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Video: "Keeping it Real...an alternative approach to music education"
A joint project funded by “The Innovation and Next Practice Division”, DEECD ,and the Sweethearts Foundation. Sweethearts Education FAQWhat qualification can I gain if I am in Sweethearts? Members of Sweethearts study Certificate 4 in music over 2 years. This is the highest level qualification available in any Australian secondary school. Can I join the Sweethearts Certificate 4 program? Yes. Entry is by open audition, held in August to all secondary female students. Sweethearts members operate as professionals in the music industry. They achieve the certificate through band activities, rehearsals performances and a class held during the regional VET day (Wednesday afternoon).
What exactly is The Sweethearts program? The Sweethearts is a professional musical group consisting of up to 30 girls enrolled at secondary schools from across the Geelong region. Performing over 40 shows a year, students involved in The Sweethearts program are involved in a complex and demanding musical environment that allows them to both develop and practice not only musical skills but also judgment, responsibility, persistence, focus, self-confidence and problem solving. The Sweethearts is all about real-world music education. What are the different roles in the group? Performance roles fall into two categories: vocalists (backing and soloist) and instrumentalists (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, flute, guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards). The group also has a limited number of technical roles for students interested in sound and lighting. What kinds of opportunities are available to students? The program is focused on students producing professional performances for festivals, corporate functions and community events, as well as touring regionally and overseas. Students undertake the Certificate 4 in Music through their involvement in the program allowing them to achieve the highest level of music qualification available to secondary students anywhere in Australia. Students are regularly involved in group rehearsals, individual instrumental and vocal music lessons, workshops with music industry mentors, local and national touring as well as an international tour roughly every third year. Students usually undertake the two-year program during Year 10 and 11. However, it can be undertaken during Years 11 and 12 but this is not the usual model. The Certificate 4 program consists of units focused on music industry knowledge, composition, technical and performance techniques, improvisation, stagecraft, copyright and occupational health and safety. Certificate IV information Certificate 4 is taught by Ross Lipson from Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College and Bryn Hills from Ballarat High School. Many other trainers are also used. Is the Certificate 4 in Music recognized within the VCE? How much credit does it provide? Yes, the Certificate 4 program does provide credit towards students VCE or VCAL programs with students receiving two 3-4 sequences in the VCE (this is the equivalent of two VCE subjects). The Certificate 4 does not have scored assessment (students do not sit an exam) however they can receive two 10% increments towards their ENTER. See your school VCE coordinator for more information. Students can audition for a place in The Sweethearts program from Year 7 onwards. Students must be enrolled at secondary school. Usually students are required to be at or equivilent to the AMEB Grade 5 standard, however each student is assessed individually against a range of criteria when they apply. Typically students involved in the program will continue their involvement for somewhere between two and six years depending on when they begin. Students involved in the program can spend considerable amounts of time rehearsing,(every Thursday 3.30-6pm) travelling, practicing and performing. The majority of this happens outside school hours, during the evenings and on weekends. Students rarely miss any school time to participate in the program (approximately 3–4 days per year) plus occasional touring in Victoria and this will involve students being away from school for up to four days. Usually the band tours overseas every 3-4 years. his may involve missing up to 8 school days at the start of term 3. What is the role of parents? Parents are an important part of The Sweethearts. Students involved in the program need regular support and assistance from parents especially in regard to transport within the local Geelong area. Students often need to attend performances and events in the evenings and on weekends and they will often rely on parents for help. Transport is provided for all students for events outside the Geelong area. There is also a Parent Support Group. Students pay $600 per annum for their Sweethearts membership plus $330 per annum for those enrolled in the Certificate 4 program. Graduates of The Sweethearts program choose pathways to further study in a range of fields at university or TAFE, while others often pursue employment directly in the music industry. Students interested in joining need to audition.Click here: Audition information
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