Trinity Grammar School is renowned for its encouragement of music. The Music Department has one of the most dynamic and impressive Performance programmes both in New South Wales and Australia and, in terms of student participation, is one of the most comprehensive.

A large number of performing groups rehearse within the Music Department each week. Some of these groups rehearse throughout the year while others meet for defined “rehearsal seasons”. In line with their high standard of performances, the School’s leading musical ensembles are often invited to perform in the wider community and also engage in tours within Australia and overseas. The Trinity Grammar School Music Groups include:

Instrumental groups - the main audition period for boys in years 8-12 is the first four weeks of term four when rehearsal time is used for auditioning. New boys to the School can apply for an audition at anytime during the year although we encourage all year 7’s to audition in the first two weeks of February.

Choral groups - the main audition period for all years 7-12 is during the first two weeks in February. New boys to the School can apply for an audition at anytime during the year, this also applies to boys who want to change choirs as a result of their voice changing.

Audition requirements - At the audition every boy in every group must play or sing a solo. Instrumentalists for senior groups will also be expected to attempt a sight-reading exercise and will be provided with a list of scales to prepare prior to the audition.

EXPECTATIONS
Rehearsals for all instrumental ensembles will be begin as soon as possible to the times stated in the rehearsal schedule. Students are expected to arrive promptly, setup and tune so that valuable time is not wasted. When the conductor or director of the ensemble is ready to start everybody must give their full attention to the rehearsal.

Persistent lateness, poor attendance and a general lack of commitment will result in the students position being reviewed and possibly losing their place in the ensemble.

Often rehearsals have other staff members attending, who assist in the production of an effective rehearsal. Some staff come to specifically look after administration, while others are on hand to assist students who might be experiencing difficulty.

Students are expected to practise the music in between rehearsals, so that valuable time in rehearsals is not wasted learning the notes. Rehearsals are for conductors to interpret the style, improve student musicality and pay attention to balance.

Students are required to take their ensemble music to their instrumental lessons and get help in their practise and preparation from their teacher.

Student absences from a rehearsal
As with other areas of the school, common courtesy prevails. When students are aware in advance that they are unable to attend a rehearsal a letter in writing from the parent/guardian, should be given to the teacher in charge of the activity at least two or more days before the rehearsal.

Essential items to bring to rehearsals:

· Instrument
· Any necessary accessories eg mutes
· A pencil
· Music in a folder
· Neat personal appearance
· Positive attitude

Concert Expectations
It goes without saying that all boys in an ensemble are expected to attend all performances that the ensemble performs in. Sometimes this is not possible and on these rare occasions students must request leave in writing from their parents to the Director of Music well before the performance is due to take place. The Director of Music will attempt to get another student to cover for you, however, when this is not possible or notice is too short, leave may not be granted.