Music
Digital Technology
Students will learn skills in contemporary composition utilizing digital instruments, loops and samples to create a finalized project. Digital technology may include GarageBand, and various current music apps. The work will be done on Mac computers, and iPads. Composition techniques such as chord progressions, structure, musical layers and electronic sound design will be explored. The class covers a range of other related topics such as music technology and the use of recording and notation software.
Arranging and Notation Advanced
This subject is for those who have already studied Theory and Musicianship, or are taking elective music. The work will focus on developing an understanding of chords, and arrangement and transcription techniques, with a principal focus on developing the skills required for students to write their own chord charts and arrangements, for practical application in live performance. The skills developed in this class will allow students to write original songs, or create their own arrangements of songs.
Live Sound and Lighting Design
Students will learn to use the PA sound and lighting system in the APGS Hall. They will learn skills such as:
• Set up of microphones and amps, for instrumental and vocal performance.
• Adjustment of foldback and front of house sound
• Use of the sound desk
• Use of the lighting desk
• Managing balance of sound within live performance
• Lighting design
Percussion Company
The Percussion Company is a percussion ensemble for both drummers and non-drummers. If you can count to 4 and know your left hand from your right hand then you have all the tools we need. The class covers basic drumming technique, rhythm reading, to more advanced technique and rhythm for the drummers. The class culminates in an end of year showcase performance that never fails to disappoint. Previous years performances have included buckets, Japanese inspired taiko and tribal grooves.
Senior Music Company: Instrumental / Vocal
This is an advanced PA class for the most experienced instrumentalists and vocalists, who have demonstrated an outstanding level of technical skill and motivation. The format will be based on learning within an ensemble experience which may be flexible, and will vary according to the needs and strengths of current students. Students must apply and be selected for this advanced class.
Music Ensemble Skills: Instrumental / Vocal
This is a performance class, with a focus on developing the ensemble skills used in contemporary bands comprising drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, lead vocal and backing vocals. Students will be placed into ensembles with this structure, or similar – to workshop, rehearse and prepare performances.
Instrumental Skills
This is a performance skills class for instrumentalists (not vocalists).
Students will work towards specific performances within small ensembles, under the guidance of the tutor. The classes will concentrate on consolidating technical and musical skills required for ensemble performance.
Students will be assigned performance projects, and will be expected to practice their assignments between classes, to come to class prepared to perform. The repertoire will be determined by the tutor in consultation with students to allow for student input.
Solo Vocal Technique and Performance Skills
Students will focus on developing vocal approaches to suit the demands of contemporary singers –as well as performance practice, stagecraft and microphone technique and preparation for performance in organising accompaniment options. Students will need to perform as a soloist for this class.
Students will explore and perform vocal techniques associated with the unique demands of different vocal styles such as jazz vocals, and pop and rock genres such as R’n’B, soul and Country. They will explore from a vocalists perspective, the vocal styling and nuances of these styles and how these styles are technically approached.
Vocal Ensemble
Vocals – small ensemble performance
This class is performance based, with a focus on duo/trio/quartet and small ensemble performance. This class will be focused on performances in APGS Showcases and other performance opportunities.
Performance skills - both technical and artistic, along with performance etiquette will be refined. Students will be required to perform as a whole company and in a duo/trio/quartet or small ensemble, and have the desire to perform at APGS Showcases.
