Music

Challenges and Silver Linings

Without doubt, this past semester has proved to be a challenging time for students, parents and teachers, as everyone quickly responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by adapting to a very different teaching and learning landscape. It has certainly been one of the greatest challenges to education in our lifetime, and from the perspective of the life of the musician, has shifted many of the processes used in creating, making and producing music.

Across the Department, it has been wonderful to observe staff and students display such resilience in their approach to new procedures, action creative and innovative thinking, and most importantly, work collaboratively in finding new solutions to new problems. A variety of new approaches has certainly been applied to learning in the Music classroom and participation in rehearsal spaces, and in reflection, has resulted in new beginnings and opportunities. The Music Department would like to thank the School community for supporting very different learning approaches during this time, and in encouraing their child as they continued to develop their Music skills and creativity in both Remote Learning and On-Campus settings.

Term 3 Music Program Overview

The Music Department is pleased to announce that all Instrumental Music Ensembles will now resume across the Junior and Senior Campuses. All Choral programs (P-12) and Group Singing is still under review throughout Weeks 1 and 2 and will be re-assessed at the start of Term 3 following the holiday period.

Instrumental programs (P-12) to re-commence from Week 1 onwards (modified rehearsal arrangements based on sectionals).
Extra Subjects Music program (Private Music and Group Tuition) continues as per Term 2.

More detailed information will be sent to the Music community at the end of the term, outlining the specifics of weekly rehearsal arrangements and expectations surrounding student safety.

Hygiene in the Music Setting

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

Semester 2 Competition Auditions

Vocal Competition auditions (Term 3, Week 5)
Instrumental Competition auditions (Term 3, Week 9)

The audition process for both 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.

Auditions for Extensions Program (Week 4)

Extension Chamber Music, Jazz Vocal Ensemble and Advanced Guitar Ensemble

With the start of new repertoire in preparation for upcoming Term 4 events, the Extension Music program has opened enrolments for students interested in joining ensembles to further extend their music skills. Selection for participation in these ensembles is dependent on participation in core ensembles and in meeting the requirements of the audition process. Application forms can be found on Redlands Pulse. Auditions will be held in Week 4.

Redlands Composition Competition

The Music Department is pleased to announce the 2020 Music Composition Competition. This creative opportunity is designed for any aspiring young composer in Yrs 7-12 who is currently enrolled in the either the Academic Music program, Cocurricular Music Ensembles program or Extra Subjects program. Students are encouraged to continue developing original works for submission by Friday14 August (Term 3). Application forms can be downloaded from Redlands Pulse.

Yr 12 Holiday Workshops – Tuesday 14 July

The Department remains committed to supporting the Yr 12 Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate courses as students prepare for all major practical works and assessments. Session times will be released via iLearn.

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