South Coogee Public School has a strong culture of achievement in music. Our programs have the school’s vision at their core. This encompasses aiming for high standards and ensuring success for all students. Key components of our program include exceptionally high student participation. All students are involved in an innovative music program as part of the core curriculum and over 62% of students participate in extra curricular initiatives. Participation by boys in music programs has increased to nearly 50% of the total students involved. In an area where participation by girls is traditionally higher, this is a noteworthy achievement. At South Coogee we are proud of the diversity of musical experiences offered. The depth of opportunity and unique commitment by all staff and students set our programs apart. Music is an integral part of every student’s experience and is embraced as an exciting endeavour. The impact of our initiatives is seen on a daily basis through the enthusiasm and high level of achievement so many of our children bring to their musical activities.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive band program. Our band involves 122 who play a full range of wind, brass and percussion instruments. We employ eleven specialist tutors and a band director who work with the Junior Band and Concert Band each week. The bands perform annually at major school concerts and at community events. They have been highly successful at events such as the Yamaha Band Festival. Membership has increased threefold in the last four years as the band is seen by students as an exciting ‘team’ to be part of.
Our successful Jazz Ensemble provides an extension program for high achieving students. This group works to perform a range of music and incorporate improvisation skills. They perform at community events and were selected by audition to perform at the Sydney Opera House. The group was one of only two primary school ensembles to perform alongside high calibre secondary groups.
Our extensive choir program is provided for students in years 1-6 and involves 117 students. Students learn to sing in parts, contribute to arrangements, sing as vocal ensembles and perform solos. The senior choir is regularly selected by audition to perform at the Opera House as part of the massed choir in the Sydney Region Music Festival.
To provide students with extended opportunities we have a range of ensembles. These include flute, clarinet, saxophone and percussion ensembles who develop performance pieces throughout the year.
We hold a three-day residential music camp for our choir and band each year. This allows students to work with specialist teachers and is seen as a highlight of the music program. The students participate in instrumental, choral and composition activities.
A bi-annual ‘Musicale’ production is held to showcase classroom activities, bands, choirs and to encourage students to perform as soloists. Of the many items that have impact are those where year 6 students work with their kindergarten ‘buddies’ in a mentoring context to arrange and perform a musical piece.
Our achievements in Performing Arts during 2008
The Percussion Ensemble was selected by audition to perform in the Sydney Region Music Festival at the Sydney Opera House. The group was one of only two primary school ensembles to perform alongside a range of high calibre secondary groups. The Senior Choir was also selected by audition to perform as part of the massed choir at this event. The Jazz Ensemble performed at several community events including the community based ‘Carols by the Sea’ and the opening of the school Art Exhibition. The Concert Band and Senior Wind Band participated in the Yamaha Band Festival in June and were both awarded silver medals for their outstanding performances. The Dance Ensemble’s participation in the Sydney Region Dance Festival was also a highlight. In November the Senior Choir was invited to perform at a concert with two local choirs.
Individual excellence was also promoted within the arts to complement the collaborative efforts of the ensembles. Five students were selected to perform with the Sydney Region Band and one student was performed with the Sydney Region Dance Ensemble.
Student leadership is also developed through our programs. ‘Music Leaders’ lead their sections in the bands and choirs and are exemplary role models. The role of music leader is a position seen by students to have equal status as prefects and sports captains.
Two specialist dance groups also operate catering for students in Years K-2 and 3-6.