The Arts
The Arts are alive at Geelong Grammar School where creativity is both an academic and a pastoral pursuit.
We value the opportunity the Arts provide for a holistic approach to life-long learning with many of our students pursuing careers as artists, actors or musicians.
Our intention is to enhance a love and understanding of cultural activity and what it brings in terms of a greater sense of who we are.
Rich, dynamic programmes in the Art, Drama and Music Departments put positive education into action and creativity into focus.
Music at Geelong Grammar School
The Music School is an energetic, community-focused domain abuzz with the sounds of more than 30 diverse instruments and 42 sessional tutors. From bagpipes to brass, from didgeridoos to drums, from cellos to choral singers, there is an instrument for every musician, from the most serious academic to the hobbyist. The Kodaly teaching philosophy is integrated across all four campuses and is supported with a vibrant range of ensembles and concert opportunities. Music is an integral part of our community. Through frequent in-school and off-site performances, offering professional development to educators from across the region, and invitations to co-perform, our Music Department is very much involved in the wider Geelong community. Substantial music and choral scholarships are offered from Year 7. While there are minimum requirements for audition, the emphasis is on attracting students with a desire to contribute to our community.
Visual Arts at Geelong Grammar School
In the Visual Arts arena, programmes and exhibitions cross international boundaries, campuses and year levels. They cover practical experience, collaborative exploration, personal expression and (always) the opportunity to be original and brave. From the international CUSP programme
to a lively calendar of exhibitions and events, the Visual Arts programme is developed to engage at every level, from ELC to Year 12, from finger painting to fine arts, from the classroom to the global community.
Drama at Geelong Grammar School
The Drama Department is a place for nurturing self-expression and building confidence and resilience. From simple role-playing in ELC through to improvisation, stage craft and full-scale musical productions in senior years, the Drama programme offers inspiration, opportunity and imagination. The annual diary boasts performances and productions that deliver positive outcomes across a full spectrum of dramatic disciplines.
Almost every instrument of choice
The GGS Music Programme offers tuition in a remarkable selection of instruments including:
- all string instruments – violin, viola, cello and double bass
- acoustic and electric guitar and bass guitar
- voice – contemporary and classical
- piano – contemporary and classical
- all woodwind instruments – piccolo, flute, clarinet, oboe, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone and bassoon
- all brass instruments – trumpet, cornet, euphonium, trombone and tuba
- pipe organ
- drum kit
- orchestral percussion including all tuned percussion
- bagpipes
Musical performance opportunities
The GGS Music Programme offers students of all abilities many opportunities to participate in group performances, including:
Middle School Choir – rehearses once a week (whole year) for 30 minutes and is open to all students from Years 5-8 (non-auditioned choir). Performs in assemblies, for the major Spring Concert and the Carol Service.
Limeburner Singers – rehearses once a week for two terms during Middle School activity time. Auditioned choir and all members must be a member of the Middle School Choir. Performs in assemblies, for the major Spring Concert and the Carol Service.
Middle School Band – rehearses once a week for an hour. Open to any student in Middle School who learns an orchestral instrument. Performs at assembly and for the major Spring Concert.
Brazier Strings – rehearses once a week for an hour. Open to all Middle School string players. Performs at assemblies and the major Spring Concert.
Senior School Band – rehearses once a week for an hour. Open to any Senior School student who learns an orchestral instrument and Middle School students who are advanced enough are invited to attend. Performs for the major Spring Concert and Speech Day ceremony.
Mc Kie Strings – open to any Senior School student who is capable of the level of playing required. Rehearses for one hour a week and performs at assemblies, for chamber concerts and also the major Spring Concert.
The Choir of Geelong Grammar School – rehearses for 2 hours per week and is an auditioned choir open to any Senior School student. Comprised of approximately 25 Choral Scholars. Is a working choir which performs at Choral Eucharist approximately every three weeks, for external concerts and events, the major Spring Concert and the Carol Service.
Year 10 Jazz Ensemble – rehearses Term 2-4 for 45 minutes a week. This is open to any student who is interested in this genre of music or who intends to study jazz music in Years 11 and 12.
Year 11 and 12 Jazz Ensembles – these ensembles are part of the academic programme for VCE Group Music and IB Group Music. Students must be enrolled in these subjects to be part of this ensemble and have daily tuition of the development of group playing techniques in this genre. These groups perform at school concerts and special GGS functions, and the Year 12s record a CD every year with some wonderful original material.
A calendar of musical performances
The GGS Event Calendar is rich in opportunities for musical performance and enjoyment including:
- GGS Concert Series – four concerts per year of professional musicians
- Lunchtime Concerts (approximately 5 each term)
- Church services, as per the Church calendar
- Assessment concerts for Years 10-12 Music classes
- Musical Soirees – concerts open to all musicians who want to perform Chapel performances
- Assembly performances
- Spring Concert
- House Music