MUSIC

Master-in-Charge Mr Philip Pratt (Director of Music)

Master of Chapel Music Mr Timothy Chung

Head of Music (Curriculum) Mr Robert Prero
Head of Strings Mrs Julie Cunéo
Co-ordinator of Junior School Music Mr Peter Fox

Director of Preparatory School Music Mrs Sheryl Southwood

Master of Chamber Music Mr Ronald Thomas

Band Master Mr Christopher Aschman

Captain of Music (Joint) Nathaniel Kong (12Ta), Harry Constantin (12Ta)

Music Vice-Captain Joshua Cutrupi (12La)

Music Vice-Captain Edwards Morris(12Sc)
Music Vice-Captain Alexander Smith (12St)
Captain of Bands Joshua Cutrupi (12La)

Vice Captain of Bands Charles Foster-Anderson (12Yo), Stuart Ryan (12Ta)

Captain of Orchestras Edward Morris (12Sc)
Vice Captain of Orchestras Thomas Blaxland (12Ar), Kagan Dokumcu (12Du)
Captain of Choirs Harry Constantin (12Ta)
Vice Captain of Choirs Alexander Wigzell (12Du)
Senior Chorister Michael Bale (12Yo)
Captain of SinfoniettaC Geoffrey Zhu (12WH)
Vice-Captain of Sinfonietta Joseph Pizzolato (12Yo)

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”. The Trinity Grammar School Music Groups include:

All students having instrumental tuition, or studying music as an elective subject, are expected to be in at least one of these groups.

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.

REHEARSAL 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 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

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, but, when this is not possible or notice is too short, leave may not be granted.

Chapel Choir
The task of the Choir is to present music of the finest quality in the Chapel. Thus music of the Choir is a devotional offering to the Almighty. The boys selected for this Choir should regard their task as a privilege and an opportunity to derive a spiritual experience as they sing the fine music of the Anglican tradition, which is our heritage, and is second to none in the Christian Church. As an affiliated Choir of the Royal School of Church Music we admit to the R.S.C.M. after a period of probation. All boys in Year 7 will have their voices tested within the first few weeks of the School year. Weddings often need a small Choir. Boys from the Chapel Choir are paid a small fee for this service. . In 2005 the Choir were a part of the Student Chorus Festival in China and performed at the opening in the Concert Hall in Shanghai.

Trinity Canticus
This group serves as the foundation of the Choral Programme at Trinity. It is a large auditioned Choir of treble voices consisting of boys from Years 7, 8 and 9. The Choir performs in its own right, as well as augmenting the Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum for large choral works. The voice training and proper vocal development are the focus of this group.

Schola Cantorum
This Choir is open to all boys with broken voices. It performs throughout the year with other choirs within Trinity, as well as major community based events, such as the Proms at Taronga Zoo. Collaboration with sopranos and altos from girls’ schools is also a special feature of the Schola Cantorum. In 2002 Schola Cantorum joined with MLC School in a Centenary Federation Project, performing at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, and Blackwell Hall, Blacktown; Richard Gill conducted the workshops and concerts in which works by six Australian composers were performed and a Centenary CD and DVD were produced and are available from the Australian Music Centre. Trinity received acknowledgement for their excellence in performance at the 2003 Australian Classical Music Awards.

Trinity Chorale
On a number of occasions in recent concerts a large choral item has been a feature of the evening. The Chorale has often opened its doors for parents and friends to have sufficient voices to perform large choral works. Most recently it was a combination of all the choirs from Senior, Preparatory and Junior Schools that formed the Chorale to perform The Coronation Mass by Mozart.

The Symphonic Wind Band
The Band comprises boys from Years 7-12 whose ages range from 12-18, playing an extensive repertoire encompassing musical styles from classical to rock. The Band has undertaken successful concert tours throughout Australia and abroad. In 1998 the Band toured the USA, and while there was featured on National Television. Over the years the Band has developed its own concert repertoire and is well-known throughout the Sydney area as one of the finest school concert bands in New South Wales. Under the direction of conductor Mr Philip Pratt, in 2000 the Band were placed first in the National Eisteddfod.

