In Year 10 Music History and Performance, the major component of the course is Performance, which is broken down into:

A) Group (ensemble) Performance, where – in conjunction with their classroom teacher – students get to work on and present music performances to an audience, and B) Solo Performance, where students – in conjunction with private Instrumental tutors – work on and present an 8-minute Solo recital & technical exercises on their chosen instrument/voice to the class.

Students continue to refine their Aural & Theory knowledge from previous years, which is assessed with a written examination at the end of the semester. Students are also taught a brief history of Music, covering: the beginnings (Medieval/Classical), Jazz/Blues and Rock. The main focus of this is on style and form and will culminate in a short composition in a selected style, utilising available music technology and an analysis of their own work. Year 9 Music is NOT a prerequisite to Year 10 Music, but it is important that prospective students are having and maintaining regular private instrumental and/or voice lessons.

Units:

Group Performance

Students form Ensembles and work on a song/piece to present in a performance to an audience of other students and teachers. Students may perform on their chosen instrument, or elect to try a second one. Preparation takes place during 2 x 100 minute Practical periods per 10-day cycle over the first two-thirds of the semester, with the direct assistance of their classroom teacher. It is worth 20% of the total 50% performance mark.

Solo Performance

Students work on a songs/pieces to present in an 8 minute Solo performance on their chosen instrument. The performance is to the Music class and teacher only and includes demonstration of technical work, such as an exercise, warm-ups and/or scales. Preparation generally takes place over the course of the semester in student’s free time and during lessons with their private instrumental/voice teacher, where decisions are made as to what songs/pieces and technical work might suit the particular student’s level and ability. Performances take place towards the end of semester, after the Group performances and are worth 30% of the total 50% performance mark.

Composition/Analysis

Students are taken through an investigation of the beginnings of Western Music (Chant, Organum), then on to the Classical period (Mozart, Beethoven), with an emphasis on analysis of compositional techniques and Form. They then research Jazz Music (32 bar song form) and the various Forms of Jazz, finally investigating Rock music and modern song form. They are then asked to utilise available music software to create a composition reflecting techniques of a chosen style and to provide a written analysis of their work.

Music Theory/Aural exercises

Students build upon Theory and Aural learnt in Middle school and complete regular exercises in a fun way to improve both their musical knowledge and listening skills. This culminates in a Written Examination at the end of the semester.

Curriculum Strands 

• Explore and express ideas
• Visual Art practices
• Present and perform
• Respond and interpret

Assessment

• Performance (Solo and Group)
• Written Theory/Aural Exam
• Composition/Analysi