Instrumental music teachers visit our school each week to teach children who possess an aptitude for a particular instrument - stringed instruments (not guitar), woodwind, brass or percussion. The aims of the program are to foster the child's musical ability and to give him/her an opportunity to play in an orchestra or band of some kind.
Tuition is offered on orchestral/band instruments, delivered as group teaching. Sizes of groups vary according to factors such as type of instrument, teaching space, age and ability of students. Groups of 3 to 10 are suggested as the group size on a common instrument especially at beginner level with an average class size of five. Weekly instruction usually includes one 30-minute small group lesson and one ensemble rehearsal. There is no charge for this service but an annual levy is charged to support equipment replacement for larger instruments, music and peripherals purchase, and transport to and from rehearsals and performances.
String tuition is offered from Year 3 (age seven years). Woodwind, brass and percussion tuition is offered from Year 5. Students can commence any instrument later than these ages if there are places available at the school.
Lesson times and rehearsals are considered as part of the normal school day but in the case of large ensembles it is usual to schedule rehearsals before/after school or in lunch breaks. Rehearsals and lessons are conducted in either the school activity centre or music classroom block.
Commitment by student and parent enable these programs to succeed throughout the year. Information sessions will be conducted at the beginning of semester 1 and 2.