Music at Cathedral
Our Philosophy
Music education at The Cathedral School is seen as an essential element in the cultural growth and the development of self esteem of the individual. To play music combines behaviours that promote higher order thinking skills. Involvement in music can stimulate the brain and develop intelligence in other areas. It provides the opportunity for perceptual motor development and encourages the development of social skills, discipline and commitment. Playing music enriches one’s life, providing an avenue for self-expression and creativity, and can help prepare one for a career, if so desired.
Being involved in music for its own sake can be
relaxing, satisfying and stimulating.
But above all music is fun.
Mission Statement
The Music Program at The Cathedral School aims to provide music education of the highest quality. It aims to balance traditional musical concepts with innovative musical experiences and to instil in the students the relevance of music education in our society.
Aims and Objectives
To create a friendly and sympathetic learning environment in which students are:
• encouraged to appreciate and participate in a wide range of musical experiences
• provided with a range of learning opportunities appropriate to student needs and abilities
• encouraged to pursue excellence in music performances
• encouraged to develop an awareness of their responsibility as a member of a team
Music at Cathedral
There are essentially three aspects to music at the school which are available to all students no matter what their level of experience or skill development.
• Vocal and Instrumental Tuition Program (see Tuition section)
• Music Performance Program
• Academic Music Program
There are many performance opportunities for individuals and ensembles including but not limited to the following:
- Performances at school assemblies and special events
- Soirees and term concerts
- Spring Concert
- Community performances (by invitation)
- Eisteddfod and other competitions
There are also many extension activities available in music including:
• Music Camps – 3 day weekend retreats fostering the development of either choral or instrumental students
• Composer/Musician in Residence Workshops – providing opportunities for students to work with professional musicians in choral and instrumental disciplines
• String and Concert Band Festivals – featuring events for students at all levels of development
• Other community and school festivals
A Place for Everyone
At The Cathedral School we believe that music is for everyone. Music not only enriches personal and spiritual growth, but has been shown to link with intellectual development and physical coordination as well. That's why Music at Cathedral plays a vital role in many of our school activities.
If you already play an instrument we will find the right place for you in one of our many ensembles. These include bands, orchestras, choirs and chamber groups. The ensembles are supported by experienced and enthusiastic conductors and teachers so that we can always bring out the best in every student, from elementary musicians to those studying for their performance diplomas.
For those who have never had the chance to learn an instrument before, Cathedral is the place for you. We strongly encourage all students who have never tried music before to take up an instrument.
The Strings program begins in Year 3, and by Year 5 every student is receiving specialist tuition on an instrument as part of their normal curriculum offering. After only a few lessons they will find themselves as part of a band or orchestra. Singers can join a choir right away!
In our music programme we encourage all students to develop their qualities of leadership, responsibility, discipline, commitment and teamwork. We want your participation in music to be a successful, rewarding and musically enjoyable experience.
Academic Music Program
Students live in a world in which music has an important and pervasive presence. Whether actively engaging in music by listening (attending concerts, buying CDs and DVDs, turning on the radio), performing (learning an instrument, playing in a band, singing in a group) or composing (writing popular songs), or incidentally encountering music (riding in lifts, watching TV, using a mobile phone), students have an individual experience of music. Music is an integral part of everyday life serving self-expressive, celebratory, social, cultural, political and educational roles. As a powerful educative tool, music contributes to the holistic development of the individual. A study of music assists students in understanding and heightening the enjoyment of the arts in their lives and the music heritage of a range of cultures.
Music is sound, and any experience of music is essentially and fundamentally aural. The study of music recognises this by centring learning experiences on the development of audiation, which is the process by which the brain makes sense of what the ear hears. Students build on the foundation established in the compulsory years of schooling by applying their developing audiation through an exploration of the musical elements within a variety of contexts, genres and styles to achieve the interrelated general objectives of performing, composing and analysing repertoire.
Composing involves the creation of music in a variety of genres and styles by combining musical elements and compositional devices. Students are encouraged to move towards developing their own creative style.
Performing involves interpreting musical repertoire by playing an instrument, singing or conducting. Performing may include solo or ensemble experiences.
Analysing repertoire involves deconstructing music as a way of evaluating repertoire from a variety of social and cultural contexts. It also serves as a tool to enhance performing and a model to assist composing.
It is not a requirement that students be able to play an instrument, however, students who learn an instrument are encouraged to study Years 9/10 Music as the course provides greater scope and developmental skills in a variety of dimensions not covered in private tuition lessons.
Mrs Heather Orr
Director of Music
Phone: 4722 2019
Email: heather.orr@cathedral.qld.edu.au
For general enquiries please contact the Music Secretary, Mrs Diane Taylor
Phone: 4722 2019
Email: music@cathedral.qld.edu.au
