The Frayne Music Program is where young people shine in a place full of opportunity and faith filled learning. The program is about commitment, teamwork, and excellence but, most importantly, it is about being part of something truly special.
We offer an exceptional selection of performance and ensemble opportunities, highly skilled and competent instrumental and vocal tutors, and a broad, interesting curriculum program.
We are proud to offer an extensive learning pathway for band studies and are privileged to have access to newly refurbished facilities, which include five tuition/practice rooms, two classrooms/rehearsal rooms and a percussion studio at our Joachim Campus and four tuition/practice rooms and a music/rehearsal room at our Xavier Campus.
We firmly believe in the value of music education and witness daily the impact that a good music program has in developing confident, flexible and knowledgeable young men and women.
All students at Frayne, from Kindergarten through Year 6, are provided with an education in music, experiencing the elements of music on a regular basis by a Kodaly/Orff trained Music Specialist.
Preparatory School (Kindy – Year 2)
Preparatory School students learn to sing, use movement in music, clap, say and play rhythmic patterns, and play high and low sounds on instruments and with their voices. They also learn to differentiate between loud and soft sound whilst they sing and play on untuned instruments.
Students incorporate learned music knowledge as well as simple dance and movement into our end of year production, the Preparatory School Christmas Concert.
Junior School (Years 3 – 6)
Following on from their Preparatory School music education, Junior School students are further equipped to read and notate music at various levels. Students also compose and perform in groups by singing and playing on xylophones, which are then accompanied by other untuned percussion instruments.
Students from every Junior School year level also perform two songs as part of the year end celebration.
All students at Frayne, from Years 4–6, have the opportunity to participate in one or more of our award-winning music ensembles we facilitate at our Xavier Campus.
Singing
Ursula Frayne has a strong singing culture, which is evident on the Xavier Campus through our Junior Chorale. The Chorale is actively involved with the College Liturgy and Mass program throughout the year, as well as participating in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and other College events.
Junior Chorale
The Junior Chorale is an auditioned choir for students in Years 4-6. This is a highly selective program, as each year more than 120 students audition for selection. There are two rehearsals conducted weekly before school; a 30-minute sectional and a 40-minute combined rehearsal.
Junior Chorale is the College showpiece for our Xavier Campus and is always in demand to perform. They are provided with many opportunities throughout the year with performances at the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools & Colleges, our Highly Strung and Sung event and the Junior School Celebration Under the Stars.
The choir also performs in various school and local community events such as the College Open Day, Frayne Day and VisAbility.
Instrumental
With a wide range of musical instrument instruction available at Ursula Frayne, parents can avail themselves of this extensive program by paying additional fees for their child to take instrumental lessons on a rotational basis during the school day, which are delivered by our peripatetic music tutors.
Sound Beginnings Course (Years 3-6)
SBC (Training Band & Strings) is an opportunity for students in Years 3-6, who are beginning to learn on a band or stringed instrument, to study the fundamentals of being a musician in a band or string ensemble.
Students who are just starting out on their instruments and elect to do this course are able to access grouped lessons, either in threes or pairs. Individual lessons are also available (differing Terms & Conditions and fee rates apply, depending on the class option chosen).
To avoid disappointment with lesson options it can help to convince a friend or two to learn to play the same instrument and join in with you.
Junior Band
Upon graduation from the SBC, students who elect to continue in band studies can join the Junior Band. Junior Band is for students in Years 4-6 who are studying a band instrument.
Participation in the Junior Band further develops fundamental skills learned in the Sound Beginnings Course, whilst also preparing appropriate graded repertoire for performance.
The Junior Band rehearses one morning a week from 7.30–8.30am and performs for the Xavier Campus Open Day, Assembly’s, the Learning Journey, at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and at other College performance opportunities.
Junior Strings
Upon graduation from the SBC, students who elect to continue in string studies join the Junior String Ensemble. Junior String Ensemble is for students in Years 4-6 who are studying a stringed instrument.
Junior Strings further develops fundamental skills learned in the Sound Beginnings Course whilst preparing appropriate graded repertoire for performance.
Junior Strings rehearses one morning a week from 7.30–8.30am and performs in the Highly Strung & Sung concert, at Assembly’s, at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and at other College performance opportunities.
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone and Brass Ensembles
These ensembles come together for a 30-minute rehearsal at the discretion of their instrumental tutor, usually only once a week at a mutually agreeable time throughout Term Two & Term Three only.
Percussion Ensemble
Junior Percussion ensemble comes together for a 30-minute rehearsal at the discretion of their instrumental tutor usually only once a week at a mutually agreeable time throughout the entire year.
Year 7
All students in Year 7 experience music education, which focuses on the elements of music, as a term “taster” unit.
Students have the opportunity to engage in making and responding to tasks, where they apply their music knowledge through performing, composing and listening to music.
Year 8 and 9
Music is a creative and practical course that provides students with opportunities to listen and analyse, improvise, perform and compose music throughout a Semester long course.
