Music Curriculum

The new Unit 1 and 2 VCE curriculum incorporates a range of learning areas to develop well rounded musicians. Of particular focus at this level is composition and performance. Composition is an important tool for music students to experiment with creativity, and to demonstrate their understanding of the elements of music by applying their knowledge in a creative manner. Performance skills must also be developed beyond ‘playing the right notes at the right time,’ to further consider musicality, expression, style conventions, presentation and stagecraft. Students in VCE Music are given a range of short composition tasks each semester to create a folio of works with given prompts. Performance opportunities are also available through class-based workshops where students present and discuss as a class how improvements can be made, and at school events and concerts. We wish the current VCE students the best of luck for their upcoming concert and assessments.

This term, our Year 11 VCE Music class had the privilege of composing a school song in celebration of 120 years of Kilbreda. We began the process by brainstorming some lyrics for the verse and the chorus, and began playing around with the melody for the song. We were required to use the notable values of our College, and our motto of “Strength and Kindliness,” and incorporate these core words into our song, to create a piece that resonated with the heart and spirit of the College community. We continued to modify our lyrics and eventually decided on the chords and instruments that would be suitable. We began working on some harmonies and layering to enrich the depth of the song, creating a playful and happy sounding piece, and it was decided to repeat the chorus and final line – “all the stories told,” to create a finished sound for the piece. This process relied solely on teamwork and wouldn’t have been possible if communication wasn’t involved. We have now performed “Stories Told” at the 120 Years High Tea Celebration for Kilbreda, and will hopefully continue to proudly present the piece, holding the spirit and soul of the College community.

Alyce Jurdukian

The performance aspect of VCE Music has been crucial in helping us build confidence and acquire skills that will benefit us in the future. Performing in front of our peers during class workshops teaches us how to manage nerves and present ourselves confidently, both on stage and in everyday situations. This experience has taught us the importance of preparation, practice and teamwork as we work together to deliver a polished performance. The feedback and encouragement we receive helps us grow as musicians and individuals, which gives us the self-assurance to take on challenges both in and out of the classroom. The experience of performing regularly gives us the tools to face new challenges with confidence, affirming us we can succeed through dedication and effort.

Cara Honan

Over the past term, our VCE Music class has been working on crafting our Unit 2 Composition Folios. The assessment consists of analysing effects in music and implementing them into our own work. It focuses on how music is created, the elements that are considered, and how musical effects produce cohesion. As part of the task, we collaborated as a class to create an original composition, honouring Kilbreda’s recent 120 Year Celebration. 

On behalf of our class, I extend our endless thanks to our wonderful VCE Music teacher, Ms Kara-Lee Rabbetts, our instrumental tutors, and all teachers and staff for their ongoing support.

Grace Robins

Kara-Lee Rabbetts

Learning Leader: Performing Arts – Music

Year 8 Dance

In the Year 8 Dance classroom, students are currently working on group dances to be performed at the end of term based around the theme of ‘Space.’ Students have learned how to structure a dance into three sections and how to apply the choreographic devices of ISARE – Improvisation, Selection, Arrangement, Refinement and Evaluation to their work. It has been a beneficial experience for all students, regardless of their dance background, to contribute movement to these works and to learn to co-operate with their group members.

Nicole Everett

Learning Leader: Performing Arts – Drama and Dance