The Marching Band
This band, which has been in existence since 1952, operates in conjunction with the Symphonic Wind Band, in which capacity it marches on Anzac Day Parades, the Cadet Passing-out Parade and is often featured during home C.A.S. sporting fixtures. The major rehearsal period is during term 3 when Symphonic Wind Band rehearsals are used for the Marching Band. All boys in the Symphonic Wind Band are expected to take part in the Marching Band music rehearsals, however, the places for marching are limited and not all students will be required to march.

A boy has the opportunity to be in both the Symphonic Wind Band and/or the Marching Band. Band Colours may be awarded for their contribution to one or the other, generally not both bands. In extreme cases a recommendation, through the Director of Music, may be made to the Head Master to consider colours for a students outstanding contribution above and beyond normal expectations to both bands, in such cases they will have the wording Band 2006 as well as Marching Band 2006.

The senior band programme will therefore run on a seasonal basis. The Symphonic Wind Band will have priority during the year leading up to the Gala Concert. The Marching Band will assume priority after the Festival of Arts and focus from that point in term 2 through to the conclusion of term 4. It is anticipated that the Marching Band will be required to perform during the winter season at the Home Games, Cadets Ceremonial Parade and the Fete. In addition to this some additional preparation time for the Anzac Day Parade will be provided. Rehearsals for both the Symphonic Wind Band and the Marching Band will generally be held on Wednesday afternoons throughout the year.

Big Band
The Trinity Grammar School Big Band is an extension group for boys who are members of the Symphonic Wind Band. The group plays a wide range of repertoire ranging from 1940s Swing through to modern arrangements of Rock, Blues and Funk. The Big Band is one of Trinity's premiere ensembles, and the performance expectations of the boys who are selected for this ensemble are high.

The Concert Band
This band is for boys at an intermediate stage who play woodwind, brass percussion instruments. During the year it performs at school functions and studio concerts. As a training ground for ensemble skills, the ensemble plays an eclectic range of music, designed to provide both challenges and enjoyment.

The Junior Concert Band
The Junior Concert Band consists of Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and Guitar students from Year 7 to Year 9. This band is mainly for beginner to intermediate level music students and the repertoire ranges from short well-known classical pieces to popular and Jazz pieces. The Junior Concert Band performs at the Woodwind Department Evening Concerts, Trinity Arts Festival and other School functions as required.

The Symphony Orchestra
The largest musical ensemble in the School is the Symphony Orchestra. Trinity Grammar School is one of very few Schools in Australia who are able to have a fully functional Symphony Orchestra. The versatility of the Orchestra’s playing is reflected in the variety included in their performance repertoire, which has included backing a rock band, performing to an audience in excess of 20,000 people for the 1998 Countdown 2000 Youth Alive Concert at Parramatta Stadium. In 2000 and 2001 the Symphony Orchestra were awarded first place in the Australian National Eisteddfod in Canberra. In 2002 the Symphony Orchestra joined with MLC School in a Centenary Federation Project, at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, and Blackwell Hall, Blacktown; Richard Gill conducted the workshops and concerts in which works by six Australian composers were performed and a entenary CD and DVD were produced and are available from the Australian Music Centre. Trinity received acknowledgement for their excellence in performance at the 2003 Australian Classical Music Awards.

The Sinfonietta
This is an elite group of auditioned players who are of 6th grade to A.Mus.A. standard. The group consists of more advanced players who rehearse for one hour a week. The Sinfonietta plays a major role in School concerts, functions, festivals and community performances. The expectation of the Sinfonietta is to perform music of the highest quality and to engage in masterclasses and performances with well-known professionals.

The Intermediate String Orchestra
The Intermediate String Orchestra is for all string players who aspire to perform in the Symphony Orchestra. This Orchestra rehearses and performs at concerts within the School. It comprises of string students from Year 5 to Year 10. Weekly rehearsals are held for one hour and twenty minutes and the repertoire ranges from typical classical pieces to film and contemporary pieces. The Intermediate String Orchestra performs at String Department Studio Concerts, Middle School Head Master’s Assemblies, Trinity Arts Festival and other School functions as required. This orchestra is a training orchestra for the Symphony Orchestra and therefore the instrumental standards range from students who have learnt for a few years to those who have attained 4th Grade A.M.E.B.

