Music Program
The music program at Governor Stirling SHS consists of a classroom and an instrumental component. In year eight, the music program runs all year as opposed to semester option units in which students get a taste of drama, art, manual arts, cooking, and information technology. The classroom focus for years eight to twelve is on playing and creating music while building a solid theoretical background. The school currently offers WACE stage 2 and 3 for years eleven and twelve, for which students must have previous class and instrumental experience.
Prospective year eight students need to apply to join the music program. Auditions/interviews are conducted in term four each year, and selection is based on performance as well as attitude. Beginners are welcome to apply. Students may apply beyond year eight but acceptance is dependant on the availability of teachers.
Instrumental students leave class to attend lessons given by peripatetic teachers from the School of Instrumental Music (SIM). In year eight, tuition on the following instruments is available for both ongoing and beginning students:
- Classical guitar
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Electric guitar
- Bass guitar
- Drum kit/percussion
- Voice
The co-curricular performance program consists of the classical guitar ensemble, the vocal ensemble, the concert band, and the soul/rock band. Students are expected to join at least one of the performing ensembles when they have reached a certain level, and are required to rehearse weekly either before or after school. Students must be available for performance commitments throughout the year. These include year-group concerts, the primary schools tour and the annual end-of-year music concert. There are also various other performances specific to each ensemble. Music camp is held in alternate years, often in collaboration with other school ensembles. Past destinations have been Broome, Albany and New Norcia.
UPDATED: December 2011