All students at Spring Gully Primary School have a weekly 45-minute music lesson.

The music program is planned, executed and assessed according to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, or VELS.  Music experiences of singing, moving, playing, listening, creating and responding are the means through which the elements of rhythm, melody, dynamics and form are taught.

There is an emphasis on song-writing in the music curriculum, always using the experiences and ideas of the students for inspiration. Team Henderson has been employed by the school over many years, and together we write music with input from the students. The ‘Spring Gully Songbook' was released in 2007; it is a compilation of original songs from musical productions and songs written for special occasions. The songbook is on the student booklist, and is used in music classes.

School Production                                                                         top

This year's musical production, ‘Through My Eyes', looked at many facets of life from a child's perspective. Songs about friendships, bullies, grandparents and playing, among other things, were performed, with fantastic choreography provided by Julian Regan at the Capital Theatre over two nights. Props and costumes were created by the Visual Arts Department under the direction of Felicity Woodward. There is a production every two years, involving all students. Senior students have an opportunity to make a greater contribution.

Choir                                                                                                  top

When students are in Grade 3, they are able to be a member of the Junior Choir. This group, consisting of Grade 3 and 4 students, practise once a week and perform at the school fair and at Christmas festivities.

Every student in Grades 5 and 6 has a singing assessment at the start of the year; based on the outcome of this assessment, students are automatically placed in the Senior Choir, so they have an understanding of the experience of singing in a choir.

Any student may leave the choir after Term 1 if they do not wish to continue.

Instrumental Music                                                                            top

We are fortunate at Spring Gully Primary School to have a number of excellent instrumental teachers giving private tuition in several instruments.

• Daniel Herbst-violin              
• Louise Matthew-piano
• Sally Pell-flute                
• George Jung-guitar
• Bryn Weightman-drums             
• Tom Mewett-drums

Any enquiries regarding private instrumental tuition can be directed to Gail Godber.

Students are also able to receive group keyboard lessons.

Our Music Ethos                                                                                       top

An ethos of enjoying a wide, eclectic range of music with an open mind drives the music program. Students are strongly encouraged to broaden their musical horizons and to listen to all music with a critical ear. We arrange for a wide variety of performers and performances to come to the school each year, and groups of students attend concerts of contemporary and classical music.