Music has a long tradition of excellence at Meriden and forms an essential part of each student’s education. The School has a thriving Music Department which aims to foster a love of music in every student and develop the skills of talented young musicians.
Meriden’s dynamic cocurricular Music program ensures every burgeoning musician has access to highly-skilled music teachers who develop students’ talent and passion for music. Many girls find a sense of belonging through our music programs, growing in self-esteem as they connect with other young musicians and developing their confidence through performance opportunities.
Junior School
Music is taught by specialist teachers as a classroom subject to all students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.
In the Junior School, there is a focus on singing, with the language of music notation presented through a variety of listening, composition and performance opportunities.
The Junior School instrumental program is an important component of classroom Music lessons and facilitates an advanced coverage of the curriculum. The instrumental program takes place in Year 3 with an array of instruments taught by specialist tutors including violin, viola, cello, double bass, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and French horn, and in Year 5 with a focus on larger instruments such as double bass, bassoon, tuba, bass guitar and percussion. Performance ensembles for students who have progressed on an instrument are also offered alongside the curriculum to encourage collaborative music making.
Years 1 – 2 Singing
For all girls in Years 1 and 2 who enjoy singing.
Years 3 – 4 Choir
For girls in Years 3 and 4 who enjoy singing.
Years 5 – 6 Choir
For girls in Years 5 – 6 who enjoy singing.
Instrument Ensembles
For girls in Years 2 – 6. All levels of ability are welcome.
Junior Band
For Years 2 – 6 woodwind, brass and percussion players, Grade 1 AMEB and above.
Jazz Band
For Years 3 – 6 intermediate to advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Wind Ensemble
For Years 3 – 6 advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players, Grade 3 AMEB and above.
String Orchestra
For Years 2 – 6 students who have received private string lessons for at least one year, Grades 1 – 3 AMEB.
Chamber Strings
For students in Years 3 – 6 who are advanced string players, Grade 3 AMEB and above.
Meriden Sinfonia
For string, woodwind, brass and percussion players, Grade 3 AMEB and above. This ensemble is available to girls from Years 5 –12.
Senior School
In the Senior School, all students in Years 7 and 8 study Music. The variety of topics covered ranges from Instruments of the Orchestra through to Film Music and Rock Music, with a focus on notation and the development of listening skills.
In Years 9 and 10, the Music elective course centres around a contextual focus and the development of aural skills, composition and performance techniques. Students perform regularly with an accompanist and are supported in composition by a specialist composition teacher. Topics include Music for Small Ensembles, Opera, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Music of the Twentieth Century.
Meriden offers all HSC Music courses including Music 1, Music 2 and Music Extension. The components of aural, musicology, composition and performance are taught by specialists in each area and our students are encouraged to develop their skills in all components for a holistic music education.
Throughout the school year, visiting professional musicians conduct performances, workshops and masterclasses for Music classes and ensembles in both the Junior School and Senior School.
Choir
All those who enjoy singing, Years 7–12. No audition required.
Intermediate Singers
Advanced or more experienced choral singers, Years 7–8.
Senior Singers and Madrigals
Advanced or more experienced choral singers, Years 9–12.
String Orchestra
Preliminary/Grade 1 and above, Years 7 – 12. No audition required.
Intermediate Chamber Strings
Grade 3 AMEB and above, Years 7 – 12.
Senior Chamber Strings
Advanced string players, Grade 6 AMEB and above, Years 7–12.
Meriden Sinfonia
String, woodwind, brass and percussion players, Grade 3 AMEB and above. This ensemble is available to girls in Years 5 – 12.
Symphony Orchestra
Advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion players, Grades 5–6 AMEB and above, Years 7–12.
Wind Symphony
All woodwind, brass and percussion players, Grade 3 AMEB and above, Years 7–12.
Instrument Ensembles
Includes brass, clarinet, flute and percussion ensembles. All levels welcome.
Chamber Music
Advanced players in trios, quartets and quintets, Grades 5–6 AMEB and above.
Instrumental combinations vary according to the musicians who are at the required level. Combinations may include:
- string trio, quartet, quintet
- woodwind trio, quartet, quintet
- brass quartet, quintet
- piano trio
Chapel Band
Contemporary Christian music, vocals, piano, guitar, bass, drums and lead instruments, Years 7–12.
Concert Band
Advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players, Grade 5 AMEB and above, Years 7–12.
Jazz Band
Advanced brass, saxophone, bass and percussion players, Grade 5 AMEB and above, Years 7–12.
Rock Band
Rock music, vocals, piano, guitar, bass, drums and lead instruments, Years 7–12.
Please note: Auditions are required for the above ensembles unless otherwise indicated.
Music Clubs
Club 88 and Composition Club are cocurricular activities which are open to pianists and budding composers in Years 7 – 12.
Senior School students studying Music as an elective subject regularly attend performances by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia, Musica Viva, ACO and other major groups. The concerts chosen for our Music students link to aspects of music studied in class. Crucially, these concerts provide an invaluable opportunity to see and hear Australia’s finest musicians perform live.
The annual Meriden Music Camp is held over three days on the outskirts of the Sydney metropolitan area. All members of our performing ensembles in the Senior School attend this camp which is an enjoyable time of intensive rehearsals. During Music Camp, Meriden’s orchestras, bands and choirs have an opportunity to improve their performance standards, sometimes with a visiting conductor.
Our Senior ensembles undertake tours from time to time. These tours may be overseas, interstate or in regional NSW. In addition to showcasing the ensembles, music tours provide our students with experience in this essential aspect of the life of a professional musician.
Performance Opportunities
A myriad of events that see Meriden girls create, perform and thrive.
Amadeus Program
Students of exceptional musical ability have their talent nurtured through the Amadeus Program.
