Morris Hall Music teacher Jo Patocs instructs her Year 4 students through a routine.
Morris Hall Music teacher Jo Patocs instructs her Year 4 students through a routine.
Learning the Notes
To learn music is to learn about ourselves, each other and the world around us; learning the notes on the page is merely the beginning. Music is a rich and complex discipline which fosters creativity and imagination, encourages independent and divergent thinking, and builds emotional intelligence and empathy.
Music traditions at Melbourne Girls Grammar connect us to the past as well as the future, to the Grammarians who have gone before and to those who will follow, and they play a significant role in school life and student wellbeing. The music spaces at Morris and Merton Halls are alive with the sound of music every day, and our educators are committed to delivering vibrant and diverse programs which emphasise creativity, collaboration and choice.
At Morris Hall students from Prep to Year 4 take part in weekly music classes which introduce them to music literacy, aural skills and the music of other cultures through games, play, listening activities and music making. Music remains a core subject at Years 5 and 6, where students begin to work with music technology and select an instrumental or choral pathway to develop their individual skills in an ensemble setting. Music electives in the Middle and Senior Years develop a student’s skills in performance, composition, music analysis and musicianship. VCE Music Performance studies enable students to reach the very peak of their abilities as solo performers, with recital examinations showcasing many years of dedication and countless hours of practice.
A wide ranging co-curricular program supports students of all abilities and interests to connect with a vocal or instrumental ensemble. The joy of making music with others is why we, as musicians, do what we do, whether as students, educators or professionals. When our Grammarians reflect on their involvement in music at the end of Year 12, never do they mention their individual skills, no matter how great. Instead, they talk of their participation in ensembles and group activities such as productions, concerts and House Music which have provided immense satisfaction, created shared memories and established firm connections with their peers.
We are, and always have been, a school that sings. At Morris Hall, students rehearse as part of the Prep-Year 2 Choir or the Year 3/4 Choir, preparing songs and hymns for assembly each week, as well as major performances throughout the year. At Merton Hall, we sing together in assembly and Chapel, and at ceremonies and School celebrations. As an Anglican school, hymns are an important part of school life, and this music, as well as our School anthem, Nisi Dominus, are important cultural traditions which are passed from generation to generation. Specialist choirs are Voiceworks (Years 3 and 4), Middle Years Choir, Senior Choir and Merton Chamber Voices.
Music traditions at Melbourne Girls Grammar connect us to the past as well as the future, to the Grammarians who have gone before and to those who will follow, and they play a significant role in school life and student wellbeing. The music spaces at Morris and Merton Halls are alive with the sound of music every day, and our educators are committed to delivering vibrant and diverse programs which emphasise creativity, collaboration and choice.
At Morris Hall students from Prep to Year 4 take part in weekly music classes which introduce them to music literacy, aural skills and the music of other cultures through games, play, listening activities and music making. Music remains a core subject at Years 5 and 6, where students begin to work with music technology and select an instrumental or choral pathway to develop their individual skills in an ensemble setting. Music electives in the Middle and Senior Years develop a student’s skills in performance, composition, music analysis and musicianship. VCE Music Performance studies enable students to reach the very peak of their abilities as solo performers, with recital examinations showcasing many years of dedication and countless hours of practice.
A wide ranging co-curricular program supports students of all abilities and interests to connect with a vocal or instrumental ensemble. The joy of making music with others is why we, as musicians, do what we do, whether as students, educators or professionals. When our Grammarians reflect on their involvement in music at the end of Year 12, never do they mention their individual skills, no matter how great. Instead, they talk of their participation in ensembles and group activities such as productions, concerts and House Music which have provided immense satisfaction, created shared memories and established firm connections with their peers.
We are, and always have been, a school that sings. At Morris Hall, students rehearse as part of the Prep-Year 2 Choir or the Year 3/4 Choir, preparing songs and hymns for assembly each week, as well as major performances throughout the year. At Merton Hall, we sing together in assembly and Chapel, and at ceremonies and School celebrations. As an Anglican school, hymns are an important part of school life, and this music, as well as our School anthem, Nisi Dominus, are important cultural traditions which are passed from generation to generation. Specialist choirs are Voiceworks (Years 3 and 4), Middle Years Choir, Senior Choir and Merton Chamber Voices.
Music traditions at Melbourne Girls Grammar connect us to the past as well as the future, to the Grammarians who have gone before and to those who will follow, and they play a significant role in school life and student wellbeing. The music spaces at Morris and Merton Halls are alive with the sound of music every day, and our educators are committed to delivering vibrant and diverse programs which emphasise creativity, collaboration and choice.
At Morris Hall students from Prep to Year 4 take part in weekly music classes which introduce them to music literacy, aural skills and the music of other cultures through games, play, listening activities and music making. Music remains a core subject at Years 5 and 6, where students begin to work with music technology and select an instrumental or choral pathway to develop their individual skills in an ensemble setting. Music electives in the Middle and Senior Years develop a student’s skills in performance, composition, music analysis and musicianship. VCE Music Performance studies enable students to reach the very peak of their abilities as solo performers, with recital examinations showcasing many years of dedication and countless hours of practice.
