Teacher Information and Application Form Instrumental Music Program 2015 / 2016
About the Instrumental Music Program Multiple studies have shown that learning a musical instrument is one of the most beneficial activities a child can do. While stimulating brain activity, it teaches commitment and perseverance, while still being rewarding and fun. At Genesis Christian College we provide a quality instrumental music program to enhance the overall education of students. Experienced instrumental teachers provide lessons in: Piano Orchestral percussion and drum kit Brass (trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium and tuba) Woodwind (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone and bassoon) Strings (violin, viola, cello and double bass) Guitar (acoustic, electric and bass) Singing Music theory is also offered either as part of the instrumental lesson, or as a subject in its own right. Students who learn a band or orchestral instrument are encouraged to participate in one of the College s ensembles or choirs when they have reached the required standard. Students who participate in the music program attend timetabled lessons and rehearsals and perform for the College when required. It is important that children are physically capable of playing their chosen instrument and have a certain level of maturity to take on the responsibility of owning/hiring an instrument. Students need to commit to regular practise at home to improve their skills. Whilst an instrument may be learnt at any age, it is not beneficial for students to begin lessons too early. The following is a guide to the earliest recommended starting ages: Piano... Year 2 Orchestral Strings... Year 2 Guitar... Year 2 Brass/Woodwind... Year 4 Voice... Year 2 Percussion... Year 2 Music Theory... Year 4 All lessons are for half an hour and are attended weekly. Lessons are scheduled and billed on a whole term basis which will vary according to the length of the school term. Lesson times are set for the term so that students become accustomed to their regular weekly time-slot. Times are changed for each new term. Group lessons of two or three students are available for guitar, strings, woodwind, brass, percussion and voice. Group lessons are not available for piano. A reduced fee applies for group lessons. Teachers will place students in a group with others of around the same age and ability. Group placement is at the discretion of the teacher and is not
always possible. When enrolled for a group lesson, the student is committed to remain with that group for the entirety of the term. Parents will be billed directly by the teachers at the start of each term. For information on fees, please read the Fee Schedule in this brochure. If a student is not continuing lessons, the teacher must be notified in writing at least 2 weeks prior to end of current term. Failure to give notice within these guidelines will result in a full term s fees being charged in lieu. To provide your child with the opportunity to participate in this enriching program, please complete the enrolment form at the end of this brochure and return to Main Reception. Instrumental Music program opportunities The Instrumental Music program provides specialised training and performance opportunities on a variety of instruments as well as vocally. Students perform on Mother s Day, Grandparent s Day and yearly instrumental recitals. Year 6 students progressing into the Middle School have the opportunity to continue their involvement with String Ensemble, String Quartet, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble, including being able to join the Chapel Band. Year 3 Strings Program Students are selected by aptitude as to their suitability to this program. Year 4 Brass and Woodwind Program Students, selected by aptitude, are offered free group lessons with a specialist teacher. This is a free program except for instrument hire, which is to be covered by parents. Important Note: Bands and Ensembles - it is an expectation that students involved in band or orchestral ensembles are in ongoing instrumental music lessons, either internal or external to the school. Bands Primary Concert Band - Year 5 and 6 students Secondary Concert Band Jazz Band (Secondary School) Ensembles Guitar - Junior and Senior Strings - Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Quartet Percussion Recorder Choirs Lower Primary Upper Primary Events Choir Contacts For more information please call the College on 3882 9000; or email: Instrumental Music Co-ordinator Mrs Vicki Cooney v.cooney@genesis.qld.edu.au Head of Music and Music Performance Mr Steven Hannah s.hannah@genesis.qld.edu.au
Instrumental Music Teachers Woodwind Matthew Hobbs Clarinet and Saxophone Mr Hobbs has completed a Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where he studied clarinet, pedagogy and instrumental conducting. Mr Hobbs has also completed his Graduate Diploma in Education. He has been teaching various woodwind instruments privately and in music schools for 8 years and currently assists with the woodwind students in our year 5 band program. Marta Preston Flute, Oboe and Bassoon Mrs Preston, with a Bachelor of Music and A.Mus in Flute Performance, has joined our Instrumental Music Program at Genesis. Mrs Preston not only brings a wealth of experience and skill as a specialist flute teacher, but also as a teacher of bassoon and oboe. Strings Graham Ashton Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass Mr Ashton has had over 30 years of string teaching experience, graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Music Honours Degree majoring in violin performance and a Diploma of Education. He is currently half way through a Research Masters studying Group String Pedagogy. Mr Ashton conducts the Senior Genesis String Ensemble and String Quartet as well as overseeing the highly successful year 3 string program. Emily Ashton Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass Miss Ashton is currently in her 3rd year studying a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Instrumental education, at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. She has been awarded both A.Mus and L.Mus on violin and conducts the Genesis Intermediate String Ensemble as well as teaching many of our younger string students. Brass Rowan Yates Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba Mr Yates completed his Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has taught at a number of private schools. Mr Yates performs as a full time member of the Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band, along with occasional work as a soloist with various community orchestras and assists with the brass students in our year 5 band program. Percussion Alice Emor-Kan Orchestral Percussion (tuned and untuned) and Drum Kit Mrs Emor-Kan completed her Bachelor of Music (Performance) in Western Australia, with Post-Graduate studies in The Netherlands involving orchestral performance, marimba studies, baroque timpani, african drumming and ensemble performance. Curently studying a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Emor-Kan has taught at various schools and community music groups and conducts the Genesis Percussion Ensemble.
