Instrumental Music

Learn an instrument at MGC

With ever increasing demand for music lessons we are witnessing growth in our ensemble program and strong numbers in students doing VCE Music Performance. Innovative and disciplined teaching methods encourage girls to take control of the material they present for performance and study in lessons. Girls are encouraged to prepare for AMEB examinations and to choose music as an elective in Years 9 – 12. Our instrumental music, classroom music staff and students work closely together to polish performance techniques.

We offer individual and group lessons in:

• Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone)
• Beginner Brass (Trumpet and Trombone)
• Strings (Violin, Viola & Cello)
• Contemporary and Classical Voice
• Piano
• Guitar & Bass Guitar
• Drum Kit

Instrumental Music Ensembles

Students that play an instrument or sing are encouraged to participate in a music ensemble, as this is an opportunity to practice the skills learnt in tuition and gain experience in playing in a group. Evidence has shown that students who play in an ensemble often progress faster on their chosen instrument! Students must understand that their participation in an ensemble is a yearlong commitment. The ensembles participate in numerous performance opportunities throughout the year, such as instrumental soirees and showcases, Music Camp, Generations in Jazz, Victorian Schools Music Festival, school assemblies, community events, and Presentation Night.

Orchestra

Our Orchestra is led by the talented Tony Hicks. All students are welcome to attend, even if they are not currently learning an instrument at MGC. The orchestra has a camp early in the year to prepare their repertoire and have many performing opportunities throughout the year, including competing at Generations of Jazz in Mount Gambier and MGC’s Musical Production in August. They rehearse on Wednesdays at 7:45am.

String Ensemble

The String Ensemble is led by Les Gyori, and is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all string students within the school, not just those involved in lessons at MGC. The ensemble plays a variety of classical and contemporary string music, and actively participates in the AMEB Online Orchestra. They rehearse on Tuesdays at 8am.

Senior Chamber Strings

The Senior Chamber Strings is led by Wen Chin. It is an auditioned ensemble open to string students who are interested in performing advanced string repertoire in a smaller chamber setting. The ensemble explores chamber repertoire across classical and contemporary genres. They rehearse on Friday lunchtimes.

Senior Rock Band

The Senior Rock Band is led by Andy Clarke. It is an ensemble open to students in Years 9 – 12 within the school. Students who play contemporary rock instruments and sing are welcome. They play a variety of contemporary classics and new songs. They rehearse after school on Wednesdays.

Junior Rock Band

The Junior Rock Band is led by Daniel Tedford. It is open to students in Years 7-9 who are interested in singing and playing in a band! They play a variety of rock and contemporary classics and new songs. They rehearse on Tuesday lunchtimes.

MGC Choir

Led by Ellyce Calder, the MGC Choir is a non-auditioned choir open to all students who are interested in singing a wide variety of genres such as pop, musical theatre and jazz tunes. They rehearse on Monday lunchtimes.

‘Acapellago’ Acapella Choir

Our acapella choir is an auditioned ensemble open to all students from Years 9-12. They represent MGC at many events, including Open Day, Information Evenings and Presentation Night and compete in the AUSACA National Acapella Championships. They rehearse on Monday mornings and Thursday lunchtimes, and is led by Ellyce Calder and Susan De Jong.

There is always music being created and played in the performing arts centre at Melbourne Girls’ College. Our performance opportunities for students are frequent and varied in the occasion, ranging from lunchtime concerts, evening soirees and concerts, culminating in our Presentation Night. We run an annual Music camp in Term 2 which is open to all students enrolled in our ensembles.

For any enquiries, please contact Anne Corry
02298944@mgc.vic.edu.au

Manager of Instrumental Music

Expression of Interest Form 2022