Music

Director of Music: David Howes

Assistant Director of Music: Stephen Hardie

Blackburn High School is renowned for its high academic performance and for its excellence in Music.

Whilst many of our students have gone onto professional music careers over 37 years, our program specifically aims to provide a rich experience for all Blackburn High School students through a vibrant class program and the opportunity to be a part of the many ensembles.

The school has a richness and breadth of music education, the quality of which has established a national and international reputation. It provides a wide selection of specialist music tuition in string, brass, percussion, woodwind, piano and voice, and the range and quality of ensembles places it amongst the leading programs in the country. Music at Blackburn High School features over 20 performing ensembles, and a developmental music curriculum from Years 7-12, which includes a music studio technology component.

The picture of this leading music program is made up of various aspects. There is enormous dedication, goodwill and enthusiasm from staff, students, volunteers and families; and great support from the region, school administration, school council and parent groups. It is a unique environment.

Over 20 staff-led ensembles rehearse weekly in our facilities. Students lead many further sectionals per week. 52% of students at Blackburn High School choose to be a part of our non-compulsory instrumental music program, and our ensembles are noted for their consistently high standards of performance.

Blackburn High School was awarded the 2005 ABC FM Music: Play for Life FLAME Award. Last year our ensembles once again took numerous first and second placings at festivals and eisteddfods such as Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod in Ballarat. These groups are a strong motivational factor for students in that they are able to perform with other students at their own level and take advantage of opportunities to develop leadership skills. Each student who learns an instrument at Blackburn High School also participates in at least one ensemble. There are four concert bands, four orchestras, three stage bands, two choirs plus a variety of chamber and jazz groups.

The classroom music program enhances the music-making experience through a developmental curriculum. All students take music in Year 7 and Year 8, and from Years 9-12 the program is elective. It features subjects which allow students to specialise in music history, musicianship, composition, music technology and ensemble playing. This curriculum, whilst complementing the instrumental music program, also prepares students to complete units in Music Performance (Solo and Group), Music Style & Composition and Music Investigation at VCE level. Blackburn High School runs amongst Victoria’s largest numbers undertaking these VCE music subjects.

To contact the Music Department: