Peter Tellefson, Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School
Music Program ‘Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without’
Confucius
Why music for boys?
The goal of learning music at school is to develop an ‘informed’ appreciation of music.
Put simply, rather than hearing music and saying, ‘That song is cool’, we want the boys to use their music knowledge to understand why:
‘This music is cool because …’. We also put classroom theory into an instrumental/practical context.
‘You can judge how a boys’ school is performing by how well they are singing’.
What’s on offer?
Music at BGS is a core curriculum subject from ELC to Year 8, and can be taken as an elective in the senior years.
Curricular music is based on a Kodaly-inspired curriculum in the Junior School, and then incorporating that knowledge into a broader curriculum in the Secondary School. The latter includes class ensemble, the keyboard lab and streaming students into a performance pathway.
In co-curricular, hundreds of boys also participate in one of over 30 ensembles, choirs or orchestras across the Junior and Secondary School.
Public performance is a vital aspect of learning music so we have a full calendar of local, interstate and occasionally, overseas concerts.
Learn an instrument
All students in Year 3 and 4 learn a string instrument as part of the thriving strings program. All Year 5 students also learn an instrument, either remaining in strings or moving to a band instrument.
One-on-one music lessons are available at school and are conveniently held during the day.
In the Junior School choose from:
Woodwind – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
Brass – Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Strings – Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass
Keyboard – Piano
Guitar – Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar
Percussion and Voice!
Learn an instrument
In the Secondary School choose from:
Woodwind – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
Brass – Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Strings – Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass
Keyboard – Piano
Guitar – Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar
Percussion and Voice!
Ensembles, bands and orchestras!
Junior School students can take part in the following ensembles, bands or orchestras
Junior School Concert Band, Wilson House Concert Band, Borwick House Choir, Junior Voices, Junior Percussion Ensemble, Wilson House Guitar Ensemble, Beginner Strings, Junior String Quartet, Training Strings, Wilson House String Orchestra.
Secondary School students can take part in the following ensembles, bands or orchestras
Meliora Concert Band, Senior Big Band, Senior Concert Band, Intermediate Big Band, Intermediate Concert Band, Flute Ensemble, Wind Quartet, Secondary Percussion Ensemble.
Meliora String Orchestra, Cello Choir, Corelli String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Secondary Guitar Ensemble, Secondary Guitar Chamber Ensemble, Secondary Piano Trio (Year 9), Secondary String Quintet (Year 8), Secondary String Quartet (Year 7).
Senior Choir, Meliora Voices, Ten Tonners.
The two Music Schools share a long tradition of excellence in music, with both providing dynamic and varied programs.
Collaboration between the schools include shared concert and rehearsal facilities, combined ensembles, music camps and combined performances including Twilight on Green, and our music extravaganza at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
You can get involved too!
Parents are a vital part of the music program, and our awesome Friends of Music parent support group is an opportunity for you to get involved with your son’s music journey.