Instrumental Music
Overview of the Instrumental Program:
Education Queensland provides a low cost program of Instrumental Music tuition in Primary and Secondary Schools in most areas of the State. At Chatswood Hills State School we offer the possibility of joining the String program in Year 3 OR the Band program in Year 4.
The Instrumental Music Program is a Co-Curricular subject and the students are assessed each term and their result will be on the report card along with all other subjects.
How The Program Works:
* Tuition is provided in string, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments by a qualified specialist registered teacher.
* Instruction takes place on a group basis with 3-8 students learning together.
* Lessons are ½ hour per week during school-time.
* Ensemble experience is provided through the formation of a concert band or string ensemble.
* Ensembles rehearse once a week before or during school lunch time and will perform at events when they are ready.
Please note that students are expected to continue with the same instrument until they graduate primary school.
Positions Available
STRINGS-
Strings …. Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass (some years)
BAND – WOODWIND, BRASS & PERCUSSION –
Woodwind - Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Brass - Trumpet
Trombone
Euphonium
Percussion - Tuned and Untuned
Strings - Electric Bass Guitar (some years)
Instrument Selection
The student's choice of instrument is taken into consideration; however, the instrumental music teacher will have the final decision of which (if any) instrument the student will be offered.
There are several factors that are considered when selecting an instrument for a student, including:
- Number of available school owned instruments
- Ensuring a good balance of instruments in the ensemble (for example we cannot have a band with 12 flute players but only 1 clarinet)
- The student's results from the music aptitude test
- General behaviour, school attendance and academic results
- Physical suitability for the instrument
- Number of positions available due to teaching time restraints and class sizes.
Student Commitment
Every student must agree to:
1. Practice regularly (15-30) minutes 4 times per week.
2. Become a member of the relevant school ensemble when instructed to do so by the teacher.
3. Take part in ALL performances in school or public.
4. Attend lessons, rehearsals and other classes every week.
5. Remain in the program until completion of primary school, unless special circumstances prevail.
Parent Commitment
Parents agree to:
1. Pay the annual Music Levy and Instrument Hire Fee (if applicable).
2. Provide necessary equipment to maintain instrument; tutor books for lessons.
3. Ensure students attend all rehearsals and performances, unless sickness or exceptional circumstances prevail.
4. Provide a suitable practice area and time for practice.
5. Provide encouragement.
Instruments & Costs
- All students participating in the Instrumental Music program must pay a $50 annual levy, if the student provides their instrument. This cost covers the purchase of ensemble music, photocopying, entry fees to competitions, accompanist fees and other resources purchased and used at
- Any student borrowing a school instrument will be required to pay $80 annually for each instrument borrowed. This covers the cost of repairs, replacement and general upkeep of the instrument which depending on the instrument.