Dale Voss Guitar and Drum Kit Mr Voss has many years experience as a professional musician, music teacher, singer and songwriter. He specialises in teaching acoustic, electric and bass guitar as well as drum kit. Guitar Peter Howlett Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitar Mr Howlett has been teaching guitar at Genesis since 1998, and has over 22 years of teaching experience. He divides his time between teaching at schools, his successful private studio and as Worship Pastor at his church. He has been playing guitar for over 28 years and has featured on several CDs as well as releasing his own solo guitar album. He has had the privilege of touring in many countries including the USA, Africa, India, Asia and Australia. Mr Howlett has also produced many albums and has vast experience in studio production and live sound. He is responsible for the training of our guitar ensemble. sung on many CDs. With a background in classroom teaching, running Chapel band and Choir, she is also currently managing her private vocal studio specialising in contemporary singing styles. Piano Vicki Cooney Mrs Cooney has been teaching piano privately for over 30 years. She has been awarded A.Mus. in performance (piano) and ATCL and LTCL (piano teaching diplomas through the Trinity College of London). Mrs Cooney currently teaches in her busy private studio as well as teaching piano and coordinating the Instrumental Music Program here at Genesis. Louise Camilleri Mrs Camilleri has a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Music and a Graduate Diploma in Education. She has taught piano for over 20 years, teaching most musical styles and preparing students for AMEB exams. Voice Chrioni Hickson Mrs Hickson brings to us her vast and varied experience both as a teacher and musician. She has completed a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Creative Industries Drama and is currently studying her Masters in Music Studies (Vocal Pedagogy), having completed a Certificate in Music Studies. Mrs Hickson is the worship pastor in her church and has
Fee Schedule Payment must be received within 14 days from the invoice being issued. Failure to pay by this date may mean termination of lessons until payment is received or parent has communicated directly with the teacher regarding an alternate payment plan. If a student misses one or more lessons due to late payment of fees, the teacher is under no obligation to make up these lessons. Notification of cessation of lessons must be given 2 weeks prior to end of term. Mid-term cancellations are not permitted. Individual Lessons $34.00 per half hour lesson Group Lessons Two students - $22.00 per lesson each Three or more students - $15.00 per lesson each Instrumental Hire Scheme There are a range of instruments available for hire through the College at very competitive rates. The purpose of the Hire Scheme is to provide parents with a less expensive start to instrumental learning. Instruments may be hired for one year after which parents are encouraged to buy their own instrument. Hire forms are available from Main Reception with the Hire Fee Schedule. It is recommended to consult with the instrumental teacher before buying any instruments. Please check with the teacher about the availability of instruments prior to paying the hire fee. Terms and Conditions 24 hours notice is required where student absence is foreknown, so that an alternative time may be arranged. If a student is unable to attend their lesson due to sudden illness or unexpected absence, the teacher must be phoned directly by 8.00am or a makeup lesson will not be given. An email on the day is not acceptable notice, as teachers may be in lessons and not able to check email. Students who do not attend their lesson without appropriate notice being given, will not receive a makeup lesson or credit for the missed lesson. The College is not responsible for notifying the instrumental teachers regarding student absences. When due to the teacher s absence, missed lessons will be made up or credited off the next term s invoice. Genesis Christian College 12-16 Youngs Crossing Rd Bray Park Qld 4500 t 3882 9000 f 3882 1581 e admin@genesis.qld.edu.au w www.genesis.qld.edu.au
Instrumental Music Enrolment Form Please complete and return this form to Main Reception Date... Student Name... Date of Birth... Class... Parent Name... Phone... Mobile... Email... Preferred lesson (tick one): Individual Group Preferred lesson time (tick one): Before school First/Second Break During school hours After school First preference is given to Senior students. Which instrument?... Would you need to hire? Yes No Previous musical experience? Yes No Billing Details: Name of Fee Recipient... Billing Email... I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions. Signature of Parent/Guardian:...
Learning a musical instrument stimulates brain activity, teaches commitment and perseverance, and is rewarding and fun!