School’s Music Program
All classes receive one Music lesson per week from the school's music specialist. The focus of these lessons is to teach children basic knowledge and understanding of musical elements such as rhythm and metre, tone, pitch and melody, and form and structure as well as music appreciation.
Extension of the School's Music Program
Instrumental Music InstructionTeachers visit the school each week, during school hours, to give the children group instruction for periods of up to half an hour and one ensemble rehearsal outside school hours. Instruction is free.
Selection
Selection is carried out through a consultative process which includes the class teacher (re work attitudes), the music teacher (re general musicianship) and the instrumental music teacher (reselection of instrument). Initial enrolment in the program is for a minimum period of one year, subject to a trial period of one month.
Instruments
Some school instruments are available for borrowing by students. A minimal yearly hire charge is payable. Families must insure the instrument against loss.
Children are expected to pay a participation fee to cover administration and music costs. When playing for the community and in competitions, they are expected to wear a special uniform which can be hired.
Brass, Percussion, Woodwind
Eligible Children: Instruction is for children from years 5 to 6 only, except in exceptional circumstances where there are insufficient interested children in these classes, year 4 may be included.
Strings
During year two, students are tested for musical ability and graded for eligibility into the instrumental program to begin in year three. About eight students are selected from grade two. It is possible for students from grades three-seven to begin lessons as well. If this is the case then parents should consult with the music teacher or the strings teacher.
There is a string ensemble for participating string students to join (depending on capabilities) a junior group and a senior group. The ensemble groups perform at parade concerts, shopping centres, eisteddfods and festivals.
Students also participate in a 30-minute music lesson each week held during class time at the convenience of their class timetable. It is essential that students joining the program realise that it takes commitment to be a success in the program. Students must have time to practise, be punctual and be responsible for their musical instrument and accessories. Students also need to give up time before school or in the lunch hour to rehearse and be able to attend performances.
Lessons at the school are free and courtesy of Education Queensland, however a levy is charged to parents per instrument learnt for music scores and equipment required to facilitate the lesson. The school has some instruments available for students to borrow for use in lessons for an annual levy to cover maintenance.
Each year, local schools join to create a music workshop for students participating in the Instrumental program. Further opportunity is provided for Year seven students to attend the advanced music camp where they are encouraged, challenged and learn music within a fun and enjoyable environment. Students have the opportunity to meet new friends and learn social skills. It is a proven fact that students who learn to play a musical instrument benefit academically.
Expectations
The number of children who can be included is very limited and places are valued, therefore -
(a) Children must practise daily and show evidence of this during the weekly lessons.
(b) Children must display an aptitude for the instrument chosen.
(c) Children must bring their instrument and music on the appropriate days.
(d) School Concert Band and String Orchestra – When the teacher indicates that a child has reached the required state of proficiency, he/she is expected to become a member of the appropriate ensemble. Practices take place either before school or during the lunch break, for up to three quarters of an hour duration. (This will also entail attending some outside functions when the group is ready).