MUSIC

The Music department aims to enable all pupils to fulfil their musical potential, preparing them for a lifetime of musical experiences and enjoyment. Our large purpose-built unit is equipped to the highest standards. Impressive facilities include a large stock of string, woodwind and brass instruments and pianos, together with new digital technologies. There are four teaching rooms for class teaching equipped with digital pianos, computer workstations, mixing desks, CD players and data projectors. There is a 280 seater auditorium and a suite of six practice rooms. There are five full-time teachers and a team of seventeen visiting instrumental staff.

HIGHLIGHTS

• We run six choirs and six orchestras, providing a myriad of opportunities for pupils of all ages and ability to participate in highly enjoyable and challenging performances of different types. The Annual Carol Concert is one of the most popular events in the school calendar.
• There is a special emphasis on producing large-scale musicals in both the Junior and Senior Schools. Recent shows have included Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fiddler on the Roof and Grease. Evita is planned for June 2010.
• Choral and chamber music competitions. Our choirs and chamber musicians gained distinctions in Perth Competition Festival 2009.

CURRICULAR MUSIC

Music at Dollar is taught from prep 1 to senior 6 and the curriculum is designed to flow from 5-18. We aim to provide a range of musical activity and experience with an emphasis on enjoyment, expression and development. We wish to inspire and support our pupils in order to help them maximise their potential. Through music they develop self-awareness, confidence, personal satisfaction, self discipline, determination and commitment.

The curriculum is a balanced one consisting of listening, performing and composing activities. New resources and the creative expertise of our staff have led to several new and exciting innovations. In the Prep school Kodaly techniques are used to develop pitch and rhythm and singing is a core part of the curriculum throughout Prep, Junior and Senior schools. Pupils explore sound through the voice and a large variety of percussion instruments. Keyboards are introduced in Prep 4 and pupils use this as a performing and inventing tool.

We have four teaching rooms each equipped with 13 computer workstations. This has enabled us to introduce all pupils to new and exciting computer software. Prep and Junior pupils have experienced stimulating and creative approaches to composing and music theory using the Musition program and Groovy music software. Pupils can compose and understand the components of music as a group and also independently. The rooms are equipped with the latest audio equipment and the sound quality provides a very exciting and dynamic environment.

We ensure that pupils appreciate a wide variety of music and they are encouraged to bring their own instruments into class activities. An appreciation of the cultural and aesthetic importance of music is explored. Pupils enjoy the experience of performing to a live audience in several large scale performances throughout the year.

CERTIFICATE COURSES

Music with Performing courses are offered at Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher. Pupils can also take free-standing performing units and Music with Technology courses are planned for 2010/11.

INTERMEDIATE 2

The intermediate 2 course consists of three areas, listening, performing and inventing. The courses is taught in such a way as to emphasize the links between the three strands and to help pupils to enrich their understanding of musical concepts in each area.

Listening
Pupils explore the following topics: Instruments of the orchestra; Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern musical periods; Scottish Music; Popular music; Jazz; World music. Musical concepts are highlighted within each topic and pupils study works from the ‘Sound Matters’ scores. Traditional aural skills and musical literacy are developed and extended using the Auralia program. 

Inventing
Pupils complete three projects in the first year of the course:

Pupils explore some twentieth century techniques in the second year of the course (Serial composition, minimalist piece Dorian D).

Performing
Performing is taught through regular workshops. Pupils are assessed regularly and are given opportunities to perform in public lunchtime concerts. Work is recorded at several points in the course including the Prelim recitals (Jan). Pupils perform in front of a visiting examiner (Feb/March).

Sound Engineering
Pupils taking Music with Technology take a unit in Sound engineering. They record and edit performances using Protools software.

HIGHER

The Higher music course develops further the listening, inventing and performing skills acquired at intermediate 2.

Listening
Pupils listen to music from all the areas introduced at intermediate 2 and new concepts are added. The Renaissance period is introduced and additional concepts from the SQA list. Aural skills are further developed particularly melodic and rhythmic dictation and the understanding of diatonic and chromatic chords.

Performing
Although a large percentage of the recital programmes are prepared outside the classroom, (through visiting staff and individual practice routines) performing skills are developed through regular class workshops. Pupils are encouraged to make the most of performing opportunities and are encouraged to work together in various ensembles. Prelims are performed and recorded in January and pupils prepare for the visiting examiner in Feb/March.

Inventing
After successfully completing Blues, Baroque, Classical, Twentieth Century and Scottish inventing assignments at Intermediate 2, Higher candidates are encouraged to develop their own individual style of writing. Examples of past assignments include:

• Hymn tune arrangement (R.V.W. model)
• Blues (Composition and Improvisation options)
• Solo Instrumental Study (Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Cello, Violin)
• Serialism (Brass Quartet)
• Minimalism (Composition/Improvisation)
• Rock/Pop Ballads (Composition and/or Arrangements)
• Bagpipe Tune arranged for Orchestra

ADVANCED HIGHER

Advanced Higher pupils further develop their understanding in each of the three areas. The listening area of the course gives pupils opportunity to undertake a 2000 word project which demands more advanced analytical skills and helps them to develop individual research skills. Pupils prepare a more substantial recital on two instruments and perform in front of a visiting examiner in May. The inventing folio gives pupils the chance to develop their creativity and to focus on genres that are of particular interest to them.