Special Interest Music
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.
Audition Process
- Online submissions for entry into year 7 in 2025 – HAVE NOW CLOSED.
- First round auditions for Year 7 entry in 2025 will be held on Tuesday 7 May 2024.
- If successful at Part 1, Part 2: Audition/Interview will be conducted on either 15 or 16 May 2024.
- Please view the special interest music brochure below for further details on what to expect in the audition process.
Although the submission date has closed, please contact the music department on 83048431 or dl.0817.music@schools.sa.edu.au if you would like to discuss Special Interest Music enrolment for your student in 2025.
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.
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Middle school (7/8) and intermediate (9/10) curriculum
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- musicianship (theory/aural) and musical development
- analysis and score reading
- composition
- class ensemble and class choir
- solo performance
- music technology
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The senior curriculum (SACE stage 1)
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- music studies (theory/harmony/aural, analysis, solo performance)
- music explorations (exploring popular music/exploring film music)
- music technology (recording, sound manipulation, composition).
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The senior curriculum (SACE stage 2)
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- 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.
Further Information
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Orchestral Program
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Marryatville High School has four orchestras; school orchestra, baroque orchestra/ensemble, studio strings and the junior orchestra. The school orchestra has travelled to Japan and Europe, and undertaken many regional and national tours.
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Concert Band
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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.
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Jazz
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Through the jazz program, the big bands have had success in local and national competitions, including the Generations in Jazz National Stageband Awards. The school currently has three big bands. Big band I has toured England, USA and Canada.
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Choral
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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 choir, boys’ choir, girls’ choir, and jazz vocal groups.
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Small Ensembles
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Our extra curricular ensembles include many smaller groups such as; flute ensemble, baroque ensemble, recorder ensemble, guitar ensemble, instrumental trios and quartets and other ensembles, dependent on student needs.
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Instrument Tuition
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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.
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Instrument Tuition Reimbursement
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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.
Take the next step
Marryatville High School is proud of its history for providing students with the skills and capabilities to become active global citizens.