St Leonard's College has an enviable reputation in performing arts. Music is an integral part of the curriculum from prep to year 12 and drama is introduced as a subject at year 5. In the VCE program, St Leonard's offers Drama, Music Performance, Music Investigation and Theatre Studies. As part of the International Baccalaureate [IB] Diploma Programme, Music and Theatre are offered.
Opportunities exist in music for students to learn a wide variety of instruments and to participate in the College’s string, band and choral ensembles.
With a wide range of fine drama performances each year, there is great opportunity for students to participate in
drama. As well as the public performances related to specific subjects, students at both
Middle and
Upper Schools have the opportunity to participate in school musicals.
Applicants should be talented and dedicated
performing arts students who are willing to contribute to the artistic life of the College.
Auditions for music and drama awards
Students applying for
music and
drama awards may be required to audition. Applicants who are selected to be auditioned will be notified of their audition time (auditions are held in late February and early March) and may be asked to bring further supporting material at that time.
Audition requirements - music
Students are able to audition for one or more instruments, including voice.
The student is required to perform the following technical work on one instrument only:
one major scale of their own choice
one minor scale of their own choice
chromatic scale of their own choice
Note: Each scale should start on a different note.
In addition, the student is required to perform two works of their own choice (one on each instrument if more than one instrument). These works should be chosen to demonstrate their personal best. At least one work should be accompanied, if appropriate. You may wish to use the College accompanist or supply your own. At the audition, the student will also be given sight reading and ear training at the appropriate standard.
Audition standards – music
The following instruments may take priority: oboe, bassoon, french horn, trombone, tuba and viola. For all other instruments including voice, the following minimum standard will apply:
Students entering year 5 and 6 require minimum grade 3 AMEB or equivalent
Students entering year 7 require minimum grade 4 AMEB or equivalent
Students entering year 8 require minimum grade 5 AMEB or equivalent
Students entering year 9 and 10 require minimum grade 6 AMEB or equivalent
Students entering year 11 require minimum grade 7 AMEB or equivalent
Audition requirements - drama
Students will be required to present a solo piece, eg poetry, monologue from play or film, or the student’s own creation. The piece should be of no more than two minutes duration.
In addition, students invited for audition (when notified of their audition time) will need to choose and prepare one monologue from a selection of pieces that will be found on the website. For one of the pieces, the student will be asked to take direction.
A short interview will complete the process.
Audition requirements – students applying for both music and drama.
Students applying for both
music and
drama and invited for audition will meet the requirements of both.