A wide ranging co-curricular program supports students of all abilities and interests to connect with a vocal or instrumental ensemble. The joy of making music with others is why we, as musicians, do what we do, whether as students, educators or professionals. When our Grammarians reflect on their involvement in music at the end of Year 12, never do they mention their individual skills, no matter how great. Instead, they talk of their participation in ensembles and group activities such as productions, concerts and House Music which have provided immense satisfaction, created shared memories and established firm connections with their peers.
We are, and always have been, a school that sings. At Morris Hall, students rehearse as part of the Prep-Year 2 Choir or the Year 3/4 Choir, preparing songs and hymns for assembly each week, as well as major performances throughout the year. At Merton Hall, we sing together in assembly and Chapel, and at ceremonies and School celebrations. As an Anglican school, hymns are an important part of school life, and this music, as well as our School anthem, Nisi Dominus, are important cultural traditions which are passed from generation to generation. Specialist choirs are Voiceworks (Years 3 and 4), Middle Years Choir, Senior Choir and Merton Chamber Voices.
Our students put in a lot of practice in class, out of class and after school.
Our students put in a lot of practice in class, out of class and after school.
Our Morris Hall Grammarians are constantly amazed by what they can learn and play in Music.
Singing and theatre performances are an important part of Music education at Morris Hall.
Our students put in a lot of practice in class, out of class and after school.
Our Morris Hall Grammarians are constantly amazed by what they can learn and play in Music.
Singing and theatre performances are an important part of Music education at Morris Hall.
Our String program begins with our Year 2/3 classes at Morris Hall. Although students have been singing in ensemble since Prep, and some students may already be having individual instrumental lessons, string classes are an introduction to working together in an instrumental ensemble. These lessons are an opportunity for students to apply musical concepts studied in the classroom and they allow them to experience the rigour of practice, the reward of skill acquisition, and the joy of group music making. Wildfell Strings, Stringcopation, Senior Strings and Orchestra are pathways at Merton Hall, as well as chamber music ensembles.
If they haven’t yet found their instrumental ‘match’, Wildfell students are encouraged to trial a new instrument as part of our Music Performance program in Years 5 and 6. Woodwind and brass instruments have pathways into Concert Band, Stage Band, Jazz ensembles and Orchestra. Years 5 and 6 students are also at a very suitable age to begin lessons on guitar or piano. Guitar Ensemble and Pianists Plus provide opportunities for these instrumentalists to develop their ensemble skills. Rock Band caters for contemporary vocalists and instrumentalists.
Our private music tuition program is delivered by a range of expert teachers, and includes all brass, woodwind and string instruments, piano, percussion, drumkit, electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, harp, voice and music theory.
Learning an instrument develops expressive skills and creativity. It extends and enriches all other learning. It requires self-discipline and persistence, but it becomes an important part of a student’s identity and wellbeing. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to individual music tuition. At MGGS, students are encouraged to find a pathway that is right for them. There are so many ways to connect with music and to be involved in one of our programs. Why and How are far more important than What. Above all else, students must have positive experiences, they must have very fine teachers who model excellence, and they must be given opportunities to extend their skills. In the classroom, in private music lessons and in the co-curricular program, these elements are highly valued and carefully planned.
Our String program begins with our Year 2/3 classes at Morris Hall. Although students have been singing in ensemble since Prep, and some students may already be having individual instrumental lessons, string classes are an introduction to working together in an instrumental ensemble. These lessons are an opportunity for students to apply musical concepts studied in the classroom and they allow them to experience the rigour of practice, the reward of skill acquisition, and the joy of group music making. Wildfell Strings, Stringcopation, Senior Strings and Orchestra are pathways at Merton Hall, as well as chamber music ensembles.
If they haven’t yet found their instrumental ‘match’, Wildfell students are encouraged to trial a new instrument as part of our Music Performance program in Years 5 and 6. Woodwind and brass instruments have pathways into Concert Band, Stage Band, Jazz ensembles and Orchestra. Years 5 and 6 students are also at a very suitable age to begin lessons on guitar or piano. Guitar Ensemble and Pianists Plus provide opportunities for these instrumentalists to develop their ensemble skills. Rock Band caters for contemporary vocalists and instrumentalists.
Our private music tuition program is delivered by a range of expert teachers, and includes all brass, woodwind and string instruments, piano, percussion, drumkit, electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, harp, voice and music theory.
Learning an instrument develops expressive skills and creativity. It extends and enriches all other learning. It requires self-discipline and persistence, but it becomes an important part of a student’s identity and wellbeing. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to individual music tuition. At MGGS, students are encouraged to find a pathway that is right for them. There are so many ways to connect with music and to be involved in one of our programs. Why and How are far more important than What. Above all else, students must have positive experiences, they must have very fine teachers who model excellence, and they must be given opportunities to extend their skills. In the classroom, in private music lessons and in the co-curricular program, these elements are highly valued and carefully planned.
Year 11 student Zara listens intently to the guidance of her percussion teacher, Will Larsen.
Year 11 student Zara listens intently to the guidance of her percussion teacher, Will Larsen.
Music Theory forms a key part of learning Music at MGGS.
