As an art form, music is a medium through which the relationship between emotions, the intellect and imagination can be expressed and symbolised. Throughout both the Junior and Senior Schools there are three avenues for musical education – class music, co-curricular music and music extended tuition. Co-curricular and extended tuition programs complement the class-based academic programs and are open to all girls.
Whether a string, percussion, woodwind, vocal or brass instrument is your daughter’s passion, Abbotsleigh has an ensemble or performance group to meet her needs. Performance is an integral part of our music programs. Girls of all abilities from the class, co-curricular and extended tuition programs are invited to participate in various performance opportunities held throughout the year.
Music camps, musical productions and participation in other festivals, competitions and concerts form an integral part of the musical life of the School. The Music Department has also organised several Senior School European music tours and selected students are invited to participate in these tours as they occur.
Co-curricular music
Abbotsleigh has a wide range of ensembles in the Junior and Senior Schools. These groups rehearse on a weekly basis, either before or after school or during lunchtimes.
Each year small ensemble groups in the Junior and Senior Schools are formed on a needs basis. These may include string quartets, a brass ensemble, flute ensemble, clarinet quartet and other small groups.
Junior School groups
- The Archdale Choir is open to Years 3 and 4 students and the Everett Choir to Years 5 and 6.
- Cantare is a small, auditioned choir which is open to girls in Years 4-6.
- The Bambini Strings group is open to girls of all levels having private lessons from Kindergarten to Year 2, while the Poole House String Orchestra is open to girls of all levels having private lessons in Years 3-6.
- The Bundarra Band is open to all girls of all levels having private lessons in Years 3-6.
- The Concert Band is an auditioned ensemble suitable for girls who are confident players of band instruments.
- The Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Strings are auditioned ensembles.
- The Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 String Ensembles are by invitation based on contribution to the Symphony Orchestra.
- The Flute Ensemble, Brass Belles and the Clarinet and Saxophone Ensemble is by invitation and based on contribution to the Concert Band.
- The Handbell Choir is open to girls in Year 5 by audition, who continue in the group in Year 6.
Senior School groups
- The Choir is open to all girls. Choir members can also audition for the Chamber Choir and girls in Years 7-9 may audition for the Vocal Ensemble.
- The String Ensemble is open to girls of third grade standard and above, and the Senior Strings group is an auditioned ensemble.
- The Concert Band and Symphonic Winds are auditioned ensembles open to all girls.
- The Guitar Ensemble, Senior Flute Ensemble and other chamber groups are formed as needed at the start of each year. Entry is generally by audition.
- The Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra are auditioned ensembles.
Extended tuition
Throughout the Junior and Senior Schools, private individual lessons are taught by specialist teachers throughout the school day on a rotational basis.
Tuition is available for instruments such as the bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, euphonium, flute, French horn, guitar, oboe, classical organ, percussion, piano, jazz piano, saxophone, singing, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola and violin. Most of these instruments are available for hire from the Music Department.
Group musicianship classes are also available in both the Junior and Senior Schools from the beginning of the school year and conclude with the examination in August. Musicianship classes are taught either before or after school. Students may enter for AMEB or Trinity College examinations which are held twice per year.