Sale College Music Program

Instrumental Music lessons are available in Woodwind, Brass, Guitar, Percussion, Strings, Voice and Keyboard and there are opportunities for students to participate in one of the many Sale College bands & ensembles.

Music News

Click here to see a web gallery of images of the Big Band performing at the Paynesville Jazz Festival.

Classroom Music

All students in year 7 do 2 periods a week for a semester of classroom music.The music classroom has a keyboard lab where every student learns to play a keyboard. Each keyboard is fitted with headphones and is able to be linked with other students or the teacher. Students learn how to play on their own and in groups and learn a variety of songs from different styles and cultures. Students learn how to play basic chords on the guitar and ukuleles.

The classroom also is equipped with two state of the art ‘Jam Hubs’. These hubs are set up like a rock band. Each student has a set of headphones so they can make as much noise as they like. Students can form their own little rock bands and recreate their favourite rock or pop songs. This is all done within the classroom music program. Students can then elect to do classroom music in year 9 for a semester where they develop and expand on the skills they learnt in year 7 and can then choose an area of music they would like to learn more about. It is also offered as a subject at year 10.

We also offer VCE Music Performance as well as VET Music.

The Instrumental Music Program

The Instrumental Music Program offers all students the opportunity to learn an instrument and participate in our extensive ensemble program. Students receive an instrumental lesson for 35 minutes each week, usually in a small group. These lessons are free of charge, but there is a fee for being involved in the compulsory ensemble program. Some of the many benefits of learning an instrument include:

offers a unique form of self expression and creativity
develops self esteem and concentration
improves hand-eye coordination and reading skills
has been proved to increase academic ability
develops social and leadership skills
gives students the opportunity to mix across all year levels and with like minded students from other schools.

All students have the opportunity to learn music, as there are several school instruments available for hire or even loan, and bursaries can be offered to cover the music fees . Music staff will be happy to help with the purchase or hiring instruments .
All students take part in one or more of our ensembles, which perform at concerts, Eisteddfods and community events as well as tours. Students have the opportunity to play for fun, or to develop their skills to a high degree of performance, including VCE Music performance.

Sale College Ensemble Program

The Music Program has a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles for students to participate in. These ensembles include 2 Concert Bands, 2 Big Bands, Clarinet, Flute, Percussion, guitar and Brass ensembles as well as saxophone groups. There are Pop bands, Rock Bands and Improvisation groups. We have a Guitar ensemble as well as a Junior and Senior Vocal group and a String group.

The Concert Band, Big Band and String Group rehearse after school once a week, all other ensembles rehearse at lunch times.
Ensembles perform at school concerts, Eisteddfods and within the local community.

Specialist Teachers

At Sale College we have specialist teachers in the areas of Brass, Percussion , Guitar and Woodwind. We also have a private teacher who comes to the school to teach keyboard and singing.

Brett Glover - Woodwind and Ensemble director of various ensembles
Anthony Rickard - guitar and bass guitar, director of various small groups
Sallyanne Barclay - woodwind and director of the Senior Concert Band
Sarah Caddie - Brass
Donna Stemberger - Violin, Cello
Claire Cochrane - Woodwind and director of the Junior Concert Band
Jenny Schultz - keyboard and voice (private basis)

Instrumental Music Fees

Fees for the music program are necessary as the small amount of funding the program receives from the school would not provide all the resources we need.
However, no student is prevented from taking part in the music program because of financial difficulty. There are full bursaries available for students who show interest, so contact Sallyanne Barclay to discuss this further.
The fees are $100 for year 7 students, $150 for years 8 to 12 and $200 per family. Fees may be paid in instalments by arrangement with the front office.

Buying or Hiring Instruments

Students are required to provide their own instruments for their lessons. Instruments are available for purchase or hire from a reputable music store. Second hand and new instruments can also be found at local music shops, but PLEASE check with your instrumental teacher or the music coordinator BEFORE buying an instrument. There are many instruments available that will hinder the student rather than help them and will be a waste of money. There are a limited number of instruments available for hire from the school.