Music
Music has been a vibrant and important part of life at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview since 1882, when it was added to the curriculum. It offers students a holistic education that strives for excellence in all things. Today, Music continues to flourish in The Woods Music Centre, aptly named for the 100 pine trees that were planted on this site in 1905.
The Woods Music Centre is the venue for Music Education on the Senior Campus. Here, academic Music classes are held for Year 7 – 12 students, as well as Music and Drama Private Tuition. In addition, the venue provides studios for students to practise on their instruments. Co-Curricular Music Ensemble rehearsals and performances are also held in the Woods Music Centre. It is open Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm, under supervision.
The importance of the arts in education, and particularly a music rich education, is irrefutable. The study of music and playing an instrument helps in the development of language and maths skills, improves memory, attention and concentration, and increases motivation to learn. The lives of all students are enriched by music.
Music is an integral part of the curriculum for students in Year 5 and Year 6 at the Regis Campus. Year 5 and 6 students are introduced to music through academic Music classes and through our mandatory Music Activities Program. (see below for more details on this program).
In Year 7 and Year 8, Music continues as a classroom subject with students learning percussion, keyboard and guitar in Stage 4. In Year 9 to Year 12 students can choose Music as an elective subject and explore their proficiency on their chosen instrument.
Co-Curricular Music
Our Co-curricular Music Program is inclusive and available to every student. The program includes Music and Drama Private Tuition, Co-Curricular Music Ensembles, Musicals, Music Tours and Concerts. Being involved in Music offers students numerous opportunities to more fully participate in College life, creating a sense of community and belonging.
Concerts and Performance Opportunities
Many music concerts are held annually throughout the College to showcase student accomplishment and the achievements of the various ensembles. These events include Riverview in Concert, the Riverview Music Gala Evening and the Music Private Tuition Performance Recitals. In addition, students perform at many internal and external events, attend regular excursions and participate in workshops.
Musicals
Every year the College produces a major school musical. This alternates between a Senior School musical involving students in Years 9 to 12, and a Junior School musical involving Years 5 to 8.
Regis Music Activities Program (Year 5 and Year 6)
As part of their Music experience, Years 5 and 6 students are involved in the mandatory Music Activities Program and each student learns an instrument. These classes occur in timetabled classes during the school day in groups. Year 5 students learn a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass). Students in Year 6 can continue with their string instrument or choose to learn a woodwind (flute, clarinet) or brass instrument (trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium). In both Year 5 and Year 6, there is an Advanced Music Activities group for those students who are more accomplished and have been playing for several years.
Music and Drama Private Tuition Program
The Music and Drama Private Tuition Program is available to all students. It gives students the opportunity to have private lessons on a musical instrument and/or drama. The College offers private tuition on a wide variety of musical instruments and all lessons are conducted by professionals in their field.
Co-Curricular Music Ensembles
There are numerous Music Ensembles at the College catering for all musical levels and offering a diverse range of styles and learning experiences. Being a member of an ensemble gives students the opportunity to be part of a music team which rehearses once a week, before or after school.
Music Tours
Music tours are offered to motivate and inspire our students. The most recent tour was to New York and Los Angeles, where students were immersed in the world of Music Theatre and Live Music experiences.
