From the Music Room

Welcome to the St Andrew’s School Music Program for 2023! We are off to a busy start as the instrumental enrolments, ensemble placements, and allocations for our Special Music Programs settle into place.

Ensemble Rehearsals

All rehearsals for ensembles and choirs have commenced this week, except for Intermediate and Senior Concert Bands who started in Week 2, and Stage Band to commence in Week 4. This is to accommodate the Year 6 Camp this week.

Letters of invitation have been sent, or are on their way. Students who are new to their instrument, or have not yet joined an ensemble, will be invited as they reach the appropriate level. It is our goal that all students have the opportunity to participate in one of our many wonderful ensembles or choirs.

Special Music Programs

Year 2 Recorder Program, Year 3 Strings Program and Year 4 Brass and Woodwind Program will commence in Weeks 2 and 3. Students participating in these in Term 1 will receive communication from their instrumental teacher.

Instrumental Music Lessons

Instrumental lessons commenced in Week 2. Throughout the year there are many exciting opportunities for your child to share their progress through performances, ensembles and exams.

Music Diary/Lesson Record Sheet

This is an essential tool for communication. Please ensure that your child takes their Music Diary or Lesson Record Sheet, music and instrument to every lesson.

Recommended Daily Practice

Regular practice is the key to success! Daily practice times will vary according to age and musical experience. The following is a guide.

Rec–Year 2………10 – 15 minutes daily

Year 3–5……………15 - 30 minutes daily

Year 6–7……………30 minutes daily (or as appropriate to musical experience)

Music Recitals

Your instrumental tutor will hold two recitals throughout the year. These provide an excellent goal for practice and are a great way to showcase individual progress and achievement. In addition to these recitals the School holds a Music Recital in Terms 2 and 4. These are designed to feature scholarship holders and students achieving a high level of performance.

Music Exams

In Terms 2 and 4, students have the opportunity to be involved in exams held by the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). These are run and timetabled by the AMEB and are held at St Andrew’s School. Your instrumental music tutor will advise you when your child is ready, and of the examination requirements.

Instrumental Tutors

Your child’s Instrumental Tutor is the best person to advise you should you have any queries. This year we welcome back Linda Pirie (flute/voice), Don Whiffen (clarinet/saxophone), Benn Blake (trumpet/trombone), Andrew Chan (percussion), Kai Wang (violin/viola), Thea Martin (violin/viola), Paris Netting (violin/viola), Heather Lander (cello), Hamish Netting (cello), Alana Dawes (double bass), Wayne Hancock (piano), Sock Siang Thia (piano), Sharyn Iadanza (voice/choirs), Jyoti Singh (voice), Aidan Foyel (voice), Tzaneto Nikolakopoulos (guitar & bass guitar) and Gray Vernon (handbells).

Of course we also have Veronica Ryan (violin/viola/classroom music) and Anna Coppens (piano/Year 2 Recorder) and Danielle Lyons (Year 2 Recorder/classroom music) .

Music Events

Please check the Bell regularly for updates and additions.

Term 1
Instrumental Lessons commence	Week 2
Ensembles and Choirs commence	Week 3
Music Scholarships	Tuesday 14 and 21 February
Recorder Programme @ JP Assembly	TBA
Year 3 Strings @ UP Assembly	TBA
String In	Thursday 23 March
Music Theatre Club – Matilda Jr	Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 April