Music Ensembles (Extra Curricular)
At CCAS, we believe that Music is an important component of learning.
We offer a range of extra-curricular musical activities across both High School and Primary School campuses. Please see the information below regarding various ensembles and opportunities.
CENTRAL COAST CONSERVATORIUM BAND PROGRAM
The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music runs two great programs at our school:
Primary School Trainer Band
If your child is in years 3-6 and is interested in learning a concert band instrument as a beginner, this is a great opportunity to join the Trainer Band program. See the steps below if you are interested in your child potentially being part of this extracurricular program. Please note there will need to be a minimum number of students for it to proceed.
STEP 1 – Click on the link https://centralcoastconservatorium.com.au/schools-program/about/
STEP 2 - From this page you can also navigate through various pages with information on: how to get started, what instruments are available (including some instrument demo videos), guides to hiring or purchasing an instrument, costs, and info about the program events that they normally run.
STEP 3 – Once you understand the times, costs and requirements, please consider registering for the program. You will need to fill out the enrollment form on the above website.
Primary School Concert Band
The Conservatorium started our first trainer band in 2022. The band progressed quickly and performed a number of times for various school events. If you were in the trainer band last year, then we would encourage you to continue learning in the more advanced Concert Band this year. For more information, please contact the Conservatorium of Music.
Other Information
Trainer Band: Mondays 7:45 - 8:30 am in the primary music room
Concert Band: Wednesday 7:45 - 8:45 am in the primary music room
Follow-up tutorials would occur in 30-minute sessions at various times throughout the week (depending on the instrument).
For more information on these ensembles, please contact the Conservatorium of Music directly or check their School Program Information here.
SCHOOL BANDS
CCAS has a Year 4-6 Primary Stage Band and a Year 7-12 High School Band. Students are able to play an instrument in a modern band-style setting with our Band Leader, Isa Zilic. The purpose of the bands is to allow students to develop their musicianship and ensemble skills. They will be playing an array of music styles, including arrangements from movie themes and popular songs. These bands cater to a broader range of instruments, including:
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Clarinet
- Saxophone
- Flute
- Percussion
- Drums (limited positions)
- Guitar
- Piano and Bass (Limited positions)
In 2023, we also started The Guitar Ensemble. As the name suggests, this focuses on guitar players for students in years 4-6.
*Please Note: these bands require some level of previous experience on a particular instrument (i.e. they can read some notes/chords and play simple repertoire on their chosen instrumental area). We will be able to do some informal style auditions in the first few weeks of the band to gauge what ensemble students may be best suited for.
We encourage students who were part of the CCAS Band Programs in the previous year to continue doing this year.
Band Times and Venues for 2024:
1. High School Band:
Tuesday 8:00 - 8:50 am
Venue: High School music studio
2. Primary School Band:
Thursday 8:00 - 8:45 am
Venue: Primary School music room
3. Primary School Guitar Ensemble
Friday 8:00 - 8:35 am
Venue: Primary School music room
SCHOOL CHOIRS
We have a large and vibrant choir culture at Central Coast Adventist School. Students from Years 1-12 will have the opportunity to sing in one of our choirs. Members carrying over from previous years are invited to sign up again this year so we can update our contact list.
*Please Note: Pre-Kindy and Kindy students are encouraged to develop their singing in music classes and can join the choir in year 1.
YEAR 1-3 CHOIR
A “beginning” choir. Students learn about the dynamics of singing in a group through a range of songs and styles. Students are given foundational singing instruction and some use of very basic harmonies. No prior experience or auditions are required to join the choir. Students may audition for solo parts from time to time. This is usually done during choir time. Students are given the opportunity to perform at least once a term in various settings.
Rehearsals - Every Wednesday - 10:20 - 10:50 am
To sign up for the Year 1-3 choir, please click the following link - 1-3 CHOIR SIGN-UP FORM CLICK HERE
YEAR 4-6 CHOIR
This choir focuses on the development of our singers with further exploration into harmonies, tone, and articulation and a slightly more sophisticated repertoire. We also explore combining movement/choreography with our singing. Although no audition is required to join, students can audition for solo parts throughout the year. New students with no prior singing experience are always welcome. Students will be given various opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Rehearsals - Every Wednesday - 12:15 - 12:55 pm
To sign up for the Year 4-6 choir please click the following link - 4-6 CHOIR SIGN-UP FORM CLICK HERE
HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
Open to all high school students from years 7-12. Students are put into choir “sections,” i.e. soprano, alto, tenor or bass. This allows us to develop the choir member’s ability to sing in harmony through the use of ear training as well as sight reading. Auditions for new members are solely for allocating students to the most appropriate section according to their vocal range. We sing a range of songs chosen to appeal to high school-aged students. Students are also allowed to contribute their own ideas.
As well as local performances scattered throughout the year, High School choir members are given the opportunity to be a part of a ‘Tour’ at least once every two years. The school partially subsidises these trips but will incur an extra cost on top of school fees (more information to come).
Rehearsals - Every Wednesday – 8:00 – 8:50 am
PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION
We have a list of professional music tutors that come into the Primary and High school music practice rooms during the school day and at limited times before and after school. They are here to develop skills, techniques, and repertoire in various instrumental areas.
For more details regarding private tuition (e.g. information relating to an instrument or interest in specific pricing, lesson information, days and lesson availability), please follow the links below.
Other Opportunities
As a faith-based school, we also have opportunities for students to participate in singing and bands in our regular chapel programs. We are privileged to have both music department and chaplaincy staff that are passionate and talented in these areas and provide opportunities to empower our student leaders to run various music ensembles for these services every week.
We also have various special items, groups and senior ensembles that run in conjunction with our Stage 5 and 6 music classes, along with group events and music showcase evenings.
For any questions relating to our music programs, please contact: music@ccas.nsw.edu.au
For information relating specifically to choirs, please email: ali.heise@ccas.nsw.edu.au