Applecross Senior High School allows students to take their musical studies to the next level. Our program encourages students to enjoy making music through engaging fully in the practical and theoretical aspects of this subject. Our values include creativity, cooperation, commitment, innovation and personal best.
In Years 7-10, the program is a package, which consists of three compulsory elements:
- Class Music
- Instrumental lessons
- Ensemble membership
An important definition: The Western Australian Department of Education in provides a unique musical tuition program via Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS), which is available in most government schools.
Eligibility for the Music Program
There are three ways to be eligible for Music at Applecross Senior High School:
- Continue your IMSS instrument from your previous (WA government) school.
- Continue your privately taught instrument with tuition outside of schools.
- In Year 7 only, participate in the IMSS Beginner Program.
How to Enrol in the Music Program
The Year 7 Subject Selection Request Form, found on the online Year 7 Enrolment Application Form, has a Music section that must be completed to ensure your child is allocated the Class Music elective on their timetable.
Please Note: It is not possible to gain out-of-area access to Applecross Senior High School via the Music Program.
Classroom Music
Lower School: Class Music is an integral and compulsory component of each student’s musical training from Years 7-10. Throughout lower school, students develop skills in listening awareness and music theory. They also express themselves through composing and arranging activities, as well as gaining an understanding of what makes us listen to and enjoy music of different eras, cultures, and styles. Practical music-making activities are integral to all music courses.
Upper School: In 2025, both Music ATAR and Music General are being offered, which allows us the flexibility to meet a wide range of needs and interests, including those seeking a pathway to tertiary studies in music. The endorsed unit Instrumental and Ensemble Music (PIMS) is also offered.
For a more detailed description of these subjects, please view the appropriate Subject Selection Handbook.
For any further enquiries regarding the Lower School and Upper School Class Classroom Music courses, please contact the Head of Music.
Instrumental & Ensemble Music
High quality in music-making in a wide variety of styles is a priority at Applecross Senior High School. Our music program involves over 250 students, many of whom are taught by staff from IMSS, as well as those who have private tuition.
The school has eight ensembles, the first three groups being senior/junior counterparts:
- Concert Band 1 & Concert Band 2
- Cygnet String Orchestra & Scimitar String Orchestra
- Junior Guitar Ensemble & Senior Guitar Ensemble
- Choir
- Jazz Band (an extracurricular ensemble)
Performances
There are a variety of performing opportunities throughout the year, presenting a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their skills to family and the wider school community in a professional environment.
As well as our own concerts, the Music Department regularly enters ensembles into the following festivals:
- WA Schools’ Concert Band Festivals
- WA Schools’ Orchestra Festivals
- WA Classical Guitar Ensemble Festival
- WA Government Secondary Schools Choral
- Solo Vocal Festival
- WA Schools’ Jazz Festival
- Contemporary Music Ensemble Festival
Our ensembles consistently achieve high results in these festivals due to the professionalism of our conducting staff and the hard work undertaken by the students.
Resources
Contact
For further information, please contact the Head of Music:
Mr Tim Stapleton
Email: Timothy.Stapleton@education.wa.edu.au
Phone: (08) 9314 9335
