Instrumental Music
Learn a Musical Instrument
If your child has expressed interest in learning a musical instrument, we have a number of instruments available for hire and tuition.
During Term 1, hire and tuition is free of charge for Year 7 students. Learning a musical instrument is a great way to meet a range of students from different year levels, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and build a new lifelong skill.
It is expected that once students reach an appropriate level (usually after 8 months to 1 year of lessons), they will commit to playing in the College Concert Band, which rehearses once a week.
Students in the Concert Band have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn to play great music with others, perform for the school and wider community, and participate in numerous public performances throughout the year.
Voice lessons come with an expectation to contribute to the Warrnambool College Vocal Ensemble and/or participate in the College production.
Students interested in any of the instruments listed can complete a ‘Learn a Musical Instrument’ form and return it to the front office.
You can email questions to the Band/Instrumental Director, Erin Toulmin. Each student will be given the opportunity to try all of the musical instruments offered, helping them make a well-informed choice. Students may change instruments where possible; however, after Term 1 all students need to be aware that Instrumental Music is a subject and is assessed and reported like any other.
Tuition Available For:
- Flute
- Piccolo
- Voice
- Clarinet
- Alto or Tenor Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Tuba
- French Horn
- Euphonium
- Concert Band Percussion
- Guitar
- Bass Guitar
Instrument Hire Fee
Hire of a musical instrument is $200 per year. Many music companies offer a rent to buy plan that enables students to pay off an instrument over time.
As our demand for instruments always exceeds supply, this may be a good investment for some families, especially as the student moves towards middle-late years of their secondary schooling.
Bands and Ensembles
Ensembles Offered
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- Concert Band
- Soul Band
- Rock Bands
- Vocal Ensemble
- Musical Production Band
- Brass Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Flute Ensemble
- Clarinet Ensemble
- Saxophone Ensemble
- Concert Band Percussion
Joining a band is fun and a valuable way to develop teamwork and leadership skills. It provides students with the opportunity to hear other musicians, play in a group environment and accelerate the learning process on their instrument. All students who hire a musical instrument or undertake lessons at the College are expected to join one of the College Bands.
Students will have opportunities to perform in concerts and competitions, attend social activities and represent the College at official school functions.
If you are learning a musical instrument outside of school, you are still welcome to join one of our bands.
Auditions for the Rock Bands and Soul Band are held early in Term 1. The College Vocal Ensemble is open to any student interested in singing, not just those enrolled in vocal lessons.
Any questions about instrumental lessons, the Vocal Ensemble, Concert Band, Musical Production Band or other ensembles can be directed to Erin Toulmin.
Band/Lesson Fees (Year 7)
After Term 1 a fee of $240 for the year applies for all Year 7 students who are learning a band instrument. All students who are taking lessons are expected to take part in a band once they feel ready. This also applies for year 7 students receiving vocal lessons, $240 after Term 1 and involvement in the College Vocal Ensemble. This amount can be paid in full or arrangements can be made to pay in installments. Please contact Mrs Katie Monigatti in the office if you are experiencing difficulties. This amount covers the purchase of new music, excursion costs, instrument maintenance, a music polo top (often worn for performances) and other band/ensemble related items.
Therefore if you are in year 7, the band levy that is paid after term 1 ($240 for the year) includes your entry into the band program and your instrumental lessons. If you need to hire an instrument, the hire fee is another $200 per year. For students in year 8-12, the band levy/vocal lesson fee is $320 per year. This is a very reasonable offer as private music lessons usually cost at least $35 each (approx. $350 a term!).
Extra Costs
Some students may elect to sit an AMEB exam, for which the board governing these exams charges a fee. Students who elect to undertake exams will be given detailed information about these costs. Advanced notice will be given in these situations via an email to parents.
Lessons
Parent/Guardian Involvement
Learning a musical instrument can be difficult for some students. If your child experiences frustration or you are concerned about their progress, please feel free to contact your child’s instrumental teacher or the Band/Instrumental Director.
The Next Step
If your child would like to learn a musical instrument please complete the application form which can be found at the back of this information booklet or on the College Website, and return it to the Front Office or the Music Department in the Auditorium as soon as possible.
Where possible we endeavour to give students one of their preferences, however, due to the popularity of some instruments and the need to match students’ abilities to instruments this is not always possible. Where this is the case students will be notified.
Any further questions can be directed to the Band/Instrumental Director Erin Toulmin.
FINALLY
It has been scientifically proven that learning a musical instrument has many benefits to the developing brain, helping areas such as auditory processing, reading skills, resilience and language acquisition. Students may also improve their ability to solve problems both analytically and creatively, enhance memory for multiple instructions and assist in managing frustrations and emotional responses. Music helps to develop the whole person like no other human activity. We welcome all students to come and be a part of our music department. It is a great way to feel connected at school, in a welcoming, happy and productive learning environment!