Scots College – Learning. For Life.

Program Overview

The Scots College Music Ensemble Program (MEP) provides an environment of excellence in which students can learn from one another, perform many styles of music and progress to greater challenges as their skills increase. Students participate in prestigious school and community performances and attend an annual music camp. Above all, the program promotes the pursuit of musical excellence in a context that is enjoyable and engaging.

As well as musical pleasures, being part of the MEP offers other benefits. Learning an instrument has been proven to help students in many other areas of study. Shared music-making also boosts self-confidence and teaches students about discipline, commitment and working together. It’s a great way to meet students in other classes and years and to become part of college life.

Boys are encouraged to join the program from years 7-13. Boys in years 1-6 can also join after an audition or at the discretion of the Director of Music, but are encouraged to be learning privately.

Register online 

Program Structure

The line-up of ensembles changes occasionally but at present consists of the following:

Studio Orchestra – for accomplished musicians with at least three years of playing experience. Open to boys in year 7-13

Jazz Band – an extension group for members of the Studio Orchestra. Open to boys in year 7-13.

Concert Band – for beginner and intermediate wind and percussion musicians. Open to boys in year 7-13 who would like to start learning a wind instrument.

Chamber Choir – Auditioned classical choir open to students from year 9-13

Showchoir “Gleenz” – Auditioned contemporary choir open to current and past students from 14 years of age to 24. This choir includes girls from around Wellington. Involves singing and dancing.

Vivat Angelis – Auditioned choir for boys from year 6-8

String Ensemble – for all string players

The Director of Music allocates and reviews student placement as the ensembles settle in. Placements are made following an auditions process and reflect ability, experience and the need to balance instruments within each ensemble. Auditions are usually scheduled for the first or second week of term 1. This is not a pass/fail situation – all students who audition will be offered a place in one or more of the ensembles.

In some cases ensembles are dependent on numbers, so what is on offer may change depending on the level of interest.

Tutoring

All students participating in the ensembles program (other than singers) are expected to have a weekly lesson on their instrument. In these lessons students will learn correct techniques for playing their instrument and develop skills such as sight-reading and musicality.

Students may make their own arrangements for instrumental lessons or use one of the MEP tutors. All MEP tutors are extremely well qualified and many perform professionally as well. At the moment lessons are available through the MEP for the following instruments: voice, flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, violin, piano (classical and jazz), guitar, electric bass, drums, drums/percussion.

Get more information about the tutor program and for tutor contact details

Instrument Hire

Students are required to provide their own instruments for their lessons.

Instruments are available for purchase or hire from a reputable music store that we have dealt with for many years. The Director of Music is happy to provide you with contact details.
Second hand and new instruments can also be found at local music shops, but PLEASE check with your instrumental teacher or the Director of Music before buying an instrument outside of school, especially from e-bay – there are many instruments available that will hinder the student rather than help them and will be a waste of money.

There are a limited number of instruments available for hire or even loan from the school. These are offered to families with limited financial means.

Rehearsals

Just like a sports team, an ensemble depends on ALL its members and for this reason accepting a place in an ensemble carries with it a measure of responsibility. Accordingly all students are expected to:

• attend all rehearsals
• practise their music between rehearsals.

Rehearsals for each ensemble occur once per week. Visit the Rehearsal page to learn more.

Uniform

Presentation is an important part of any performance, so the MEP does have a uniform, to be worn by all students in all ensembles in all performances. Students who are not correctly dressed will not be allowed to perform. The MEP waistcoat and bow tie is available from the Director of Music at performances. It should be worn with number ones.

Communication

Communication is always important and we are endeavouring to get this as hole-proof as we can.  For information, check:

• Your emails: this is our main form of communication
• The College website.
• The noticeboard in the music block or outside the Staff room
• Notes home

We welcome the involvement of all parents in this program. If you have ideas, suggestions or are prepared to help out in any way, please let the Director of Music know.

Finally …

Playing music is a rich and wonderful experience and we’re sure you will find the Scots College music program immensely rewarding. To help everyone get the most they can out of it, we ask that students: -

• attend all rehearsals and performances
• are punctual, organised and respectful of conductors and fellow ensemble members.

We also ask parents to support their sons, by:

• encouraging them to practise their instruments
• making sure they get to rehearsals and performances on time and in good order (eg in uniform)
• coming along to performances and enjoying the fantastic results of everyone’s commitment and hard work.