March to the beat of your own drum

Our opportunities in Performing Arts allow students to learn and flourish through exploring a love of music, dance and drama. BDC offers an amazing instrumental music program from K-12. 

High Performance Program

Performing Arts students enrolled in the high Performance Program will be presented with opportunities to further enhance their knowledge and skills in their chosen area of expertise. A flexible framework will focus on assisting our high performing students to meet the demands of their busy lives and schooling requirements, as well as providing access to mentors.

Students who are learning at a high level on their instrument and demonstrate a commitment to their music can apply to be part of the High Performance Performing Arts Program. In Music HPPA, students will engage in 3 sessions per cycle where they will develop their aural, theory, and performance practice skills. Students will participate in a range of activities including rhythmic and melodic dictations, chordal and interval recognition, and sight singing. They will also look at musical terminology, score reading conventions as well as musicology.

High Performance Application 

Music

Music is an integral part of life at Bishop Druitt College. With a strong curriculum program delivered by specialist teachers for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and an amazing instrumental program, the music staff aim to foster a love of music in all students. 

A range of bands, ensembles and choirs is also available for students of all ages to be involved in, and there are numerous performance opportunities given to students both in the school and in the wider community.

There are currently 16 music tutors and 23 bands and ensembles.

Instrument Tuition and Ensembles

At Bishop Druitt College we offer private instrumental music lessons for both primary and secondary students on a range of instruments. Lessons are conducted by qualified music tutors during school hours. Lesson times are negotiated with students, parents and teachers. A number of instruments are also available for hire. A range of musical ensembles are on offer for students in both primary and secondary to join. 

Ensembles range from those available to primary students like the Superstrings, Primary Performance Choirs, and Primary Performance Band to secondary ensembles such as the Secondary Vocal Ensemble, BDC Orchestra, and the Jazz and Rock Ensembles - plus many more.

At Bishop Druitt College we offer private instrumental music lessons on a range of instruments for both primary and secondary students:

Lessons are conducted by qualified music tutors during school hours. Lesson times are negotiated with students, parents and teachers, and it is expected that students catch up on any class work missed while attending their lesson.

Students studying on their instrument at beginner level may opt for a group lesson with another student at the same level. Groups should be organised prior to applying for lessons and this should be done in consultation with the tutor.

Lessons will be billed in advance for the term and are due for payment to the tutor by Week 2 of the term. Tutors will provide parents with an invoice that includes all payment details. 

If a student is absent for a lesson, including to attend school excursions and other planned activities, they must provide the tutor with at least 24 hours notice. Tutors are under no obligation to offer catch-up lessons and are not required to search and locate students in the college above Year 7. 

If a student wishes to cease lessons, a parent/carer must provide at least 28 days notice in writing to the music tutor and Head of Performing Arts. If lessons are terminated before the end of a term no fees will be refunded.

CONDITIONS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TUITION

Student agreement

By submitting this form the student agrees to the following requirements for instrumental music tuition:

I will make a commitment to the program by practising regularly and attending all lessons with my instrumental music teacher.

I will be responsible for participating in at least one school ensemble on my instrument(s), under advice from my instrumental music teacher.

I will be involved in regular performances as a part of the normal instrumental or ensemble program.

Parent agreement

By submitting this form the parent acknowledges that:

I understand that the school must be given 28 days notice in the event of termination of a music tuition agreement and that if this notice is not provided, the tuition fee for the remainder of the term shall be charged.

Musical Instrument Tuition Form

Musical Instrument Hire

Students are responsible for the hired instrument in their possession. Reasonable care must be taken against the instrument being lost, stolen or damaged. The instrument must be left in a safe place both at school and away from school. Students should report any instrument damage to their teacher immediately. 

If an instrument is lost or damaged due to lack of reasonable care, the student will be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement. Instrument accessories such as reeds, strings, valve oil, sticks, etc. are the student’s responsibility and will not be covered by the hire fee.

INSTRUMENTS FOR HIRE

At Bishop Druitt College a limited number of instruments are available for hire. These include: 

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double bass
• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Alto saxophone
• Tenor saxophone
• Trumpet
• French horn
• Trombone

Instruments are available for a period of 12 months. The cost of hiring an instrument is $90.00 per semester and is required to be paid at the accounts office by Week 2 of each semester.

CONDITIONS OF HIRING AN INSTRUMENT

You are required to keep the instrument in good condition and return it in the same condition at the expiration of the hire. 

You are responsible for any loss or damage to the instrument, including the case. This includes payment for any repairs that may be required or the purchase of a new instrument if the damage is significant.

You are responsible also for replacing strings and reeds on applicable instruments. You will also need to purchase rosin and valve oil, if required.

Termination of the hire must be provided in writing to the Head of Music with at least 28 days notice. No money will be refunded if the hire is terminated before the end of term.

The instrument is returnable upon demand from the Head of Music for inspection, repair, adjustment, or for any other reason.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT HIRE FORM

Music Ensembles

Rehearsal Times

Drama

Drama is an art form which is directly concerned with our understanding and experience of the world. Through drama, students explore the way people think, feel and communicate, learning to understand others and themselves more fully. 

Drama Academy 

The Drama Academy is an accelerated program for advanced drama students in Year 8, with a focus on developing performance and production skills. This inspiring and innovative program gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves as drama students and explore future careers in the industry. With the Kaizen Drama Academy, students will have opportunities to refine their skills and develop confidence in Drama.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REGULAR SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS INCLUDING:

• Annual Year 6 production
• Year 10 Drama Showcase
• HSC Drama Showcase
• School musical (recent production - Grease)

Dance

Dance is celebrated at Bishop Druitt College as part of our Performing Arts program, with a variety of dance styles being offered and held in our purpose built Dance Studio. Students from Kindergarten to Year 11 have the opportunity to be involved in creating and performing dance routines, as well as competing in local eisteddfods and wider community and major city events.

Dance club is offered before school or during lunch throughout the year. We encourage all students to be involved with dance regardless of their experience and grade. Students develop mutual respect and teamwork is encouraged when creating dance routines. The sense of community in our dance groups is evident when the younger and older students work together.

Garra-Garraji Dance Studio

Named for the Gumbaynggirr word for ‘movement and dance’, this purpose-built facility has been developed with the most advanced technology in flooring, light, and sound, and is a first for the Coffs Coast region. 

School Musical

The biennial college musical is the pinnacle of our Performing Arts experience, which proves to be highly rewarding. The journey from script to stage is invigorating and allows our Performing Arts enthusiasts to workshop, develop and perfect their skills.