Subject Music

Music is offered as a recognised IEB matriculation subject at Hilton College, following the National Curriculum Statement. Pupils are encouraged to take external examinations with bodies such as the ABRSM, Trinity College or UNISA over and above school based assessments. Class time is divided between four Learning Areas, namely: Practical Studies, Theory, History and Improvisation/ Composition/ Arrangement. The inclusion of Music Technology and other music related topics in the curriculum allows the students to have a wider focus than was allowed under the previous curriculum.

Students are required to play scales and studies for assessment twice a year, and a total of six pieces played in two examination sessions. Students may offer as many as three different instruments in these examinations. It is expected that pupils will play a minimum of a Grade 6 (UNISA, ABRSM, Trinity) level examination during their final year and this means that they need to be at a Grade 2-3 level when they enter music as a subject. Music is also offered as a subject choice on two of the three choice lines, broadening the amount of subject combinations available with music as an option.

Form 1 Music Project

Not only is music available as a subject for Form 3's and above, but it is also a compulsory subject for six months of the Form 1 year of all pupils.  This programme was introduced in 2000 and the broad aim of was is to encourage as many pupils as possible to partake in practical music. Each Form 1 pupil is given the opportunity to play an instrument in his first year at Hilton.

In 1999 Hilton College’s Headmaster, Mike Nicholson, and Second Master, Anthony Lovell, visited a number of schools in Australia. While their main intent was to study the integration of Information Technology in those schools, they returned most impressed by the scope and quality of music education in both government and private schools. As a result of the Australian experience, Hilton embarked on a similar programme whereby every boy entering the school in Form 1 will have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument.  A plan of action was formulated and funds were made available to the music department to acquire new instruments. It was decided to divide the +/- 110 Form 1 pupils into two semesterised groups, alternating with IT or Art. The choice of instruments would be limited to clarinet, trumpet and trombone and saxophone.

Extra peripatetic staff were employed to cope with the numbers and instrument choices. Group teaching of four hour periods in a two-week cycle with between 6 and 8 pupils per class is currently the norm.

In 2005 a theory element was added to the project. Half of each period is spent in theory class and the other half is spent playing instruments. This was initiated due to the pupils struggling with playing for a full hour, especially on the trumpet and trombone, and it was felt that a more solid theory backing would aid pupils in their performance and reading skills.

The original aim of the project was as follows: To afford every boy that attends Hilton College the opportunity to play an instrument To expose every pupil to music on a more personal level than the general class music taught in the past To change the attitude of the school in general towards music within five years  To enlarge the music programme by creating a larger player-base to work with in the department. To strengthen the 3rd pillar (cultural activities) whereupon Hilton College currently builds its reputation, the other two being sport and academics.

Even though at times the teaching of a group of exuberant high schools boys armed with trumpets or trombones can be a little daunting, the overall mission of the projects has been such a worthwhile idea, especially where children have been introduced to a new world that otherwise would have remained a “secret realm” only entered by a select group of “initiated". If there are any music educators, or group teachers as such, that have either been involved in similar projects or are in fact contemplating the birth of such an endeavour we would gladly like to make contact and exchange ideas. In the end we are all learning on the run and any help can save costly mistakes.

 

MUSIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
Computer assisted music development

In 1997 Music Information Technology was introduced to the Hilton College Music Department. The programme was developed to give students the opportunity to use computer technology to enhance their musical experience. To this end software and hardware is used to compose, learn harmony and counterpoint and print parts and projects. Sequencing and hard drive recording is explored and aural training can be done with computer aid. Finale music notation software and ProTools recording software are used. A host of peripheral equipment enables students to record their own music. A dedicated digital recording studio has also been set up in the Music Department.

Updated 19/June/2006 @ 19:45:23