Music


The study of music combines the development of affective, cognitive and
psychomotor domains in the act of making music. It allows for the expression
of emotion and imagination, the intellect and the exploration of values.
Music fosters an understanding of continuity and change, and of the
connections between different times and cultures. The nature of musical
study also allows students to develop their capacity to manage their own
learning, engage in problem-solving, work collaboratively and engage in
activity that reflects the real world practice of performers, composers and
audiences. The study of music fosters knowledge, understanding and skills
that contribute to lifelong processes of learning and to the appreciation
and enjoyment of music.
- Music Years 7 - 10 Syllabus
Academic music at Sydney Boys High School is very successful. Students in
Year 7 study the subject in three periods a cycle. They are purposefully
grouped, with identified music students following a compacted curriculum. The
focus of the music curriculum is the study of performance, composition and
musicology through various topics and genres. Students are accelerated in Year
8, 9 10 and most continue to complete the HSC in Music in Year 11. Concurrently,
there is a normal stream of students also studying the mandatory and elective
courses. It is pleasing to see so many boys choosing music as a subject.
Elective classes are growing each year. Each year, a number of HSC music students receive Encore
performance nominations - the highest performance award for music in the HSC.
Encore performances take place in the Encore Concert at the Sydney Opera House.
Music Performance Program
The school has a large ensemble program that is based around Concert Bands
–Training, Intermediate and Senior, Stage Bands – Junior, Intermediate and
Senior, a String program of Training and Senior String Groups and a Symphony
Orchestra. There is a strong and growing Choir, Guitar Ensemble and Jazz
Ensemble, with more small ensembles planned for the future. The ensembles are
vertically structured, so that boys are placed in the appropriate one for their
standard of playing.
Students in the Performance Music Program are expected to be learning an
instrument, either through tutors at the school or from their own tutor, if they
already have one when they start at the school. If a student is starting an
instrument in Year 7 he is given the opportunity to use a school instrument for
a whole year before being asked to purchase one. If he chooses an instrument of
greater value than a tenor saxophone, he is able to keep it for three years at
least. We encourage as many boys as possible to become involved in learning an
instrument and belong to a school ensemble. Rehearsals for all large ensembles
are held before school, starting at 7.30am.
The program is managed by the three Music Staff who also conduct a variety of
the ensembles. Specialists are brought in for String groups and Senior Stage
Band, as well as for other small groups.
The Music Performance Program is very active and has variety and
abundance of activities throughout the year.
An example of the performance
opportunities are:
Instrumental Recruitment Night |
February |
Symphony Orchestra - Speech night |
February |
ENCORE Concert, Sydney Opera House |
March |
Cabaret in the Great Hall |
March |
Meet the Music Concert, Sydney Opera House |
April |
Anzac Day March |
April |
Baroque Consorts with Feast |
May |
Annual Music Camp (200 students) |
May, Merroo CC |
Camp concert – SBHS Hall |
May |
Meet the Music Concert, Sydney Opera House |
May |
Schools Concerto Competition |
June |
Selective Schools Concert |
June |
SBHS Piano Competition |
Term 3 |
Showcase Concert |
July |
HSC Showcase Concert |
August |
Meet the Music Concert, Sydney Opera House |
August |
GPS Music Festival |
September |
Encore Nominations for HSC performances |
September |
Concert in the Courtyard -
All-day Workshop and performance |
November |
Tapas & Jazz ensemble performances |
November |
Yr 12 Parent farewell evening |
November |
Hollywood Comes to High in the Great Hall |
November |
Music Assembly |
November |
Music Awards Dinner |
December |
Visual Arts Exhibition |
December |
Music Staff
Ms Sarah Kim |
Ms Suzanna Lim |
Ms Rita Miller |
Music Publication
Sydney Boys High publishes the High Notes weekly. These are available in hard
copy as well as online. The High Notes keeps parents informed and up-to-date
with approaching performances, fund raisers and achievements of our students in
music.
Music Prefects
Each year, students who have leadership qualities are chosen
to represent various ensembles. They must already have been elected to a
position of Prefect within the school.
Parent Participation
Due to the large Music performance program here at Sydney Boys High, we
appreciate the assistance parents give to the school through involvement in
music activities (selling tickets, food, coffee etc at concerts, attending the
Music Supporters meetings, parking for fundraising, setting up and decorating
the Great Hall for dinners and concert nights, contacting other parents). This
support is a vital part of the performance program and allows music to continue
to flourish in the school community. We would encourage all parents to become
involved as it is a great way to meet other parents and contribute to your son’s
music experience at High.