How does one measure the value of music in learning and in life, when it is something that is so interwoven in the fabric of our daily lives? There is extensive research published that demonstrates the benefits of participating in musical activity on a social and cultural level, but the act of inspiration involved in actually creating or performing music, engages both the analytical and artistic sides of our brains simultaneously, which is why it is so important in the educational development of our students.
The MBC Music Program is a dynamic, living entity that provides opportunity for all members of our community to make music. Our curriculum program supports students from Prep to Year 12 Music Extension, in the progressive development of their music skills. From 2010, all students in Years 1 and 2 have learnt keyboard as part of their curriculum music class, with string programs introduced in Years 3 and 4, wind and brass in Years 5 and 6, and percussion and guitar from Year 7 onwards. This program provides an incredibly solid foundation not only for students as they enter the secondary phase of school, but also support our massive co-curricular program. The incorporation of the latest technologies in sound recording, mixing and composing, as well as our strategic curriculum design, ensure the success of our program continues throughout Years 8 to 12.
Our aim is to create and sustain an environment in which music, in all its rich diversity, is celebrated, respected, admired, engaged in and encouraged. Formal assessment embraces the three dimensions of Analysing Repertoire, Composing and Performing; and units of work bear such evocative titles as; Timewarp, Protest in Popular Song, Jazz, the Bold and the Beautiful, Film Music, Music of Non Western Cultures, Nationalism, Music on Stage and Women in Music.
