James Forbes Academy – Home of Music at Scotch
Since its founding in 1851, Scotch College has always placed great emphasis on Music within the school. This tradition is continued into the 21st century with the school giving more than 70 concerts and recitals per year, teaching over 900 instrumental music lessons per week and providing the students with the opportunity to participate in some 50 different musical ensembles. The Music School is based in the James Forbes Academy which is a superb purpose built facility catering for a range of performance experiences, from intimate recitals to large scale group performances.
With 22 full time staff and over 57 visiting staff, the quality of teaching and learning at Scotch is outstanding results. Students regularly achieve high results at competitions, eisteddfods and in examinations, with many achieving Diploma levels in performance. Classroom music from Prep to Year 12 includes wide-ranging experiences from singing in the exceptional Junior School Kodaly program, to music technology and performance work in the Senior School. From workshops and master classes to concerts and excursions, the boys are exposed to high quality music education and performance at all levels.
The programs within the Music School concentrate on inclusion. All boys learning an instrument play in an ensemble and these range from beginner level to the Senior Symphonic Wind, College Choir or Scotch College Symphony Orchestra which regularly performs full orchestral works including Symphonies and Concertos. Rehearsing and performing within these groups develops a wonderful social dynamic and helps boys develop a sense of purpose and achievement. Tours and camps allow the boys to grow and develop as a group while exposing them to new experiences and building a strong music community.
Most important of all, however, is the bond that develops among musicians and the enhanced quality of life that result from an understanding and appreciation of music. It is this philosophy which is the driving force behind music at Scotch.
