Special Interest Music Centre

Marryatville's Special Interest Music Centre was established in 1976 and is one of four specialist centres in Adelaide.

Marryatville's music program provides models of excellence in music education in South Australia. The award winning program is recognized both nationally and internationally.

Application to audition process

Applications for special interest music auditions for year 7 entry in 2023 will be accepted from Monday 10 January 2022. All applications must be received by 4pm on Friday 22 April 2022.
Please complete the online Application to Audition or print and complete the Application to Audition form and return via email to the music centre. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Please upload a jpeg photo no larger than 2MB. Further information regarding the audition process and your individual audition times will be sent by email in May, 2022. Please view the special interest music brochure for further details on what to expect in the audition process.
First round auditions will be held on:

Year 7 entry in 2023 - Tuesday 10 May

Successful candidates will be invited for a second round audition as follows:

Year 7 entry in 2023 – Wednesday 18 May or Thursday 19 May

The selection of successful candidates will take approximately 1 week.
Auditions for years 8-11 will be at the discretion of the Head of Music. Please contact the music centre for further information.

Please call 83048431 or email dl.0817.music@schools.sa.edu.au if you have any questions about the audition process or entry into the special interest music program.

Tours and competitions

Music news

Application Form and Program Brochure

Co-curricular music

Music Calendar

Upcoming music events...coming soon

Specialist music program

The multifaceted music curriculum of Marryatville High School includes the development of choral, concert band, jazz, contemporary, orchestral, solo, and small ensemble skills both within the classroom program as well as part of the extra curricular offerings.

Middle school (7/8) and intermediate (9/10) curriculum:

musicianship (theory/aural) and musical development
analysis and score reading
composition
class ensemble and class choir
solo performance
music technology

The senior curriculum:

SACE stage 1

music studies (theory/harmony/aural, analysis, solo performance)
music explorations (exploring popular music/exploring film music)
music technology (recording, sound manipulation, composition).

SACE stage 2

music studies (performance or composition, theory/harmony/aural, analysis)
music explorations (composition and performance with a focus on contemporary music including music technology)
music performance: solo
music performance: ensemble.

In the senior years special interest students study a combination of SACE music subjects and participate in a number of extra curricular ensembles including a choir and a large ensemble.

Underlying principles of the Special Interest Music Centre (SIMC)

To cater for students who demonstrate the strongest motivation and greatest aptitude for development in music and to develop these talents and capacities to their full potential.
To provide the opportunity for specialised intensive studies in music with instruction that is provided by experienced teachers with a high degree of musical skills and knowledge.
To develop self-confidence and achievement of personal excellence in music, enabling confident participation in music within the school and the wider community.
To provide musical development of other students in the school.

Orchestral program

Marryatville High School has four orchestras; school orchestra, baroque ensemble, studio strings and the junior orchestra. The school orchestra has travelled to Japan and Europe, and undertaken many regional and national tours.

Concert band

Marryatville High School has a strong band program at junior and senior level. The development of ensemble skills is nurtured through the classroom program in years 7 to 10, as well as after hours as a co-curricular activity. The school has a senior and junior concert band, and opportunities for small woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles.

Jazz

Through the jazz program, the big bands have had success in local and national competitions, including the Generations in Jazz National Stageband Awards associated with James Morrison. The school currently has three big bands. Big band I has toured England, USA and Canada.

Choral

As singing is the most important part of a student's musical development, it is an integral part of the music program at Marryatville High School. Every music student sings in a class choir. Students may also choose to participate in co-curricular ensembles; concert choir, chamber choir, junior chamber choir, junior choir, boys’ choir, girls’ choir and jazz vocal groups.

Small ensembles

Our extra curricular ensembles include many smaller groups such as; flute ensemble, baroque ensemble, recorder ensembles, guitar ensembles, jazz strings, instrumental trios and quartets and other ensembles, dependent on student needs.

Instrument tuition

All music students at Marryatville High School have the opportunity to access small group instrumental lessons through the Instrumental Music service (IM) of the Department for Education (DfE). Tuition in specialist instruments is provided by the SIMC (eg harpsichord, bassoon and double bass). Special interest music students are encouraged to learn a second instrument and also gain basic keyboard skills. Advanced students are encouraged to access tuition with private instrumental teachers.

Instrument tuition reimbursement

Benefits for students selected into the Special Interest Music Program include:

Partial reimbursements of fees for private tuition on primary instrument (conditions apply).

Please contact the music department for application forms.

Gallery

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