PROSPECTUS - Somerville House

Co-Curricular MusicMusic is very much a part of Somerville House with our choral and instrumental ensembles exemplifying the excellence the School is known for. This standard is evidentacross all the many and varied choral and instrumental groups that come together across the School, each catering for students of differing ability.Choral EnsemblesChoral singing is a very important and popular part ofmusical life at Somerville House. There are differentchoirs to cater for students of any vocal ability.Occasionally, all choirs perform as a massed choir.CantriceThis is the School’s premier choir, open by audition, tostudents in the Senior School with advanced choralskills and experience. The repertoire selection istechnically and musically challenging.CamerataThis is a choir for willing and committed students inthe Senior School. The repertoire selection is variedand stimulating.CantamusThis is a choir for Middle School students, by audition.The repertoire selection is technically and musicallychallenging for their level of development.CantilenaThis is a choir drawn from students in the Middle Schooland performs repertoires designed to encourage thedevelopment of accurate and sensitive part work.Junior ChoirThe Junior Choir is drawn from Years 4 to 6 andchallenges this age group with age appropriaterepertoires involving part work and musicianship.The Training ChoirThis ensemble, drawn from students in Years 3 to 5,performs repertoires designed to encourage thedevelopment of accurate tuning and part work skills.String EnsemblesString ensembles are open to players who learn aninstrument outside of the School as well as thoseinvolved in the School teaching program. The followinggroups cater for all levels of playing experience.Somerville StringsThis is the School’s premier string orchestra. A minimumof Grade 8 AMEB standard is required and membersmust be excellent sight readers.Amadeus StringsThis is a predominantly Senior School ensemble cateringfor students with established skills on stringedinstruments, from Grades 5 to 8 AMEB.Stradivari StringsThis is a predominantly Middle School ensemble,catering for players from Preliminary to Grade 4 AMEB.Junior String EnsembleThis group is for more advanced players in Junior School.Training StringsThis is a training group for Junior School students intheir second year of learning.Year 3 StringsAll girls in Year 3 learn a stringed instrument in groups.Tuition and instruments are free of charge for the year.Lessons are part of the curriculum and are held inschool time.Somerville Quartets and ConsortsTwo string quartets are selected from members of theSomerville Strings orchestra. These combine to formthe Senior String consort.Guitar EnsembleStudents who play guitar form an ensemble whichrehearses one morning per week before school.Band EnsemblesThe Band Program is an integral part of the MusicDepartment as it covers a wide spectrum of disciplinessuch as woodwind, brass, string, vocal and percussion.These ensembles are open to players who learn aninstrument outside of the School as well as thoseinvolved in the School teaching program.Senior Concert BandThis is the School’s premier Concert Band. Thisensemble is open, by audition, to students in theMiddle and Senior Schools with advanced playingskills and experience. The repertoire selection istechnically and musically challenging.Intermediate Concert BandThe entry level for the Intermediate Concert Band isa minimum of Grade 2 AMEB or at least two years’learning.Stage BandThe Stage Band is an ensemble that plays jazz androck music styles. The instruments include bass guitar,electric guitar, keyboard, drum kit, saxophones andbrass. Saxophone and brass players in this ensemblemust also play in one of the Concert bands. Vocalistsare also included in certain repertoires. Membershipincludes students from Years 7 to 12. The band plays awide range of repertoires and styles.12