The instrumental Music Program at both Wodonga Middle Years College and Wodonga Senior Secondary College has a commitment to the provision of a high quality instrumental music program to as many students as possible. The program provides an opportunity for students to learn an instrument during school hours and have the ability to participate in a wide range of ensembles.
Tuition in the following instruments offered:
| Wodonga Middle Years College | Wodonga Senior Secondary College |
|---|---|
| Voice | Voice |
| Woodwind – Flute, Clarinet, Alto and Tenor Sax | Woodwind – Flute, Clarinet, Alto and Tenor Sax |
| Brass – Trombone, Trumpet, Euphonium | Brass – Trombone, Trumpet, Euphonium |
| Guitar | Guitar |
| Bass Guitar | Bass Guitar |
| Drum Kit/Percussion | Drum Kit/Percussion |
Students attend a 30-minute lesson once per week. Please note that lesson times may change each term. Students are withdrawn from normal class lessons and they must ensure that they catch up on work from the missed classes. If a student prefers to have a lesson at lunchtime, before or after school, this is to be discussed with the instrumental teacher and is subject to availability.
- For Years 7-9, students generally have their lessons in small groups.
- For Year 12 students only – lesson times may be extended up to one hour.
Students in an ensemble must attend regular rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Rehearsals are usually during lunchtime or after school. Throughout the year, there will be a number of performances. These could be assemblies, lunchtime concerts, evening concerts, performances at Arts Festival, Eisteddfod, award ceremonies, etc.
- Years 7-9: Once a student is sufficiently proficient on their small instrument, participation on a performance group is complusory.
- Years 10-12: At a VCE level, participation in a group or ensemble is required as part of the curriculum.
- Where possible, transport for all cross campus rehearsals will be provided by the Middle Years College.
Performance groups offered:
| Wodonga Middle Years College | Wodonga Senior Secondary College |
|---|---|
| Combined Concert Band – Years 7-12 | Combined Concert Band – Years 7-12 |
| Rock Bands | Rock Bands |
| Guitar ensembles | Vocal group |
| Choir |
Music levies will include the cost of the hire of an instrument (woodwind and brass), lesson fees, ensemble and band fees, choir fees and music for all musical groups. The music levy will be payable prior to the beginning of each term and is non-refundable. At Wodonga Senior Secondary College, the loan of instruments is available to students on a limited basis with the proviso that students purchase their own instruments if continuing into VCE Music.
Lessons are Department of Education funded, enabling us to charge a much cheaper tuition rate than external providers.
- $50* per term, for continuing Year 7 students.
- $70* per term, Years 8-12.
**These fees are the equivalent of two lessons from a private teacher outside of school. Therefore, in a 10 week term you receive 8 free lessons.
Not included in the fees
- Music tutor (lesson books) will be purchased by the student.
- Sheet music for individual pieces.
- Repairs to damaged instruments. Any instrument damaged through misuse or neglect, or replacement cost of lost instruments will be paid for by parent/guardian.
Students who sign up for instrumental lessons are committing to one term of lessons – including the $70 payment. This payment is non-refundable.
If students wish to discontinue their lessons, they must contact their instrumental music teacher AND Lisa Cadman. If not communicated, then we will assume lessons are still going ahead and the student will be charged for the term.
Instrumental lessons are a semester long. Changes to the school timetable each semester means that the music lessons need to be also changed. There is no paperwork required for Semester 2 lessons as we assume that any student having lessons in Semester 1 will continue into Semester 2.
- Students will be encouraged, but not expected to sit AMEB exams.
- Instrumental Music lessons are available to every student. You do not have to be in a Music subject to access these lessons.
- Some (but not all) groups and ensembles are available to every student. For example – a student who wishes to join the choir may do so without the expectation that they are having instrumental lessons or that they are in a Music subject.
- It is strongly recommended that students who select VCE Music subjects have instrumental lessons.
Instrumental Music Tuition Permission Form – 2020