The 2011 Young Music Society Summer Music School will be held at Canberra Girls' Grammar School from 10 January to 21 January 2011. Applications may be submitted by members of the Society from September and by the general public from November. Applications will close in December 2010.

The YMS Summer School is a unique music school in that it is open to any school age child, regardless of his or her level of musical competency and experience.

In its current format a maximum of 400 students can attend the summer school. The Summer School is divided into a Senior School (approx 280 students) and a Junior School (approx 120 students).

Both schools work towards the presentation of several joint public concerts in the second week of the school.

Junior School
Students are aged 4 to 8 years and must have attended school for a year. The students are placed into “homerooms” (based on age) and most of their activities occur in those home room classes with their teacher. They come together for choir and musical practice if there is to be a junior musical. Students also learn a beginner instrument.

Beginner Instruments offered to juniors are
Violin
Cello
Recorder
Guitar
Keyboard

Senior School
Students are aged 9 to 18 years. Each student selects electives from a wide range of subjects including learning a beginner instrument, percussion, ensembles, singing, various types of dance, choir etc. Depending on the concept of the Musical Director there may or may not be a musical.

Classes for Seniors include
Reggae Caribbean Percussion
Contemporary Dancing
Street Funk
Stage Props and Set Design
Introduction to Singing
Jazz Singing
Beginner Instruments
Elementary Ensembles
Intermediate Ensembles
Advanced Ensembles

Champions
There is also a Champions programme open to students aged 15 to 18. Champions will have their own program which includes composition, percussion, performance, vocal work, street funk dancing, classroom assisting and participation in the Musical.

Advance performance stream
This is for students between the age of 10 and 14, and who have achieved at least a Grade 4 AMEB Standard or equivalent. Students in the program will be given expert attention to develop their musicality at a high level. Advanced Performance Stream students can choose from the range of electives that are offered to the Senior School, and will be put in tailor-made classes based on these choices.

Application Forms
The 2011 application form will be available late September. Applications will be open to current YMS members and on 1 November to non-members.

2011 Summer School Information