Students continue their acquisition of skills and understanding through a range of activities. They experience a variety of music styles, discovering the integral role that music plays in shaping and reflecting society. Learning and creating is supported by different music technologies, providing an insight into how music is produced and communicated.
All ensembles are open to all students who attend the College. Instrumental Ensembles require the student to be studying the instrument they wish to play in the ensemble. This instrument may be studied through the College Instrumental Lesson Program or privately.
Frayne Music opportunities – Digital Handbook
Singing
Youth Chorale
This choir is open to all students Year 7-8, no experience is necessary, just a love for singing.
College Choir
This choir is open to all students Year 9-12 who audition; most students are experienced singers and are usually having vocal lessons.
All our choirs perform throughout the year at various College and community events including Liturgy’s and Masses, Highly Strung and Sung event and the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.
Instrumental
Sound Explorers
The Sound Explorers provides an opportunity for students just starting out on an orchestral instrument to learn the fundamentals of being a musician in a music ensemble.
Sound Explorers rehearses once a week and focuses on preparing students for advancement into a more musically demanding group.
Concert Band II
Students who play a band instrument will move into Concert Band II after completing Sound Explorers. Concert Band II is a natural stepping-stone in the pathway to Concert Band I, where students further develop ensemble-playing skills with a heightened awareness of their surrounds. Listening skills are honed along with continued advancement in their instrumental playing skills.
Concert Band I
On invitation students move from Concert Band II into our premiere College ensemble, Concert Band I. Students are challenged with advanced band repertoire further refining their instrumental and ensemble skills culminating in an extremely rewarding experience.
Concert Band I, being our premier band, only accepts our very committed student musicians, as it requires a high level of discipline and determination, weekly attendance to rehearsals is mandatory to remain a member of this band.
Concert Bands I and II both rehearse twice a week; one rehearsal is from 3.30–5.00pm once a week and the other is; Concert Band II – one 1-hour rehearsal a week and Concert Band I – 1-hour group rehearsal one morning a week 7.20-8.20am.
Joachim Strings
Students who play a stringed instrument will move into the Joachim Strings after completing Sound Explorers.
Joachim Strings is for students Year 7-12 who are studying a stringed instrument.
Joachim Strings rehearse one morning a week from 7.20 – 8.20am and performs in the Highly Strung & Sung concert, Mother’s Day Morning Tea, at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and at other performance opportunities around the College.
Rock Band
Selected students meet one afternoon a week for 60-minutes to work on contemporary music.
Contemporary Guitar Ensemble
Selected students meet one afternoon a week for 60-minutes to work on contemporary music.
Singing
Liturgy Chorus
Open to students Year 9–12 generally more experienced vocalist and usually having vocal lessons.
This choir prepares music for College Liturgies and Masses as well as for performance in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.
This choir rehearses once a week for 30-minutes.
Instrumental
Jazz Band
Open to students Year 7–12 generally the more experienced instrumentalist.
Students must be in one other College authorized ensemble, for most this is Concert Band, to participate in Jazz Band.
This Jazz Band is a very hard working and busy band requiring a huge demand on students time therefore only the very committed students are accepted into this band.
Performances are scheduled throughout the entire year including at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.
Jazz Band rehearses one afternoon a week 3.30 – 5pm.
Frayne Jive
Jazz Combo is generally for students Year 11-12; other year group students may be invited to complete required instrumentation.
This band rehearses once a week for 30-minutes at a recess or lunchtime, which ever is mutually convenient.
Chamber Groups
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone and Brass Ensembles
These ensembles are for all students who play the respective instrument of the ensemble they’re in.
Contemporary Liturgical Band
Selected students meet once a week for 30-minutes to work on contemporary Christian music for the sole purpose of playing for Liturgy’s and Mass.
Percussion Ensemble
This ensemble is for all students who are studying the drum kit and/or percussion.
These ensembles rehearse once a week for 30-minutes before school or at a recess or lunchtime, whichever is mutually convenient.
Matthew Hall – The Arts Learning Area Coordinator
Ashley Baker – Coordinator Instrumental and Choral Program
Christian Tang – Music Specialist/ Choral Director (Xavier Campus)
Erin Bussanich – Director of Choirs (Joachim Campus)
Most music tutors teach across both Campuses.
Keenan Levis – Acoustic and Electric Guitar
Connor Siekman – Clarinet, Oboe and Bassoon
Sarah Chung – Piano
Vanitha Hart – Baritone Horn, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba
Francis Fong – Piano, Violin and Viola
Augustine Kaung-Htet – Saxophone (Joachim Campus)
Annalisa Powell – Flute
Erin Bussanich – Voice
Rachel Ossebaar – Piano and Saxophone (Xavier Campus)
Thomas Selim – Drum Kit and Concert Percussion
James Chong – Drum Kit and Concert Percussion (Joachim Campus)
Kateryna Melnichenko – Violin and Viola
Leah Van der Meulen – Beginner Cello, Double Bass and Bass Guitar
Milly McAuliffe – Kinder Horn and French Horn
Hamish Mc’Camley – Trumpet
John Pound – Piano (Xavier Campus) and Organ (Joachim Campus)