General overview
Algester State School has had a long tradition of providing development in the Arts, as part of and in addition to, the Academic Programs. The Arts comprises of three areas: Visual Arts, Drama and Music.
The Music programs
There are 4 programs to study Music at Algester State School:
Classroom Music
Teacher: Mrs Anusha Jeeva - ajeev1@eq.edu.au
Location: Music Classroom Music Block
Frequency: Monday to Friday 9am–3pm
Duration: 30 min class lessons each week
The Classroom Music Teacher provides whole class instruction for students in Prep to Year 6. Students are immersed in music and given the basic instruction in singing, melody, music notation, reading and writing of music, rhythm, playing of basic musical Instruments including the recorder and percussion. Students who show an interest or an aptitude in music are identified and selected to participate in the Instrumental Music Program or Choir.
Strings program
Teacher: Ms Penny Williams - pwill8@eq.edu.au
Location: Instrumental Practice Room Music Block
Ensemble rehearsal: Weekly
Recruitment: End of year 2, Semester 2
Year Levels: Year 3 to Year 6
Groups: Beginner, Junior and Senior
Duration: 30 mins group lessons and weekly ensemble rehearsal for Juniors and Seniors on a rotating timetable.
Students are instructed in one of the Stringed instruments of Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass in 3 groups: a Beginner group, a Junior Ensemble group and more advanced Senior Ensemble group. Students learn to read Music, play the stringed instrument and play and perform in an ensemble group.
Multi Instrument Program: Woodwind, Brass and Percussion
Teacher: Mrs Alicia Wilson - awills246@eq.edu.au
Location: Instrumental Practice Room Music Block
Frequency: Weekly, Tuesday 7.30am–3pm and Wednesday 7.30am01503pm
Recruitment: End of year 3, Semester 2
Year Levels: Year 4 to Year 6
Groups: Beginner/Junior and Senior
Duration: 30 mins group lessons and weekly band rehearsal for Juniors and Seniors on a rotating timetable.
Students are instructed in one of the multi instruments of:
Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor saxophone),
Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Baritone) and
Percussion (All percussion instruments including Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, drum kit and auxiliary percussion).
There will be 2 groups: A Beginner/Junior Band and more advanced Senior Band. Students learn to read Music, play an instrument and play and perform in a band.
Choral program
Location: Music Classroom Music Block
Frequency: Weekly at 2nd Break
Junior Choir – Monday
Senior Choir – Wednesday
Recruitment: Term 1 each year
Groups: Junior (Year 2) and Senior (Year 3 – 6)
Year Levels: Year 2 to Year 6
Duration: 30mins groups lessons during one lunch break per week,
occasionally after school rehearsals for specific performances (e.g. ANCA performance)
Students will be invited to sign up for the choir each year during a lunch time rehearsal. They will bring home a Letter of Offer with the expectations of the program to be signed by a parent or caregiver. Students learn songs and movement routines to perform at various events, parade and competitions.
Recruitment for Multi Instrument and Strings Programs
The instrumental music teachers commence the selection process for the instrumental music program in the following year, from Semester 2. An Expression of Interest form will be sent home inviting you to nominate your interest in your child learning a Musical Instrument. The Strings Program is open to all Year 2 students, and Multi Instrument Program is open to Year 3 students who have not already participated in the strings program.
Your child will be invited to undertake a suitability testing on the instruments in Semester 2. Students will be tested on all the instruments, in order to determine which instrument is best suited to each child and to maintain balance across the program. A Letter will be sent, according to the results of these tests, classroom music assessments, and discussions with class teachers, to offer positions in the program. School Owned Instruments will be offered for use during the child’s first year of instruction to successful candidates. After the first year of instruction, it is expected that the student will hire or purchase their own instrument for the duration of the program. Some of the larger instruments such as Double Bass and Cello in the Strings Program and the French Horn, Euphonium and Baritone in the Multi-Instrumental Program may be offered for 2 years, depending on availability. Students who are accepted into the program but do not receive a school instrument, may hire or purchase their own instrument to participate in the program.
A parent information evening is held early in Semester 2, before testing commences, in the Music block for the Multi Instrument Program and AMAC for the Strings Program where further information regarding the instrumental music program will be provided. All parents and students are welcome to attend.
Waiting list
Students who are not offered an instrument in the first round will be put on the waiting list. They then have the option to provide their own instrument by hiring or purchasing an instrument. They may also be placed on the waiting list and in the event that a student withdraws from the program throughout the first year, they will be offered a place and will be expected to pay the levy required.
Please note: It is expected that students remain in the Multi Instrument program and the Strings Program until the end of year 6. It is also expected that students participate in all areas of the program including Bands, Ensembles and Performance commitments.
Music / Arts Parent’s Support (MAPS)
Each year the Parents and Caregivers of the Instrumental and Choir Music students participate in a parent support group known as MAPS – The Music/Arts Parent’s Support. A note will be sent out in Term 1 informing you when the first meeting is going to be held. This group has given the program invaluable insight and suggestions previously, and has been of great assistance during music concerts when volunteers are required.
More details about each of the Music Programs is available in the Music Information Booklet 2018 (PDF, 2.4MB).