Music programs

Extracurricular Music Programs

It has been well documented that the study of music has enormous benefits on all areas of academic success.  We look forward to welcoming new students and returning students into this year’s programs and assisting in their ongoing musical development.  The aim for 2020 is to have all ensembles perform at a variety of events throughout the year both at school and within the community.

It is our philosophy at Winmalee HS that music is a long term activity.  Although we encourage fun and enjoyment in the music programs, it is important that students realise that success and fun come from regular practice, hard work, and perseverance.  That is why we expect that students who sign up for the extra-curricular music program commit for the full year. 

Extracurricular Music Program structure         

1. Junior Concert Band – This is where students begin their musical journey. Both instrumental skills and music reading skills are taught and developed.   (Students are required to attend a weekly band rehearsal and sectional. Junior Concert Band rehearsal is on Tuesday mornings. Junior sectional for Brass is on Wednesday mornings and Junior sectional for Wind and Percussion are on Thursday mornings, all starting promptly at 7.40am)

2. Senior Concert Band - Once students have learnt sufficient instrumental and music reading skills in the Junior Concert Band, they move into the Senior Concert Band. This band is also for students who come to Winmalee High School with instrumental skills in Year 7. The Senior Concert Band works on developing skills beyond an elementary level through to an advanced level. (Students are required to attend a weekly band rehearsal and sectional. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings starting promptly at 7.40am)

3. Jazz Band -This ensemble is aimed at those students who would like to extend their ability and experience a contrast in musical styles to that of the Concert Bands.  Membership is by invitation only (Thursday afternoons 3.00pm – 4.00pm). No additional cost if you are in the school's Concert Band.

4. Vocal Group -There are two Vocal groups. The larger of the two is an all inclusive ensemble open to all students. The smaller vocal ensemble is a select group of students chosen via audition (Monday afternoons from 3.00pm).

5. Guitar Ensemble - This ensemble caters for guitarists at a range of playing levels from beginner to advanced (Monday mornings starting promptly at 7.30am).  The Tutor is Liam Gray. Financially we will require a minimum number of students for this to run.

6. String Ensemble - This ensemble caters for our Violinists, Cellists and Double Bassists. They rehearse on Tuesday mornings before school in the TLS. This group is lead by Mr Cranby. 

Sectionals

We are very fortunate to have all our sectionals taught by professionals in the music industry. As a result, our tutors teach explicit skills and techniques in their chosen instrumental field. Students will be expected to complete regular practice in their own time to further enhance their musical development.

Fees

The payment of fees is vital to the success of the Band/Instrumental Program. Therefore payment of all fees is extremely important. Every dollar of tutor/ instrumental fees paid is invested into the music programs. Without the fees system, tutors could not be employed and resources such as larger band equipment, sheet music, music stands, etc would be very limited. Quality tutors and adequate resources are integral to the long term success of the Instrumental Program at Winmalee High School.

The instrumental fees can be paid by the term, in full or by regular payments.  If there are any financial difficulties please do not let this deter you from joining or continuing with one of our instrumental programs, you are encouraged to contact Mr McGown to discuss alternative payment methods.

Band Structure and Fees 2020 (pdf 2MB)

Fees 2020

Band: $460/year ($115 per term); Year 12 students: $390/year

Jazz Band: $220 (fee does not apply if you already participate in concert band)

Vocal: $50/year

Guitar: $360/year ($90/term)

Strings: $50/year