At Killarney Heights High School we offer a comprehensive music ensemble program, with many amazing opportunities throughout the year which will continue to develop, improve and inspire each student's musical passion, with a variety of music ensembles to suit every student's ability.
We currently offer 7 ensembles at the school, with over 100 students participating in a very active program. These ensembles are the symphonic wind ensemble, concert band, big band, stage band, two jazz combos and a clarinet ensemble. Each ensemble is taught by a professional musician or conductor, and rehearses in our custom built rehearsal space which features sound-proofing and recording facilities. Every band is given the opportunity to perform regularly at various events and competitions throughout the year. Students are always busy preparing for concerts and experiencing new and challenging music. It is expected that every student involved in our music ensembles program is undertaking weekly private lessons with an experienced, professional tutor (preferably a musically studied university graduate).
One of the most important aspects of our program is band camps and tours! These operate on a 3-year rotation. In the first year, all students attend an intensive band camp for 3 days. Professional tutors conduct workshops to develop balance and musicianship within each ensemble section. This culminates with the various ensembles showcasing their work over the duration of the camp and throughout the year.
The second-year students undertake a regional tour. They participate in workshops with other conductors, perform at other local schools as well as perform at a variety of community events. Students also have the opportunity to bond as a group during some fun non-musical activities throughout the tour.
The third year sees a combined ensemble touring overseas! Past tours have included New Zealand, Singapore, Europe and in 2017, Japan. This tour is open for audition to all students across all of our ensembles in the program, however, a high-playing standard and strong commitment are expected of all touring students.
Students in our junior ensembles generally undertake a short regional tour in the international touring year. Please take the time to explore this website, which will hopefully assist in answering any questions you may have. In particular, you can read more about each ensemble and its requirements under the 'ensembles' tab.
We look forward to welcoming you into the Killarney Heights High School music ensembles program. To find out more or to get in touch with our ensembles coordinator, please visit our music ensemble program page.
Music is taught at Killarney Heights High School from Years 7 to 12, providing students with a curriculum structure that is adaptable enough to meet the needs and abilities of students whose interests range from the broadly based to the pursuit of specialised musical knowledge and skills. Music in Years 7 and 8 is a mandatory course which covers a range of topics with a particular focus on Australian music and art music. Music as an elective in Years 9 and 10, provides students with opportunities to extend their musical knowledge and serve as a pathway for further formal study in music 1, music 2 and extension in Stage 6.
Performance opportunities exist for students ranging from in school recitals and concerts to community events, festivals and competitions. We encourage musicians to be involved in our variety of ensembles including concert band, stage band, chamber strings, guitar ensemble, sing NSW and wind ensemble. Students also have the opportunity to attend concert series at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Conservatorium and use facilities including the Australian Music Centre Library.
At Killarney Heights High School, students have the opportunity to use the latest technology to compose and record their own work using the keyboard lab fitted with 15 computers, MIDI keyboards, mixing hardware and software such as Audition, FL Studio, Sony Acid, and Sibelius.
The purpose of music 1 is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, understanding, and attitudes within a broad musical context, including contemporary popular music. Students will develop in each of the individual areas of performing, composing and listening.
The purpose of music 2 is to provide students with opportunities to extend their musical knowledge with a focus on western art music. It will serve as a pathway for further formal study in tertiary institutions or in fields that use their musical knowledge. Students who study music 2 are also eligible to study an extra unit for the HSC music extension course.