Head of Music: Mrs B. Bekker

bbekker@edgemeadhigh.org.za

The Music Department is one of the busiest departments in the school, comprising full and part-time music staff offering expertise in a particular field, and offering several music ensembles and concert opportunities throughout the year.

A wide range of opportunities in Music is offered for students at Edgemead High School. Students may opt to study music formally, as a hobby/pastime, or simply get involved in any number of music productions and ensembles.

MUSIC OPTIONS:

1. Music as a Subject (8-12)
2. Extra-Curricular Music Study
3. Ensemble Music
4. Seasonal Music Productions

Music as a Subject:

• Music can be taken as a subject in grades 8 -12
• A large variety of instrumental tuition is available.
• An audition needs to be done for FET Subject Music, in order to ensure that the learner is on a sufficient level practically in order to meet the necessary requirements for Grade 12.
• In grades 8 & 9 (two year course) students may choose between Drama, Visual Art & Music.
• Students undertaking Music as a subject must have an instrumental/vocal study.
• In grade 8, preference is given to students who play or wish to start learning an orchestral instrument. This is in preference to piano and/or guitar students.
• Students wishing to take music as a subject in grade 8 must complete a short aptitude test for theory and instrumental suitability.
• In grade 8 & 9 there is a levy for Music as a Subject if you choose to hire an instrument. The levy is used to cover the cost of servicing school instruments.

The subject material of music has broadened widely and includes the following:

• Music Performance
• Composing
• Arranging (using Music Notation Computer Software)
• Improvisation
• Theory/Harmony
• Research/Analysis
• The Music Industry
• Music Technology
• Popular Music
• Ensemble Music
• Planning a Concert/Event
• Music is a more informal environment, with small classes and much interaction throughout the lessons.

Extra-Curricular Music Study (ECMS):

• Students may apply to study any instrument taught at Edgemead High School: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Cello, Guitar, Electric Bass, Drum Kit, Voice, Piano.
• Lessons will be held during school hours, on a cyclic timetable, which runs concurrently with the school timetable.
• Subject Music students are given first priority for places on the timetable, and remaining places are allocated to ECMS students.
• There are costs involved in ECMS.

Ensemble Music:

• Students must understand that involvement in any ensemble is a commitment to rehearsals and performances throughout the whole year.
• The Concert Choir: Open to the whole school and selected through audition, rehearsals are once per week before school, performances: around 2-3 each term. A Music Camp is held once a year.
• Orchestra: Open to the whole school and selected through audition, rehearsals: 1 time per week, performances: around 2 each term. Music Camp held once a year.
• Marimba Ensemble (Junior and Senior): Open to the whole school and selected through audition, rehearsals: 1 time per week, performances: around 2 each term. Costs R500 per term.
• Glee Club: Open to grades 10-12 and selected through audition, rehearsals: 1 time per week, performances: around 2 each term.
• Grade 8 Choir: For grade 8 students.  Rehearsals once a week before school.  Once standard is acceptable performances will take place at music evenings and assemblies.

Seasonal Music Productions

• Students may also select to get involved in a number of activities throughout the year which run for a term or short season.
• Depending on the production they are open to the whole school and may require an audition for selection.
• Activities could include Music Concerts, School Musical, High School Jam.

As music teachers we strive to develop the learners holistically, in both technique and performance, and to equip them with the necessary skills needed for both the Music Industry, as well as life beyond school.

All music students are expected to participate in an ensemble and/or the school orchestra as part of their commitment to music at the school.

Music is also offered as an extra-mural subject after school hours and all our instruments are available including Classical Guitar.

Mr R Williams, our classical guitar teacher, has a web site offering Original Compositions for:  Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Popular Arrangement.

Mr Williams also offers “Learn To Play The Classical Guitar”. To find out more, head over to Mr Williams’ Classical Guitar Practice site.