Additional Performing Arts Opportunities
Rock Bands and Small Ensembles
Core music students participate in an extension unit of work designed to allow student choice and performance on their main instrument. Students are guided through music selection and ensemble creation with the goal of performing at our concert in Term 3. Performance skills and musicianship are developed through regular feedback and practice.
Secondary Junior Concert Band (Yrs 7-9)
Students can be invited to move into these bands when a certain level of proficiency has been mastered. The level of commitment with these bands is very high but the rewards are many. Rehearsals for these bands occur after school hours with the secondary music staff.
String Orchestra (Yrs 5-12)
Selected students who are proficient string players can be given the opportunity to rehearse with the school orchestra. These rehearsals could occur outside of school hours. The school orchestra performs at various concerts throughout the year. Violin, viola, cello and double bass players are included.
Instrument Hire
Instruments become available to hire at the beginning of each year. Priority is given to secondary school students and students who have been playing in school bands. There is an annual loan/maintenance levy of $160.00. This levy covers the administration cost of the instrument plus maintenance or repairs that need to be carried out on the instrument during the year. Enquiries in relation to instrument hire need to be made to the Music Faculty in the Secondary Department.
The conditions of loan are:
- The instrument issued is to be used solely for playing with the Hunter School of the Performing Arts and associated bands. The Head Teacher (Music) must approve its use in any other activities.
- The student is to be a member of at least one of the Hunter School of the Performing Arts student concert bands i.e. Primary Band, Junior Band, and/or Senior Band.
- The student is to be tutored by a tutor approved by the Hunter School of the Performing Arts.
Tuition
Vocal and instrumental tutors are available before, during and after school for a fee (negotiated directly with the tutor). Arrangements with classroom teachers must be made in relation to the timing of lessons during class time and any classroom work missed while attending music lessons must be made up at home. A tutor request form is available on our website. These must be completed and returned to the classroom teacher to sign off before booking any lessons.
Star Struck
All students in Years 5 and 6 can audition to be part of a HSPA Star Struck group for either dance, drama or choir at the start of Term 1. As a school we value the outstanding opportunities Star Struck provides for our young performers, being the chance to work with an orchestra, professional lighting, sound production teams, and perform for an audience of thousands. We also encourage students to audition individually for positions in the orchestra, or as a vocal soloist or a featured dancer. Further information will be available early next year.