Senior : The Arts : Music
Musical Groups | Choir | KAPA (Knox Academy of Performing Arts) | Pipe Band | Youth Orchestra | Tuition & Examinations | Music Lessons | Contact Us
Bands, orchestras, choirs and ensembles abound. About 400 students annually learn instruments at Knox Senior School and others study outside the School. Offering students the opportunity to perform in groups, Knox has two concert bands, a Big Band, an orchestra, chamber groups, a choir, a Pipe Band, Jazz, Stage and Rock Bands as well as the Knox Abbotsleigh Youth Orchestra and ensembles for various instruments.
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The standards of these groups is extremely high. Students are invited to apply to join and are then assessed according to various criteria including age, experience, performance standard, Year group, elective study and the balance of instruments in the particular groups. Occasionally, string players are divided into two groups to accommodate diverse standards.
Currently there is a single large string orchestra of around 50 students from Yrs 7-12. While it is possible for students in any Year to be considered for either of the two concert bands, Jazz Band or Big Band, the selection criteria generally guides boys in Yrs 7-10 to the Concert Band and the most advanced players in Yrs 9-12 to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. There is a considerable overlap in these groups, as many influences, including orthodontic treatment, reading skills, physical and musical development and demand for particular instruments, have to be considered. Promotion is not automatic. Where places cannot be determined by record of service, obvious standard, examination results or discussion with teachers and band directors, auditions may be called to fill vacant positions.
The School choir features younger students in particular with soloists and accompanists selected from the older students.
Small vocal ensembles and quartets are a regular feature in music electives.
Jazz and Rock Bands are encouraged to form and prepare for performances in the School and the community. |
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Music in Chapel |
Gallery Choir is the prestigious Church Music Choir in the School encompassing the Prep and Senior School campuses. Auditions are essential for acceptance in this ensemble which performs regularly in the School Chapel services, special events and in the community.
To profile the excellence of our music ensembles, there is an international tour every second year. This is a tremendous opportunity for boys from Years 8-12 to perform in outstanding venues and festivals in overseas countries. For more information, contact the Head of Instrumental Music.
Positive attitudes and willingness to give service to the group are highly regarded qualities. This approach encourages mass participation and generates a genuinely high standard of performance.
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