Year 9 student Elektra shows Music is not all about playing instruments, using a computer to mix it to her liking.
Year 7 student Ariana plays the bassoon. Students can learn a variety of instruments.
Year 11 student Zara listens intently to the guidance of her percussion teacher, Will Larsen.
Music Theory forms a key part of learning Music at MGGS.
Year 9 student Elektra shows Music is not all about playing instruments, using a computer to mix it to her liking.
Year 7 student Ariana plays the bassoon. Students can learn a variety of instruments.
Our annual House Music competition at Merton Hall is where we see so much of this learning on display. It is a comprehensive festival of performances, with students competing across four categories: whole House choral (set song and own choice), a cappella vocal ensembles, large instrumental groups and chamber music. Student leaders are responsible for planning, rehearsing and directing each ensemble. The competition is hotly contested. After an absence of two years due to COVID, we are hopeful that House Music will return in its full capacity this year. With no recent competitions, it will also mean a very level playing field in terms of experience and momentum, perhaps similar to the very first competition held in 1990.
Other key performances in the Music calendar each year include the Morris Hall production (Seussical Kids in 2022), Morris Hall Performs, Merton Hall High Tea, our Annual School Concert, the Senior Years production (Matilda in 2022), Middle Years production (The Witches), Dark Arts, Speech Night and our annual carol services. Dates in between are taken up by a number of smaller, bespoke events and soirees, each one designed to develop performance skills but also share those skills with family and friends. We take the opportunity to work cross campus wherever possible so that Grammarians of all ages can share their knowledge, skills and expertise.
In the words of the inimitable musician, conductor and music educator, Richard Gill, - “Music is worth teaching for its own sake. It is worth teaching because it is good. It is worth teaching because it is unique. It is worth teaching because it empowers children spectacularly.” As teachers, we see this every day in the classroom, in instrumental and vocal lessons and in co-curricular activities. And best of all, music sparks joy. To contribute to the joy of learning music at MGGS is a pleasure and a privilege, and a tradition which we are very proud to uphold.
Our annual House Music competition at Merton Hall is where we see so much of this learning on display. It is a comprehensive festival of performances, with students competing across four categories: whole House choral (set song and own choice), a cappella vocal ensembles, large instrumental groups and chamber music. Student leaders are responsible for planning, rehearsing and directing each ensemble. The competition is hotly contested. After an absence of two years due to COVID, we are hopeful that House Music will return in its full capacity this year. With no recent competitions, it will also mean a very level playing field in terms of experience and momentum, perhaps similar to the very first competition held in 1990.
Other key performances in the Music calendar each year include the Morris Hall production (Seussical Kids in 2022), Morris Hall Performs, Merton Hall High Tea, our Annual School Concert, the Senior Years production (Matilda in 2022), Middle Years production (The Witches), Dark Arts, Speech Night and our annual carol services. Dates in between are taken up by a number of smaller, bespoke events and soirees, each one designed to develop performance skills but also share those skills with family and friends. We take the opportunity to work cross campus wherever possible so that Grammarians of all ages can share their knowledge, skills and expertise.
In the words of the inimitable musician, conductor and music educator, Richard Gill, - “Music is worth teaching for its own sake. It is worth teaching because it is good. It is worth teaching because it is unique. It is worth teaching because it empowers children spectacularly.” As teachers, we see this every day in the classroom, in instrumental and vocal lessons and in co-curricular activities. And best of all, music sparks joy. To contribute to the joy of learning music at MGGS is a pleasure and a privilege, and a tradition which we are very proud to uphold.
Our annual House Music competition at Merton Hall is where we see so much of this learning on display. It is a comprehensive festival of performances, with students competing across four categories: whole House choral (set song and own choice), a cappella vocal ensembles, large instrumental groups and chamber music. Student leaders are responsible for planning, rehearsing and directing each ensemble. The competition is hotly contested. After an absence of two years due to COVID, we are hopeful that House Music will return in its full capacity this year. With no recent competitions, it will also mean a very level playing field in terms of experience and momentum, perhaps similar to the very first competition held in 1990.
Other key performances in the Music calendar each year include the Morris Hall production (Seussical Kids in 2022), Morris Hall Performs, Merton Hall High Tea, our Annual School Concert, the Senior Years production (Matilda in 2022), Middle Years production (The Witches), Dark Arts, Speech Night and our annual carol services. Dates in between are taken up by a number of smaller, bespoke events and soirees, each one designed to develop performance skills but also share those skills with family and friends. We take the opportunity to work cross campus wherever possible so that Grammarians of all ages can share their knowledge, skills and expertise.
In the words of the inimitable musician, conductor and music educator, Richard Gill, - “Music is worth teaching for its own sake. It is worth teaching because it is good. It is worth teaching because it is unique. It is worth teaching because it empowers children spectacularly.” As teachers, we see this every day in the classroom, in instrumental and vocal lessons and in co-curricular activities. And best of all, music sparks joy. To contribute to the joy of learning music at MGGS is a pleasure and a privilege, and a tradition which we are very proud to uphold.
Year 11 student Zara listens intently to the guidance of her percussion teacher, Will Larsen.