MUSIC IN FOCUS

About the Program

Music in Focus is a specialist program designed for our local intake students currently studying an instrument with IMSS (Instrumental Music School Services), or who are receiving private lessons on an instrument.

We also offer intake for students who are accepted into Gifted and Talented and/or other specialist programs (Aviation, Graphic Design Media, or Netball) and who may be out of area.

The program offers a range of musical opportunities through sequential learning in solo, group and ensemble performances and instrumental lessons.

Music in Focus is a four-year program, designed for passionate students wishing to extend their knowledge and performance abilities in music. It is also to prepare students for a career pathway in the music industry and for further study at university.

In Year 10, students begin their preparation to transition into senior school music courses. Students also start to prepare for larger roles in the Arts Showcase events offered throughout the year and participate in the Senior School Soloist night. In Year 11 and 12, students choose to continue in either the examined or non-examined WACE Music course. Students enrolled in non-ATAR Music complete the nationally recognised Certificate III in Music, opening themselves up for many opportunities after leaving school.

Ensembles

Students are allocated an ensemble based on their year level, experience and instrument they play. The current ensembles are Melville Vox, Junior and Senior Contemporary Guitar Ensembles, Intermediate Concert Band, Senior Concert Band, Junior and Senior Classical Guitar Ensemble and Swing Band.

Ensemble performances include the Music Brunch in Term 1, Arts Showcase in Term 2, and Music by Night in Term 4. In addition, IMSS and school-based ensembles partake in the WA Schools’ Band Festivals throughout Term 3.

Music Events 2023

The Music Events Calendar for 2023.

Music Events 2023

Course Requirements

The requirements of our program are summarised as:

Attendance to Music in Focus classes (2 classes per week, increasing to 4 classes per week in Year 9 onwards)
A weekly lesson on an IMSS instrument; in some cases, this can be private tuition.
Weekly attendance to an IMSS or extra-curricular music ensemble


Commence in Year 5	Flute, Clarinet Trumpet, Trombone Classical Guitar
Commence in Year 7	Saxophone* Drums/Percussion Voice Contemporary Guitar, Contemporary Bass French Horn, Tuba
String Instruments	There is no strings program on offer at Melville Senior High School. IMSS String students who apply for our program can request to switch to another instrument for Year 7. We will then request approval with the principal of IMSS for the switch to occur.
Please note*	Hire instrument available (saxophone for one year, brass for the duration of study).

Auditions and Intake

Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS) Students – All IMSS students wishing to continue their instrument studies at Melville SHS will need to apply and audition for the Music in Focus program and gain a placement. It is IMSS policy that students must be enrolled in a music class to access free instrumental lessons.

Private Tuition Students – Students who are receiving private instrument tuition are welcome to apply for Music in Focus. Depending on the instrument chosen, they may be able to join the IMSS program if allocation permits, and we confirm this request with IMSS before offering a place. Students can elect to continue with their private tuition if the lessons are weekly and it is continuous for the length of the Music in Focus program.

Enrolment and Testing

Enrolment for the Music in Focus Program and the opportunity to have school IMSS lessons involves a testing process when students are in Year 5 and/or 6. There is an academic test as well as an audition. Students in other year groups are welcome to apply to join the program as vacancies arise. This involves an academic test, and depending on the results of the test, an audition by invitation in Semester 1. If you are interested in applying for the Music in Focus program, please fill in an application below, and read more about the program in the Specialist and Focus Program Prospectus is HERE.

Students can only apply for Music in Focus if they live within the Melville SHS intake area or are in a Gifted and Talented or Specialist Program (Aviation, Graphic Design Media or Netball).

Application for Programs

Music Parent Support Group

Parents have an opportunity to become involved in the program through the Music Parents Support Group. This community meets twice a term to discuss any issues arising in the Music Community, fundraising ideas, and any other areas of focus that benefit the program and the students.

Entertainment Book – New Electronic Format!

Please help us raise money for the Melville Senior High School Music in Focus program by purchasing a new digital entertainment booklet filled with many discount opportunities.