Performing Arts and Music
Music
Music enriches students’ lives and at NEGS we are committed to helping students develop a love of music over a lifetime. Every student from Transition to Year 12 has the opportunity to build on their individual musicality and skills, whether it is just for fun, or to pursue more seriously for study. Through learning music students learn to express their intellect and imagination.
Students at NEGS have the opportunity to learn music through our three main music programs, Curriculum, Co-Curricular Ensembles and Private Music Tuition. These programs complement and support each other to promote student enjoyment and expand their musical experiences. Learning music is accessible to all students no matter their level of experience and we cater from beginners to the students who have been playing their whole lives, as we believe that no education is complete without the opportunity to make music together!
Junior School
NEGS Junior School students from Transition to Year 6 have access to twice weekly music lessons, and a variety of ensembles before, during and after school.
Every second year NEGS Junior School students travel to Sydney to perform in the Sydney Town Hall for the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) Performing Arts Festival.
Senior School
Music is part of the mandatory NEGS curriculum for Senior School students in Years 7 and 8 and is an elective for students in Years 9-12. Our senior Music classes engage in diverse activities that develop the essential skills of performing, listening skills and composition provides benefits throughout their education. This aims to not only prepare the students for the HSC Music curriculum, but is an engaging program that incorporates technology and other relevant skills in a dynamic learning experience.
Ensembles
At NEGS we have a range of core instrumental and vocal ensembles. Playing or singing in an ensemble teaches a number of skills including: working with others, refining pitch and intonation, developing score and sight reading, and learning performance etiquette.
NEGS Core Music Ensembles are:
- Handbell Players – a handbell ensemble
- Saumarez Strings – Junior School string group
- NEGS Song Birds – Junior School vocal ensemble
- Year 3-6 Choir
- Year 7-8 Choir
- Junior Vocal Ensemble – for students in years 7-9
- Senior Vocal Ensemble – for students in years 10-12
- NEGS Band Program – This compulsory program is aimed at introducing all students in years 5-8 to the fun of learning an instrument. Many students continue on with private lessons after the Band Program has finished.
We pride ourselves on creating music programs that allow students to shine or succeed in music. For this reason each year we offer ensembles that are tailored to meet the needs of our students. Ensembles that we have offered in past years have been; Piano Trio, Performance Band, Guitar Group, Ukulele Group.
Private Music Tuition
NEGS also offers private music tuition with a number of highly qualified peripatetic teachers on most orchestral and non-orchestral instruments. Many of our students have lessons throughout the day with teachers coming to the school – a huge help to families juggling commitments before and after school. Instruments that are available to learn include piano, organ, singing, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, french horn and bassoon.
Instrument Hire
The school has a number of instruments available to hire. We ensure minimal hiring costs to allow access to our programs.
Performance Opportunities
We love seeing our musicians take to the stage and all students are given opportunities to perform within the school grounds and out in the community. This includes Twilight Concerts, our yearly Night of Music, school musicals, assemblies, Grandparents’ Day and in the wider community, community charity events, the Bi-Annual New England Sings, retirement villages and many other opportunities which arise throughout the year. The annual Armidale Eisteddfod is a valuable performance opportunity, with competitive sections ranging from composition and solo items to large ensembles, duets and trios.
