In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.
Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.
Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.
Music
In the study of music at Cranebrook High School students will have the opportunity to explore and develop their musical abilities and potential.The nature of musical study allows students to develop their capacity to manage their own learning, engage in problem-solving, work collaboratively and engage in activity that reflects the real world practice of performers, composers and audiences. The study of music fosters knowledge, understanding and skills that contribute to lifelong processes of learning and to the appreciation and enjoyment of music.
Years 7 and 8
Students will study music as part of their timetable in Years 7 and 8 and this mandatory course provides a foundation in music for all students. In this course students will learn to read, perform and compose using music notation. In music, Year 7 students will have many different experiences. Students will obtain practical knowledge on glockenspiels and other percussion instruments. All students will be taught how to read traditional notation systems and interpret graphic notation. These skills will be applied as students compose their own music and present them for performance. Musicology is also taught in Year 7 and students will learn about the concepts of music (LINK) and musical instruments with a focus on Australian music and classical music.
These learning experiences will be expanded in Year 8 where all students in the school will learn the piano, keyboard, acoustic and electric guitars, and the drum kit throughout the year. Students will be expected to draw on their knowledge from Year 7 music as they read and interpret music including chord charts and tablature. Year 8 students will have the opportunity to compose their own guitar riffs, raps, and unique drum beats. These students will continue to learn about the concepts of music with a focus on popular music and influential artists throughout history.
Years 9 and 10
Elective music is offered as a subject from Years 9 to 12. The elective course, starting in Year 9, will build sequentially from the mandatory course and is designed for students who wish to extend their musical experiences and learning. Students studying music will get the opportunity to further their study of performance on an instrument of their choice, composition using both traditional and computer aided techniques and develop listening skills through a variety of topics as outlined in the syllabus.
The elective music programs at Cranebrook High School are adaptable to allow teachers to meet the needs and abilities of students whose interests range from the broadly based to the pursuit of specialised musical knowledge and skills.
Years 11 and 12
The knowledge, understanding, and skills gained in the Year 9 and 10 elective courses provide a firm foundation for the study of music in Years 11 and 12. It is not essential to have studied music as an elective in Years 9 and 10 to be successful in the senior music course, however, it would guarantee a certain level of skill. The Year 11 and 12 music course is designed for students who wish to refine their existing musical skills and abilities. Students studying music as part of their senior timetable must present at least one performance as part of their HSC examination, with the remaining three electives of the practical examination based on an individual students' own choice with a combination of Performance, Musicology, and Composition. Students will consider their most successful pathway and finalise their program of study in consultation with their teacher.
The Musicology elective is presented as a Viva Voce, which is a ten minute discussion-styled examination. When presenting a Viva Voce, students must discuss their chosen topic with the examiners in the effort to demonstrate a thorough knowledge reflecting extensive research and listening analysis. Ultimately, it is up to the student to drive the discussion and provide the examiner with enough information about their topic. Students will decide on their specific musicology topic in consultation with their teacher before commencing their research.
Year 12 students are reminded that all practical HSC examinations are held in Term 3, prior to the main body of final examinations. The only music examination held in the main examination period is the aural examination.
Performance opportunities
Our musicians are offered a wide range of performance opportunities at information evenings, showcases, and concerts throughout the year, including Cranebrook Cabaret, The Cranebrook learning community Performing Arts Festival, Presentation Evening, The Year 12 Music and Drama Evening, Elective Music Showcase Performances, Subject Selection Evenings, SRC Induction Day, Year 12 Graduation and the Year 6 into Year 7 orientation day and Cranebrook idol.