About Us
Irene McCormack Catholic College (IMCC) is a co-educational school catering for over 900 Year 7 to 12 students in the Northern Coastal suburbs of Perth. The Music Department has expanded rapidly since the opening of the College in 2001. In addition to curricular music in all years, the Music Department also has an extensive extra-curricular program including instrumental lessons, Swing Band, Jazz Ensemble, 2108 Singers, Barbershop Vocal Group, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Rock Bands in each year group, and a set of DJ Turntables. The department’s facilities include two classrooms, practice rooms, and a recording studio.

IMCC first began experimenting with the Musical Futures approach in 2008, and it is now at the core of all music classes (general and specialist) from Year 7 through to Year 10 (in Upper School we offer University Entrance Music and Vocational Education Training Music). As a result, IMCC has a vibrant music program, with students at the centre. Classes focus on music that our students can relate to and that they are interested in learning. Therefore, the focus of our programs is largely practical; ‘making music’. Theoretical concepts are taught wherever possible ‘in practice’. The Music Department is also open before and after school, and at recess and lunch, for students to come in to practice, jam, or just hang out. The music rooms have become a ‘safe’ place for students to experiment and explore in their own time.

Our Vision
Our central aim is for our students to have the skills and motivation to continue making music when they leave school (in whatever form that may take). We believe music is fundamentally an activity that you do with other people. If we view music as a ‘practice’, then it follows that music education should mirror that practice (or ‘making music’) in ever increasingly complex contexts as students improve. Our hope is that by getting students actively involved in music and musical activities they will continue taking part in music long after they have left school. 

Supporting Teachers
We are really looking forward to supporting other music educators and departments as a Musical Futures Champion School. Any music teachers (specialist or generalist) are welcome to make an appointment to visit us to see the Musical Futures approach in action. The IMCC Music Department regularly hosts student teachers from Edith Cowan University, and we are happy to extend the same invitation to other pre-service teachers.

Contact us
w: www.imcc.wa.edu.au 
p: +61 (0)8 9562 2400 
e: music@imcc.wa.edu.au