Viewbank College has a proud history of excellence in instrumental music education. Each year, our dedicated Music Department works closely with students from Year 7 through to VCE, supporting them in developing strong skills in technique, performance, and music reading.
Students participate in a vibrant program of more than 15 ensembles, including Big Bands, Concert Bands, String Ensembles, Choirs, Guitar Bands, and Contemporary and VCE Repertoire Groups. They also engage in a wide range of performance and creative opportunities such as the Battle of the Bands, songwriting programs, and recording projects.
Students can learn the following instruments:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- French Horn
- Euphonium/Tuba
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone
- Tenor Saxophone
- Guitar
- Electric Bass
- Keyboard
- Drum Kit/ Percussion
- Voice
Instrumental music students at Viewbank College have the privilege of showcasing their talents in a variety of settings, both within the school and beyond. They regularly take the stage at major concerts, contribute to the production band for our annual musical, and participate in a range of smaller, intimate soirée evenings, such as Jazz Night and Cabaret Night. Moreover, our students engage in competitive events, including the Royal South Street Competitions, Victorian Schools Music Festival and Generations in Jazz competitions.
If you are a student who is not already involved in the music program, but would like to join, please click on this link for the new student enrolment form.
The Instrumental Program is a co-curricular pursuit strongly encouraged for all Year 7 students. Here, participants explore music by focusing on mastering a specific musical instrument and actively engaging in diverse music ensembles.
Instrumental Music Classes are conveniently integrated into the school day on a rotating timetable, ensuring accessibility for all students. Furthermore, ensemble rehearsals are scheduled either before school, during lunchtime, or after school, accommodating various schedules and preferences.
Viewbank College offers group instrumental lessons for 2-6 students learning the same instrument and are grouped into similar skilled students. These weekly sessions, each lasting 44 minutes, are conducted by our team of 15 qualified instrumental staff.
For those pursuing VCE Music Performance, personalized 1-1 lessons are available to cater to individualized learning needs.
Tuition Options
The Instrumental Music program at our school is centered around ensembles, requiring all Instrumental Music students to actively participate in an ensemble or choir.
Annual auditions are conducted to appropriately assign students to their respective ensembles for the academic year.
Students can join one or more ensembles, and participation is open to all college students, regardless of their enrollment status in the Instrumental Music Program.
Consistent attendance at these ensemble sessions is crucial. Failure to maintain regular attendance may lead to the cancellation of enrollment in Instrumental Music lessons or removal from the ensemble.
Ensemble Options
Ensemble Uniform
Combination of the following:
- Black trousers (no jeans)
- Black skirt or dress (with black tights)
- Black shirt or blouse
- Clean black shoes (no sneakers)
- Junior Band
- Intermediate Band
- Concert Band
- Symphonic Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- String Orchestras
- Guitar/Bass Ensembles
- Junior Choir
- Viewbank Voices
All Black (as above) plus a colourful tie.
- Hancock Band
- Fitzgerald Band
- Ellington Band
Chamber Choir Dress – purchase information provided upon successful entry to choir,
OR
Black suit, white shirt, thin black tie
Black shoes and socks (no sneakers)
- Chamber Choir
Reports & Examinations
All students are assessed throughout the semester and teachers provide written feedback through a ‘Learning Phase Checkpoint’ once a term. These can be found on ‘Learning Tasks’ in Compass.
External assessments are available to students by entering through the Australian Music Examinations Board (A.M.E.B.) in various forms. A.M.E.B. external exams are offered 5 times a year for practical and twice a year for theory. Students can enroll for these exams through Viewbank College.
Please contact the instrumental teachers for current years dates and information specific to their instrument and level.
Fees
Instrumental Lesson
- $850 per year
- 44 Minute group class and participation in one or more Ensembles.
Second Instrumental Lesson
- $600 per year
- An additional 44 Minute group lesson in a different instrument can also be taken alongside a first Instrumental Music Lesson.
VCE Music Lesson
- $1100 per year
- 44 minute private lesson & participation in one or more Ensembles
Ensemble Levy
- $200 per year
- The Ensemble Levy is for students who are not having music lessons at Viewbank College but would like to participate in one or more school ensembles. It is expected that students who select this option will continue lessons outside of school to help support their progress.
Instrument Hire
- $350 per year
- Some Musical Instruments can be hired from the school, subject to availability.
- Note: The school does not provide insurance coverage for hired instruments. The responsibility for any loss or damage to the instrument lies with the hirer.
*Pricing is subject to review in October each year.
In one semester of Year 7, all students partake in Classroom Music, where they acquire fundamental skills on instruments such as the guitar, keyboard, and drum kit. This foundational knowledge is then applied in group performances. Moving into Year 8, students delve into drama studies, while in Years 9 and 10, they can choose from various music electives, including Music Performance, Song Writing & Composition as part of their curriculum. The culmination of this musical journey is our robust VCE Music Performance Program in Years 11 and 12, which consistently attains high standards. This is most often fed by students’ involvement in both our Instrumental and classroom program. We currently offer three study designs at year 12 – Contemporary, Repertoire and Enquiry.
Events & Tickets
Friends of Performing Arts
FOPA is a parent group dedicated to supporting and fostering the growth of students engaged in the performing arts which includes our annual productions and our extensive music program at Viewbank College.
Our objectives include:
- Assisting the Performing Arts department in organizing concerts and events for student performances.
- Providing a valuable parent perspective on the performing arts program
- Creating fundraising opportunities at events through activities like BBQ’s and raffles.
- Facilitating the purchase of musical instruments and sound equipment
- Presenting Achievement Awards to outstanding students from each year level at the end of the year, recognizing dedication and accomplishment.
New Members are always welcome!
If you would like to join Friends of Music, please contact the Music Department on 8458 2811 or email Rachael Smith at Rachael.smith@education.vic.gov.au
Secondhand Instrument Register
Parents who would like to add an instrument to our 2nd Hand Register to sell, please fill in the form via the link below
Hire Instrument
Parents/carers who would like to hire an instrument, please fill in the form via the link below.
[add in a Hire Form button (link to come)]
