Georges River Grammar offers a wide range of musical opportunities in performance and academic pursuits. We have a strong program which allows students to advance their musical skills both inside and outside of the classroom.
Music is flourishing at Georges River Grammar. Our focus is to motivate students to explore and create in a music rich environment.
Inside the classroom the secondary students are encouraged to explore performance, composition and musicology in an environment where they are able to work together constructively and creatively to achieve expertise in their specialty areas. Primary students undertake tasks that revolve around listening, moving and creating to produce a variety of outcomes.
Outside of the classroom our students are able to participate in a variety of ensembles and performances both inside the school and in the wider community. We endeavor to tap into multiple skill sets as a child learning music involves more than their voice or fingers.
Our students demonstrate the essence of our music program which is to enjoy their music and to gain self-confidence through their participation.
These include Senior Band, Orchestra, Honour Choir, A Capella Group, Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Training Band, Primary Band, Primary Choir and Tuned Percussion. We also run a highly successful mentoring program whereby our Secondary band members mentor our Primary Band students. Primary musicians are able to develop positive peer relationships with senior school members which can assist the transition into Year 7.
The Primary Training Band has demonstrated outstanding development with all members able to graduate into the Primary Band. The Primary Band is continuing to grow in size and expertise.
Our Musicians have been involved in a number of performances this year such as Open Day, Mother’s Day, Anzac Day, George Bass School, Grandparents Day, Father’s Day, Musicales, A Night at The Proms, K-Mart Wishing Tree, Staff/Student Carols at Bankstown Uniting Care facility, Quest for Talent, GRG has Talent, Presentation Day and our showcase evening – Variety Night.
The Secondary Variety Night featured a seamless wealth of talent. Our students provide enchanting performances with an edge of professionalism beyond their years.
For Primary musicians, performance for peers is a large focus as it builds confidence and resilience that can be used in other key learning areas. Students are encouraged to perform for their class and are also provided with opportunities to perform at Assemblies.
GRG has a substantial peripatetic program with 11 tutors involving up to 200 students K to 12. The program provides lessons in Voice, Oboe, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Tenor Horn, Euphonium, Violin, Cello, Drums, Percussion, Piano and Guitar. This program supports our performance ensembles providing as many musical options as possible for our students.
HICES music camp continues to be a major highlight on our music calendar. This year 15 students successfully auditioned to attend the camp held at Stanwell Tops for a 4 day intensive workshop culminating in a brilliant performance at the Town Hall.
The GRG Music staff members are proud of the efforts made by our students; they continue to develop their skills as musicians and showcase their talents in the performance arena. Our ultimate goal is to produce well rounded individuals who achieve outside their comfort zone and build personal resilience that will last a lifetime.
Students engage in visible thinking routines every week, as well as exploring the human condition through the ‘Four Cs’ that are innate in Drama – Critical Reflection, Collaboration, Creativity and Communication. GRG students go further and add another two Cs: Challenge and Courage.
It is very difficult to stand in front of others and perform hence there is a ‘Challenge Accepted’ sign in the classroom.
The Drama students of GRG have certainly accepted that challenge and have been the practitioners of quality work through exploration and discovery. Students also gained a wealth of important life skills; quick-thinking, focus, working collaboratively in groups and reflection work. All year groups are able to enjoy live theatre experiences, which has been of enormous benefit for their stagecraft.
This is a night which showcases a collection of works the students from Years 8 – 12 prepare throughout the year. With pieces ranging from Ancient Greek theatre, to a few looking at the existential view of life, through to the close look at the effects of bullying; the audience is treated to a night of high energy, humour and pockets of madness. Year 10 students organise the evening to enhance their production skills in a practical, purposeful manner.
Dance is a powerful tool which teaches rhythm and coordination.
It enables students to showcase their talents and develop a sense of self confidence. From the weekly lessons to the numerous performances each year, it is pleasing to see how the Junior and Senior Dance groups work together and learn from each other.
The weekly Primary classes incorporate a range of dance styles, focusing on commercial jazz, where they develop their technique and learn choreography. The Secondary groups participate in weekly classes studying the dance styles of lyrical, hip hop, jazz and musical theatre, where they also focus on technique and learning choreography.
At Open Day the entire GRG Dance Ensemble perform songs from musicals. Other performances include: the MISA Dance Festival; Variety Night and the Primary Production. The Senior Boys Dance group also perform at major events such as MISA and Variety Night.