating Solo Performance and Musicianship (Theory and Aural).