Music
Our dynamic and enriching Music Program provides students with opportunities to learn and appreciate Music for life.
Our extensive classroom Music curriculum and thriving instrumental program provide students with an exciting range of opportunities to learn and build upon their musical skills through both individual and ensemble performances. Scholarships based on musical ability are awarded each year.
Classroom Music
Our extensive classroom program forms part of the core curriculum at St Catherine’s School from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 8. Students of all ages are encouraged to learn an instrument, join choirs, ensembles, orchestras and bands that rehearse and perform regularly.
In Years 7 to 8, students develop Music appreciation and performance skills and explore a wide variety of Music technology programs available through our keyboard laboratory. From Year 9 onwards, Music becomes an Elective, with multiple semesters available to Years 9 to 10 students, as well as the full range of VCE subjects on offer if appropriate.
Instrumental Program
St Catherine’s School offers students a comprehensive Instrumental Program in all instrument families (including string, woodwind, brass, voice, and percussion and keyboard instruments). 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, Euphonium, Tuba
- Piano, Harpsichord
- Recorder
- Classical singing, Jazz singing
- Guitar
- Harp
- Percussion
- Theory
All students have the opportunity to learn the violin in Year 2, with extension to viola and cello in Year 3. Students learn the recorder in Year 4, which leads logically to the Year 5 Brass and Woodwind program. These small group lessons provide students with a ‘hands-on’ experience including opportunities to perform throughout the year in chamber ensembles and the Year 5 Concert Band.
Choirs and Ensembles
Our ensemble program provides a fantastic array of opportunities for students ranging 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
- Junior Strings
- Year 5 Concert Band
- Year 6 Concert Band
- Barbreck Flutes
- Percussion Ensemble
- The Langley Singers – Prep–Year 2
- Heyington Choir – Years 3 & 4 Choir
- Barbreck Choir – Years 5 & 6 Choir
Senior School Choirs and Ensembles
- Jorgensen Orchestra
- Senior Concert Band
- The Scrolls (Junior Strings)
- Senior Strings
- Soul Power
- Sherren Singers
- Chamber Flutes
- Years 7 & 8 Flutes
- Years 7–12 Choir
- Viva Voci (Years 9–12 Auditioned Chamber Choir)
- Cantanti Belli (Years 11 – 12 Auditioned Chamber Choir)
- Stage Band
- Three String Quartets
- Brass Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Saxophone Ensemble
- Saxophone Quartet
- Wind Quintet
- Double Reed Ensemble
- Other mixed chamber ensembles as required.
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 on campus and in the community.