Ensemble Program

McClelland College offers an extensive ensemble program catering for a wide range of musical interests and abilities. Making music together helps students develop their playing and singing skills, musicianship, listening and rhythmic accuracy. Through rehearsals and performances, students build confidence, form friendships, learn to work as a team and contribute to the cultural life of the College.

We’re excited to make music with our students and share the adventure ahead! Learning an instrument and mastering a solo are rewarding experiences, but there’s something special about playing alongside other musicians—hearing the different parts come together and discovering what we can achieve as a group. Whether students are joining their first ensemble or taking on a new challenge, every musician has a part to play!

Core Ensembles

Core ensembles are the foundation of the Music Program. Students enrolled in the Instrumental Music Program are required to participate in an appropriate core ensemble for each instrument they learn at the College. Vocal students participate in Choir. Beginners will be advised when they are ready to join.

Our core ensembles include:

• Junior Band: Introduces woodwind, brass and percussion students to playing together, following a conductor and preparing for their first performances.

• Intermediate Band: Builds on early band experience through more challenging music, sight-reading and greater musical independence.

• Concert Band: Brings experienced woodwind, brass and percussion students together as the College’s main representative band.

• String Ensemble: Brings violin, viola, cello and double bass students together across experience levels, with senior musicians supporting younger players.

• Choir: Develops vocal technique, harmony, listening and performance skills. Choir welcomes students undertaking vocal tuition and other students interested in singing. It also joins Concert Band for events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Students in the Strings Attached program participate in the core ensemble connected to their paired brass, woodwind or orchestral string instrument. Guitar students also participate in Guitar Ensemble.

Any alternative to the core ensemble requirement must be approved by the Head of Music.

Instrument Balance

An ensemble needs a balanced combination of instruments to create its complete sound. Lower, middle and higher-pitched instruments contribute different musical roles, including melody, harmony, rhythm and bass.

Like a football team, an ensemble needs players in different positions. Every section matters, and a strong ensemble depends on students valuing their own contribution and those of others.

Music staff consider this balance when allocating instruments, so a student’s first preference cannot always be guaranteed. Places may be limited, particularly on saxophone, guitar, voice and percussion. Where an instrument is oversubscribed, students may be encouraged to explore another instrument that offers meaningful learning and performance opportunities.

Extension and Chamber Ensembles

Extension ensembles offer opportunities to explore different styles and develop greater musical independence. Chamber ensembles provide experience in smaller groups, where students take greater responsibility for their individual parts and learn to listen closely to one another.

Groups may include:

• Stage Band

• Flute Group

• Clarinet Ensemble

• Saxophone Ensemble

• Brass Ensemble

• Percussion Ensemble

• Guitar Ensemble

• string quartets

• contemporary and vocal groups.

Guitar Ensemble develops notation and rhythm-reading skills through music in a variety of styles.

Available groups depend on student numbers, instrumentation, staffing and program needs. These groups complement core ensemble participation. Students may join several ensembles provided they can meet each group’s rehearsal and performance commitments.

Placement and Progression

Music staff determine ensemble placement according to students’ ability, readiness, preparation and the musical needs of each group. Auditions or playing assessments may be used where appropriate.

Progression is based on demonstrated readiness rather than year level alone. Students develop at different rates, and spending more than one year in an ensemble is a normal and valuable part of learning.

Ensemble members are generally expected to undertake instrumental or vocal tuition to support their progress.

Concert Band Readiness

Concert Band requires sustained commitment, secure playing skills and increasing musical independence. Students are expected to:

• demonstrate a positive attitude towards their peers, director and repertoire

• attend lessons, rehearsals and required performances consistently

• prepare their parts and apply feedback

• develop the technical skills needed for the repertoire, including relevant scales, arpeggios, fingerings or percussion rudiments

• contribute confidently while listening and responding to the ensemble

• model teamwork, responsibility and encouragement within their section.

Music staff will guide students towards these expectations and determine when they are ready to progress.

Parts, Seating and Section Leaders

Ensemble directors allocate parts and seating according to the repertoire, students’ learning needs and ensemble balance.

Every part matters. First, second and third parts have different musical roles and are not simply rankings of players. Allocations may change throughout the year to support learning and meet the needs of the music.

Section leaders may be appointed to model good preparation, encourage other students and assist with music organisation and sectional rehearsals under staff guidance.

Sectionals

Sectionals are rehearsals for students performing related parts or playing instruments from the same family. They provide focused time to develop accuracy, rhythm, tuning, phrasing and coordination.

Sectionals may be led by Music staff or an approved student leader under staff guidance. The same attendance and preparation expectations apply as for full rehearsals.

Attendance and Commitment

Members are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals and required performances. These may take place before school, at lunchtime, after school or outside normal school hours.

Students should plan routine activities around their ensemble commitments and raise clashes with other College activities early so staff can coordinate arrangements.

For a planned absence, the student, parent or carer must notify the ensemble director beforehand, giving as much notice as possible. Unexpected illness, emergencies or other unavoidable absences should be reported as soon as practicable.

Students who are absent from the College because of illness are not expected to attend a Music Program activity that day.

Attendance concerns will be managed through the Music Program’s attendance process, with consideration given to individual circumstances and support needs.

Rehearsal Expectations

Students are expected to:

• arrive early enough to unpack, set up and be ready at the scheduled start

• bring their instrument and required accessories, where applicable

• bring ensemble music in a folder and a pencil

• follow the director’s instructions and treat others respectfully

• practise their parts between rehearsals and apply feedback

• take ensemble music to instrumental or singing lessons for assistance

• keep music organised and return borrowed parts when requested

• help pack up and leave rehearsal spaces tidy.

Rehearsals bring individual preparation together so the group can develop its timing, balance, expression and shared sound. Students do not need to arrive with everything perfect, but they do need to make an effort to prepare.

Food, chewing gum and soft drinks are not permitted in rehearsal spaces. Water bottles must be kept securely away from instruments, music and equipment.

Performances and Communication

Our ensembles represent McClelland College at concerts, assemblies, ceremonies and community events. Performances give students opportunities to celebrate their progress, contribute to College life and share their music with an audience.

Students and families must check Compass and the Music Program calendar regularly for rehearsal schedules, performance details and updates.

Questions about membership, placement or participation should be directed to the ensemble director, instrumental or vocal teacher, or Head of Music.

Every musician matters. The more we prepare and support each other, the more we can achieve together.