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Music at Calrossy is more than a subject—it’s a vibrant and inclusive community where students are encouraged to dream big and let their talents shine.
From Prep to Year 12, music at Calrossy is a journey of discovery, growth, and joy. Whether performing for peers, competing at eisteddfods, or simply sharing their love of music, Calrossy students benefit from a program that fosters confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
“Music education plays a vital role in children's development. It enhances cognitive abilities, fosters creativity, and improves social skills. Engaging in music helps students develop discipline, patience, and perseverance. It also provides a means for emotional expression and can boost self-esteem,” says our Director of Music, Mrs Naomi Turner.
Calrossy’s Music Department is dedicated to creating a dynamic and supportive environment for students of all abilities, from beginners to developing and skilled musicians. From the Junior School, where practical music skills are introduced, to the Secondary School, which offers advanced studies, the program emphasises the importance of music in holistic education.
At Calrossy, the Kodály method forms the foundation of our Music Department's teaching from Prep to Year 12. This world-renowned approach introduces children to musical concepts through immersive experiences like listening, singing, and movement. Once students are familiar with a concept, they progress to notating it, following a natural learning sequence similar to methods like Suzuki. Musical understanding is continuously reinforced through engaging activities such as games, songs, and exercises, making learning interactive and enjoyable. This method nurtures creativity, confidence, and a deep appreciation for music, aligning seamlessly with Calrossy’s commitment to holistic education and Christian values.
Performance opportunities, such as participation in choirs, bands, and ensembles, allow students to showcase their talents and build confidence. Events like the annual Performing Arts Evening and participation in local eisteddfods provide platforms for students to share their love of music with the community
Junior School: Building Foundations in Music
In the Junior School, the focus is on fostering a love for music and building practical skills. From their earliest years, students engage in weekly music classes led by specialist music teachers. These sessions introduce the fundamentals of music, from rhythm and melody to styles and history, all in a fun and supportive environment.
Beginning in Year 3, students have the chance to learn instruments through small group tutorials, selecting from violin, cello, trumpet, flute, clarinet, guitar, piano, and more. Performance is a cornerstone of the program, with students participating in choirs, the Junior Concert Band, and other ensembles.
Performance opportunities abound, including local eisteddfods, lunchtime concerts, and the annual Performing Arts Evening in Term 4, a spectacular event where students from Prep to Year 6 showcase their talents. The biennial Junior School musical is another highlight, involving all students from Prep to Year 6 in a collaborative production.
Secondary School: Excellence and Exploration
The Secondary School Music program caters to a wide range of abilities, from beginners (new Secondary students to Calrossy) in Year 7 to advanced HSC students studying Music 2 and Extension. In 2024, a dedicated team of 10 specialist music teachers guided students through a rich curriculum emphasising practical skills, music history, composition, and aural training.
Year 7 and 8 students honed their skills in small tutorial groups, learning to play and read notation for instruments such as violin, cello, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, piano, and drum kit. Elective Music in Years 9 and 10, along with HSC Music offerings, allowed students to explore advanced topics and refine their artistry.
Performance is central to the Secondary School Music experience. Students participate in diverse ensembles, including the Secondary Orchestra, Jazz Band, Rock Band, and choirs. They also have the opportunity to perform in various competitive and social events such as Battle of the Bands, Calrossy in Concert, HICES Music Festival, Christmas Carols, House Music Competition, and much more.
If you want to know more watch this TED Talk and the work of Dr Anita Collins, she is an Australian educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning.
She describes it as “an indispensable part of school curricula” describing how learning to play music is the neurological equivalent of a full-body workout.
