Music

“High school students who take music courses score significantly better on math, science and English exams than their non-musical peers, as measured by their exam grades, regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, prior learning in mathematics and English, and gender."
- Guhn, Emerson & Gouzouasis, 2019 

 

Overview

Music at Harrisdale Senior High School runs as a highly specialised program and places in the program are highly sought after. Students selected for the program are provided with specialist music instruction and valuable performance opportunities. To be in the Music Program, students must be learning an instrument either with IMSS or private outside-of-school lessons. We are proud to offer our students a rich co-curricular ensemble program and multiple pathways in upper school including ATAR Music and Vocational Music courses.

In Years 7 & 8 students study classroom music where they learn the fundamentals and develop a strong foundation of music literacy, analysis, performance, and composition.

In Years 9 & 10, students can elect from two pathways, the Music Studies course, or the Music Appreciation course. The Music Studies course is academically rigorous and will ensure students have the necessary skills and knowledge to study ATAR Music in Years 11 & 12. The Music Appreciation pathway is designed to help instil a lifelong appreciation of music and equip students with the skills and language to discuss and enjoy making and listening to music.

In upper school we are proud to offer ATAR Music, the Certificate II in Music (a nationally recognised qualification), and an ensemble performance program referred to as PIMS (an endorsed program that contributes to a students’ WACE attainment).

Every Music student must engage in a major school ensemble, regardless of their choice in Music learning pathway.

Major School Ensembles in 2023:

2 x Guitar Ensembles
3 x Symphonic Wind Ensembles
Choir
Chamber Chorale
Stage Band (special invitation/audition entry – extension of Concert Band)
There is also the opportunity to play in smaller teacher-led ensembles including the Saxophone Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble

Valuable Opportunities

Music students experience many exciting opportunities including trips to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, workshops with tertiary institutions, projects within local community, performances, and the Harrisdale SHS Music Camp.

Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS)

The instruments on offer by IMSS at Harrisdale Senior High School in 2023 are as follows:

Classical Guitar
Clarinet
Saxophone
Flute
Voice (Singing)
Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone horn, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba)
Percussion

Beginner places in the IMSS program are limited and expressing interest upon enrolment will not guarantee a position. Families need to attend an information session and students are required to sit the IMSS Aptitude Test to determine whether an offer is to be made.

Year 7-10 IMSS students come out of class on a rotating timetable to receive specialist instrumental instruction on a weekly basis. Year 11 & 12 students’ lessons will take place before/after school or during break times to avoid impacting other courses.

IMSS students are assessed and their progress will culminate in a grade and comment in their Semester reports.

Commitment

Students who accept a place in the program from will participate in the Music course until at least the end of Year 10 (four year minimum commitment). This is due to the following reasons:

Instruments are offered based on the needs of the program, and there are no opportunities to start IMSS lessons in later years. Those who accept a place are valuable members of the program.

Provided they see Music through until the end of Year 10, Year 11 and 12 students can continue their free IMSS lessons (outside of class time) regardless of whether or not they pursue Music as a course and their IMSS lessons can then count towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Four years is the minimum amount of time identified by researchers to ensure life-long changes to the brains structure and ability to react.

Music is challenging and requires discipline and resilience.

To apply for the Harrisdale Music Program please complete the following online application: https://forms.office.com/r/gfXEmt1Y74

For more information about Music at Harrisdale Senior High School contact Ms Pamela Barrett (pamela.barrett2@education.wa.edu.au)