Music

Music

Singing Makes Us Happy

With the resumption of the Redlands Choral program this past fortnight, it has been absolutely wonderful to hear the resonating voices of our choristers in creating music altogether once again.

Across the world, where a measured return to singing is an important consideration for many Choral programs, there is substantial research that indicates the benefits of singing. The findings establish that the neuroscience behind singing is proven to make us happier, smarter and more creative. So, why is it that singing music uplifts and exhilarates our very being? Numerous studies affirm that singing releases endorphins and oxytocin, part of the scientific reasons why singing has a calming effect on people, while at the same time creates positive energies and makes us feel happy. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of singing, click here for an interesting read on the Neuroscience of Singing

Term 3 Music Program Overview

More detailed information outlining the specifics of weekly rehearsal arrangements can be found on Redlands Pulse. For any additional enquiries or questions please contact the respective offices.

Student Expectations in the Rehearsal Room

During rehearsals, all students are expected to adhere to the recommendations pertaining to social distancing expectations. In consideration of these guidelines, it is required that all students:

  • Bring their own instrument (if applicable) to school for use in instrumental rehearsals
  • Are organised with their own scores and repertoire as issued by Music Administration.

The Music Department has organised all rehearsals and resources to ensure that all students work independently with their own stand. Under no circumstance are students to be sharing a music stand with another student.

Hygiene in the Music Setting and Student Expectations

As part of our return to group settings, this continues to be a well-considered aspect of our overall planning and students involved in group instruction will follow the guidelines through the spreading out of rehearsals, utilising larger areas and rehearsal spaces to adhere to distancing, where possible. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of musical equipment and resources will be undertaken daily.

Senior Campus 

Yrs 11 and 12 Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate Showcases

Yr 12 HSC and IB Music Showcases

  • Music 2, Music Extension and IB Music – Monday 24 August (4.30pm)
  • Music 1 – Tuesday 25 August (4.30pm)

These showcases are intended to provide students with additional performance opportunities in presenting their practical portfolios to experienced HSC and IB Music examiners, prior to final submission to NESA and IBO later in the term.

Yr 11 HSC and IB Music Showcase

  • Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension and IB Music – Wednesday 16 September (4.00pm)

Semester 2 Competition Auditions (New Audition Dates)

  • Vocal Competition Auditions (Term 3, Week 5)
    • Monday 17 August
    • Friday 21 August
  • Instrumental Competition Auditions (Term 3, Week 9)

The audition process for the Vocal and Instrumental entries will require students to demonstrate advanced technical skills, personal expression and understanding of style. For the audition, students will only need to present one work. A second contrasting piece will need to be considered at the time of the audition and discussed with the audition panel. This piece will not be required to be presented at the time of the audition but will need to be prepared and presented in advance of the Competition if the candidate is selected as a finalist. Application forms can be found on Redlands Pulse.

Please note: Entries are only accepted when accompaniment scores are submitted to Music Reception at the time of the application submission.

Redlands Composition Competition

The Music Department is pleased to announce the Music Composition Competition. This creative opportunity is designed for any aspiring young composer in Yrs 7-12 who is currently enrolled in either the Academic Music program, Cocurricular Music Ensembles program or Extra Subjects program. Students are encouraged to continue developing original works for submission by Friday 14 August (Term 3). Application forms can be downloaded from Redlands Pulse.

Junior Campus

Junior Campus Choral Program – Arrangements Week 5

On Friday 21 August, the Music Department will be recommencing Preparatory Choir and Junior Choir rehearsals. For the time being, it is important to note that these choirs will rehearse from 7.45-8.15am for a total of 30 minutes.

The alternating rooming arrangements will see Junior Campus Choirs either rehearsing in small sectionals (Prep Music, P1.1 and P1.3) or altogether in Dunnet Hall. This rooming schedule has been organised to allow for distancing measures between singers. More specific rooming arrangements will be communicated in Week 5.

The planning of our modified format for rehearsals has considered, first and foremost, the safety of our choristers who are currently enrolled in the Choral program and the staff who are responsible for leading our choirs each week. At the moment, due to our organisation based on current ensemble members, new choral enrolments will not be processed at this stage.

Mr Darren Kuilenburg
Coordinator of Music
seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9820