Music
For Life!
St Catherine's offers a dynamic and enriching Music program. With an extensive classroom curriculum and thriving instrumental program, an exciting range of opportunities for both individual and ensemble performance are available.
Scholarships based on musical ability are awarded each year.
Classroom Music
Classroom Music forms a part of the core curriculum from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 8. Girls of all ages are encouraged to learn an instrument and to join the choirs, ensembles, orchestras and bands which rehearse and perform regularly.
In Years 7 & 8, students develop music appreciation, performance skills and explore a wide variety of music technology programs available through our keyboard laboratory.
From Year 9 onwards, Music becomes an elective and VCE subject with emphases on developing performance, composition and analysis skills.
Instrumental Program
All students have the opportunity to learn a stringed instrument in Year 2, recorder in Year 3 and a brass or woodwind instrument in Year 5. These small group lessons allow students a ‘hands-on' experience including opportunities to perform throughout the year.
The School also offers a comprehensive Instrumental Program in all instrument families (including string, woodwind, brass, voice, percussion and keyboard instruments) where students learn with specialist teachers in classical and contemporary styles. Individual tuition from highly qualified specialist instrumental staff is available on the following instruments:
- Violin, Viola, ‘Cello, Double Bass
- Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
- Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
- Piano, Harpsichord
- Recorder
- Classical singing, Jazz singing
- Guitar
- Harp
- Percussion
- Theory
Click here to download the 2009 Application Form for Lessons.
Choirs and Ensembles
The Ensemble Program provides a fantastic array of ensemble opportunities from classical to contemporary. The list of ensembles includes choirs, orchestras, concert bands, string, woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles, chamber groups and contemporary groups.
Junior School Choirs and Ensembles
- The Epstein Singers
- àBeckett Strings
- Junior Concert Band
- Suzuki ‘Cellos
- Suzuki Violins
- Flute Group
- Orff Schulwerk Percussion & Recorder Ensemble Chamber Ensembles
- The Langley Singers - Prep to Year 2
- Heyington Choir - Years 3 and 4 Choir
- Barbreck Choir - Years 5 and 6 Choir
Senior School Choirs and Ensembles
- Jorgensen Orchestra
- Senior School Concert Band
- Gallery Strings
- Wallfisch Strings
- Funk Band
- Sherren Singers
- Chamber Flutes
- Senior Choir
- Viva Voci
- Stage Band
- Brass Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Baroque Ensemble
- Jazz Vocal Ensemble
- Years 7 and 8 Flute Ensemble
- and small chamber ensembles
An extensive performance program enables all students to participate in a wide variety of concerts and recitals including the Annual Gala Concert, Twilight Concert, Instrumental Recitals, Barbreck Concert, Barbreck Recitals, Masterclasses, Jazz Cabaret evenings and music theatre performances. Students also perform at the School's Church Services, Speech Night, Assemblies and many other School events both at School and in the community.
Contact Us
Information regarding individual instrumental lessons, ensembles, performance dates, lesson fees and instrument hire is available from the Music Department Office on (03) 9828 3014.