Percussion Ensembles I and II
These ensembles are for students who learn Percussion Instruments. To enter these groups boys need to have a basic reading ability on snare drum and tuned percussion. The groups are ability graded Beginner ensembles are shown the basics of technique and performance i.e. sight-reading both melody and rhythm, and playing in time and with musical sensitivity. These skills are then applied to a range of pieces.

Guitar Ensembles Senior and Intermediate
These ensembles enable guitar students to perform a variety of styles of music from Mozart to Rock and pop styles. These groups are ability graded. Beginner ensembles are shown the basics of guitar playing i.e. sight-reading both melody and chords, and playing both in time and in tune. These skills are then applied to a range of pieces, arranged for up to four acoustic guitars, bass and drums. As the students develop their skills they are given the opportunity to choose material for the group, learn to improvise, and in the senior groups use electric guitars.

Chamber Music and Smaller Ensembles
Chamber music is an integral part of any young performer's musical growth. Accordingly, many string, wind and brass ensembles meet regularly under specialist tuition and perform informally, in major school concerts and at various venues outside Trinity Grammar School. Our most prominent ensemble in this regard is the Senior String Quartet.

We are continually encouraging all students to work in small ability graded ensembles, the ensembles can be created from the same family of instruments or can be mixed instrument ensembles, depending on the available students. Boys are also encouraged to form and rehearse ensembles on their own initiative as this fosters a broader range of skills, musical and non-musical, which are needed for the practising musician. This experience enables students to take on musical responsibility at an early age. The Chamber Music progamme is closely linked to the class music curriculum and many elective music classes have resident ensembles.

Vivaldi Strings
Violin, viola and cello students from Year 4 to 6 who range in level from beginners to Grade 5 A.M.E.B. standard can be involved in this ensemble. Repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary jazz pieces. This ensemble rehearses for one lesson per week during class time.

Junior School Concert Band
The Junior School Concert Band was formed in 2003 to cater for students who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. This ensemble caters for students who have only been learning for a few months through to Grade 4 A.M.E.B. standards. This ensemble rehearses for one lesson per week during class time.

Junior School Choir
Since 2002 the Junior School Choir has grown from strength to strength under the direction of Mrs Narelle Hissey. Students from Year 3 to 6 are eligible to audition for the choir that rehearses for 50 minutes each week on a Wednesday morning. The repertoire of the choir ranges from traditional folksongs to modern fun pieces.

The Trinity Singers
The Trinity Singers are an auditioned choral group of excellence at the Preparatory School and is the premiere performing musical group in the Preparatory School. The Trinity Singers have achieved an enviable reputation among the Independent Schools' community and are regarded as one of the leading boys choirs in Australia. They are regularly invited to perform at festivals, concerts and various charity and community events. Over the years they have performed at all the major venues in Sydney including the Opera House, Town Hall and Entertainment Centre. In 1997 the Singers were invited to perform with two visiting choirs from Japan in a cultural exchange concert in the Opera House. The Singers have made four recordings so far, the last being a CD and are conducted by Mr James Southwood.

Preparatory School Instrumental Ensembles
There are several groups in which boys can be involved. We welcome not only boys who learn at School but also any who learn outside School to join some of these ensembles.

Possible options are:

1. The Chamber Orchestra – our senior group Tuesdays 7.45 - 8.30am.
2. The String Orchestra – Fridays 3.00-4.00pm.
3. Year Ensembles (Years 3-6). These occur during the appropriate Year group Singing lesson.
4. Studio Teachers' Ensembles – These are only for boys who learn at School.
5. Concert Band – Tuesday 3.00-4.15 pm.
6. Training Band – Tuesday 3.00-4.15 pm.

Rehearsal Details:
Boys are to consult the Music Noticeboard for Music rehearsal days and times.

For more information please click here to go to the Trinity Music Site.