ARA23: Bandstand
This unit is for those students who would like to learn a band instrument (e.g. flute/clarinet/trumpet/saxophone/percussion) and play in a Concert Band. Lessons on these instruments will be provided by specialist instrumental music teachers and tuition fees for these lessons will not be charged. In the unit, students will learn how to play in a band and prepare for a concert. The unit will also cover the basics of music theory, listening skills and music appreciation. Students choosing this unit will be encouraged to complete a second semester in ARA27 Encore to develop their playing skills further. It is hoped that after completing this course, students will consider taking some of the practical music units the following year, and so develop their skills as concert musicians.
ARA27: Wired for Sound
Wired for Sound explores Music through a number of exciting avenues. Film Scoring, vocal production, rhythmic and harmonic evolution and sound production are all featured in this introductory unit which aims to inspire students toward a future in Music making through digital as well traditional means. It is an ideal unit for students keen on learning about creating music for the present as well as into the future.
ARB27: Encore
This practical unit provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills on a band instrument following the Essential Elements Band Course Book 1 method. All students experience playing their chosen instrument as part of an ensemble during class rehearsals and later, by performing within school bands. Skills are also developed in reading music notation, theory, aural and listening activities and in musical evaluation. Students may continue their musical journey by joining the College’s Band program or by enrolling in further music units and/or instrumental lessons
ARB28: Guitar Mania
This unit has been designed for students with little or no experience on the guitar. Starting with basic note picking and fingering, students will learn how to read and play simple melodies and accompaniments, performing as a soloist and in an ensemble. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the evolution of the guitar and how it has come to be one of the most popular instruments today. Alongside this, students will also learn some basic music theory and notation and be able to improve their listening skills. For the practical classes when the guitar is to be used, students may use one of the class set of guitars available.
ARC26: Cover It!
In this unit, students are given the opportunity to develop their musical skills on band instruments (keyboard, drums, guitar, bass guitar and vocals) by participating in class ensemble rehearsals. Students explore the evolution and progression of popular music through history and investigate prominent figures who have contributed to its development. Performance is a strong focus of this unit with the development of effective rehearsal strategies and techniques. Music theory is developed through class work, practical application and arrangement tasks.
NB: If students are already learning an instrument that is not listed above they may use their own instrument during practical sessions.
ARD22: A World of Music
In this unit students are taken on a tour around the world to discover fascinating similarities and differences in music from other cultures. Students study Asia, South America and the Caribbean, the Pacific and Africa to find out how folk and tribal music from different cultures has been passed down through the generations to today. They experience the different styles of music by listening to and playing instruments they may have never heard of before. By creating original compositions students also develop skills in reading, notating and playing music using unfamiliar scales and patterns.
ARD25: Unearthed!
‘Unearthed’ is a good follow-on from Cover-It as it continues to explore the stylistic nuances of music. The course is designed for those who wish to hone their skills and write solo or ensemble music for voice or instruments. After listening to and analysing music of different styles, students develop their own ideas with others, creating original works which are then performed and promoted. Students will develop their theoretical knowledge in ways which will assist them to write their ideas down with enhanced music language. Students may be given instruction in basic accompaniment on Guitar and/or Keyboard as required. As it is a performance based subject, it is strongly recommended that students who wish to take this unit have completed a Level C unit and have been playing their musical instrument or voice for two or more years.
ARE22: Clever or Chaos?
Students who are considering taking VCE or IB Music are strongly encouraged to enrol in this unit, which provides an overview of musical innovations in classical music of the twentieth century. The extremes of progress and violence in society and the rapid developments in technology and science had an enormous influence on music and led to radical breaks with conventional music composition. Students will discover how music of the mid-twentieth century broke with tradition and caused uproar in musical circles. The compositional techniques and musical styles of neoclassicism, expressionism, serialism and electronic music are analysed, giving students an understanding of the innovative and clever approaches composers used in their music. This unit also has a practical component and students should be prepared to participate in performance activities on their instrument. Students wishing to enrol in this unit should have already completed at least Level C Music.
ARE24: Oz All Over
This unit provides an overview of musical styles seen in Australian popular and art (classical) music in recent times. Students will discover how this music has developed and been influenced by technology, globalisation and social awareness by analysing the compositional techniques and musical elements used in rock, pop and art music style. This unit also has a solo and group practical component so students must be prepared to participate in practical and performance activities on an instrument (incl. voice). Students wishing to take this unit should have completed Level C and/or D Music. Those who are considering taking VCE or IB Music are strongly encouraged to enrol in this unit.
