Music

'Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.'  - LaoTsu

Music is vitally important for the general development of boys and young men, and the College provides engaging, fun and meaningful learning opportunities and experiences in addition to the curriculum-based program in the Junior School and Senior School. Students who learn a musical instrument in some form demonstrate a more highly improved academic outcome and focus to general learning, therefore parents/carers and students are encouraged to undertake this opportunity where possible. 

If you have any enquiries about the music program, please contact Director of Music Ms Gabrielle Ball.

Junior School Choir & Performance Opportunities

Year 5 and Year 6 class bands, along with the Junior School Choir, are provided with performance opportunities in End of Semester Assembly, End of Year Assembly, City of Clarence Eisteddfod, Festival of Voices/Young Tasmania Sings, Edmund Rice and Mary Rice Masses, along with involvement in the annual Choomalaka Festival.

Senior School Ensembles & Performance Opportunities

The Music program at St Virgil’s College aims to provide inclusive opportunities to all boys to participated in a variety of ensembles.

The program continues to go from strength to strength and students have the choice of performing in a range of ensembles, from concert band, jazz band, rock groups and vocal ensembles.

With an emphasis on fun and participation, the Music program has an ensemble for everyone's musical skills and taste. the Music staff would welcome any opportunity to support students in selecting the best ensemble for their needs.

Borrowing of Musical Instruments

Students have the opportunity, either as part of the curriculum in Year 7 and 8 or who are having private instrumental tuition with our College tutors, to borrow instruments overnight from Monday to Thursday and over the weekend from Friday to Monday morning. If students wish to borrow an instrument, they simply come to the music block at the end of the school day and see one of the Music Department staff who will sign an instrument out for them. It is important that the instrument be returned the following morning if borrowed between Monday and Thursday - and first thing on Monday morning if borrowing Friday afternoon - as instruments are shared amongst all music classes and not having access to them impacts on learning. If there are any questions simply make contact with the Music Department. Students will need to bring their student ID card as instruments will be loaned as per the library borrowing process.

Performance Opportunities

Assembly performance opportunities are regularly available to any interested students. This is a wonderful way to show your skills to your peers, so come and see the Music Department staff to put your name on the list. 

Lunchtime concerts are also another performance opportunity for any students interested in forming a group. If you are interested, come and see the Music Department. 

The College provides many performance opportunities and the annual Choomalaka Festival & Feast, where all ensembles are celebrated and showcased.

Instrumental Tuition

Private instrumental tuition is offered by our highly experienced, dedicated and respected instrumental tutors. It is with this breadth of variety that students can develop their skills in any genre or style of music. 

Lessons at the Junior School are provided outside of school hours to ensure minimal disruption to classroom learning. Lessons at the Senior School occur on a rotational basis each week.

Boys can learn a variety of instruments that can include:

  • Guitar (acoustic, electric & bass)
  • Piano
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Drums/Percussion
  • Voice

Please note that students in Kinder to Year 2 are offered piano tuition only.