Music Extension (MEX) is an academic classroom subject specifically designed for students who have already developed sound music reading and performance skills during their primary years of education. This exciting program provides a unique opportunity for students to refine their musicianship skills in a supportive and challenging environment alongside peers who share their passion for music.
Music Extension is a 2.5 year program. Successful applicants are expected to remain in the Program of Excellence for the entirety of the course until the end of Year 9. Students who wish to continue will then have the opportunity to 're-select' MEX as part of their Year 10 subject selection choice.
Students are also required to participate in at least one of our school's extra-curricular music ensembles enhancing their experience through diverse musical collaborations. Involvement in the Junior Choir, Vox Nova is strongly encouraged as it strengthens aural and musicianship skills essential to the MEX classroom curriculum.
The MEX program involves a range of creative performance opportunities such as full-class, small group, and solo performances where students gain confidence and proficiency in multiple instruments, including guitar and keyboard, as well as developing their aural skills.
Our curriculum program involves a range of creative performance opportunities such as full-class, small group, and solo performances, where students gain confidence and proficiency in multiple instruments, including guitar and keyboard. A strong emphasis is placed on aural-vocal development, ensuring students refine their listening skills and musical expression as they progress through the program.
Students will gain a greater understanding of music by exploring musical elements and their relationships to style, context, and genre, both visually and aurally. This approach to music education ensures that MEX students are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in all aspects of life.
Music Extension offers students the opportunity to elevate their musical abilities well beyond the traditional classroom setting through a range of engaging and enriching experiences. MEX students have access to a range of exceptional opportunities, such as:
- Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions such as African drumming and Kaboom Percussion, exploring diverse musical styles.
- Working with Universities on Composition Projects: Work alongside tertiary composition students from the University of Queensland and Griffith Conservatorium of Music to develop advanced composition techniques.
- Live Performance Experiences: Attend professional musical theatre productions to gain insight into the art of live performance.
- Specialist Jazz Workshops: Learn from industry professionals through in-class sessions with the Jazz Music Institute (JMI).
- Recording and Producing Original Music: Record and produce original songs in state-of-the-art facilities at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) while collaborating with tertiary music students.
- Diverse Performance Opportunities: Showcase talents in unique settings, such as busking at Open Day, performing at art showcase evenings, and entertaining at parent breakfasts.
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) Compose Project: Collaborate with QSO mentors to create an original orchestral work, culminating in a live performance by the QSO at their Southbank studio.
These experiences are designed to inspire creativity, enhance technical skills, and provide students exposure to the professional music world.
Students have the unique opportunity at Kenmore SHS to combine MEX with another Program of Excellence:
- Music Extension + German Immersion (GIEP)
- Music Extension + KENX
Alternatively, students may choose to apply for Music Extension as a standalone program.
More information can be found in the MEX Program Booklet (PDF, 853KB)
Contact
Phone | 07 3327 1555