Developing skills, building confidence and fostering friendships
Learning music is very much a part of general school activities at St Andrew’s Cathedral School and contributes immensely to the general tone and fabric of our school.
There are many performance opportunities provided by the school:
- Public lunch-time concerts in the Cathedral on Mondays at 12.30pm
- Performances at every assembly
- Maestros concerts in Fairfax (S801) on Thursdays at 3.30pm
- Soirées presented by instrumental and singing teachers once a year
- Showcase concert held annually
- Performances (gigs) around the city for various charities and business functions
- End of year Evening of Celebration and Prize-giving and special award assemblies
- School events
Tuition program
The Music Department engages a large number of visiting instrumental teaching staff, covering a wide range of vocal, string, wind, brass, keyboard, guitar, music craft and percussion instruments. Individual lessons are delivered weekly during term time. Most students receive a 30-minute individual lesson per week, but as the student progresses on the instrument, lessons may be extended to 45 or 60 minutes.
Many parents /guardians enquire as to how they can help encourage their child with their musical studies. The most important help you can give is to organise your child into a regular practice routine. Ideally, this should be done at a set time each day – before school, after school or in the early evening. Practice should be done at least five times per week. The amount of practice time required will vary from teacher to teacher and student to student.
Beginners should start with approximately 10 to 15 minutes for each practice session. The rate of progress and the amount of pleasure derived from playing an instrument depends largely upon the amount of practice, the regularity of practice and the concentration and effort that are applied during the practice routine.
Additionally, each student who is learning individually is encouraged to participate in ensembles. These ensembles are graded so that each student can be placed into a group appropriate to their level of proficiency. These activities are designed to supplement and extend the work that is covered in private lessons and also to provide performance opportunities at various concerts that are arranged during the year.
Ensemble opportunities
Junior School Ensembles
- Junior School Choir (Years 3-6)
- Junior Choir (Years 3-6)
- Junior String Orchestra
- Junior Band
- Junior Tuned Percussion (Years 4-6, piano or mallet percussion players only)
- Junior Chapel Band (Stage 3, auditioned)
- Junior Training Strings
- Infants Choir
- Music Maestros Concert (not a regular commitment)
- 3-6 Music Craft (paid class)
- K-2 Music Craft (paid class)
- Chamber Group (by invitation only)
- Wind and Brass Extension Group (by invitation only)
- Rock Band (auditioned)
Middle School Ensembles
- Senior Choir
- Middle School Choir (Years 7 – 8)
- Senior Choir (Year 9)
- Boys Vocal Ensemble
- Girls Vocal Ensemble
- Middle School Strings
- Symphony Orchestra
- Concert Band
- Wind Symphony
- Stage Band (jazz)
- Chapel and Rock Bands
Senior College Ensembles
- Senior Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Boys Vocal Ensemble
- Girls Vocal Ensemble
- Symphony Orchestra
- Chamber Orchestra
- Wind Symphony
- Jazz Orchestra
- Chamber Music
- Chapel and Rock Bands
All music information can be found on the Parent Portal site, in the performing arts forms area under Music. If you have any questions regarding our ensembles, please give our Music Administrators a call on 9286 9537 or email music@sacs.nsw.edu.au.
More information about our program:
– Junior School and Gawura School music
Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are encouraged to participate in our Tuition program and those learning a string, wind or brass instrument (inside OR outside school) are also encouraged to join our ensemble program . Extension groups for students who play at a higher standard are also run as needed. Students of an advanced ability are also welcome to request consideration to participate in 7-12 ensembles.
Singing lessons are available to students from Year 5 onwards, based on tutor availability. Students who undertake singing lessons should also participate in our Junior Choir.
SACS also has a Registered Music Therapist on site who is available for one-on-one sessions. Students who might benefit from these weekly sessions include those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Anxiety, Depression, Hearing Impairment or other health diagnoses. Music Therapy is a part of the Allied Health Professions. We are fortunate to be able to offer this service at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. For more information, please email ason@sacs.nsw.edu.au.
– Middle School music
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend lessons of younger students if they can. This will enable you to watch the techniques used by the teacher and to discuss specific problems, length and routine of practice items, and generally understand ways of maintaining the child’s interest during the more difficult stages of learning.
Music is studied by all Year 7 students and can be selected as an elective in Years 8 and 9.
Opportunities are also available to attend international Music and Drama tours, and a Musical or Major Drama production takes place in professional venues in alternate years.
2021 Ensemble Enrolment
To enrol your child in Music ensembles for 2021, please click here.
** Note: only students enrolling in an ensemble for the first time need to use this enrolment form.
– Senior College music
Tutors are asked, where possible, to accommodate Year 12 study hall times to assist students in their final year.
Music can be selected as an elective in Years 10, 11 and 12.
Opportunities are also available to attend international music and drama tours, and a musical or major drama production takes place in professional venues in alternate years.
2021 Ensemble Enrolment
To enrol your child in Music ensembles for 2021, please click here. Note: only students enrolling in an ensemble for the first time need to use this enrolment form.