Music Program
Wishart State School celebrates and values a strong tradition of quality music programs including the Instrumental Music Programs and Choral Program.
Instrumental Music Program
Education Queensland offer Instrumental Music Programs in our school consisting of a Strings Program and Concert Band Program.
The aims of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to learn a musical instrument; to provide the opportunity for students to develop their musical abilities while learning concentration, discipline, social skills (and sometimes leadership) and responsibility as members of a concert band or string orchestra; and to provide an enriching dimension to enhance the existing classroom music curriculum.
Selection of New Instrumental Students - unfortunately, due to the high demand on the limited resources available to the school, not all students who may wish to participate in this program can be accommodated. The selection procedure aims to ensure balance in the various ensembles. Selection of new Instrumental Program participants occurs in Terms 3 and 4. To maintain a cohesive group, students are not generally started at other times during the year or at other year levels, except under special circumstances.
Under Education Queensland's Policy, children who have taken up the offer of a place in the Strings Program cannot be offered a place in the Concert Band Program.
The following procedure is followed:
- Assessment by the Music Specialist including continuous monitoring and evaluation of the student's musical ability and performance in classroom music lessons; completion of an aural test; discussion with Classroom Teachers and Principal.
- Expression of interest given to first round of eligible students.
- Instrumental Program Orientation / Information Night (held in Term 4).
- Assessment by Instrumental Teachers of the child's physical suitability for his/her desired instrument.
- The first round of offers is compiled and letters sent to parents.
- Parents and children accept or decline the offer of participation in the Instrumental Music Program and a contract of commitment is signed by the student and parents.
- If places are still available a second round of offers is conducted on the same basis.
- Payment of the Instrumental Hire Fee (if applicable) and the applicable Instrumental Music Student Resource Scheme fee is required to confirm the student's place in the program.
Strings Program
The Wishart State School program commences for students in Year 3 and requires a 4-year commitment. Tuition is offered for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass with a Specialist Strings Teacher.
Participating students are required to attend a 30-minute group lesson during school time and a 1-hour ensemble rehearsal before school each week. Strings students are given the opportunity to perform at outside community events and eisteddfods as well as within the school program.
Wishart offers the following Strings Ensembles:
- Beginner Strings - Students in Year 3
- Junior Strings - Students in Year 4
- Senior String Orchestra - Students in Years 5 and 6
Concert Band Program
The Wishart State School Concert Band Program commences for students in Year 4 and requires a 3-year commitment. Tuition with Specialist Instrumental teachers is offered for the following instruments:
Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone and Tenor Saxophone.
Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium/Baritone Horn and Tuba.
Percussion: ALL Concert Band Percussion
Participating students are required to attend a 30-minute group lesson during school time and a 1-hour ensemble rehearsal before school each week. Concert Band students are given the opportunity to perform at outside community events and eisteddfods as well as within the school program.
Wishart State School offers the following Band Ensembles:
- Junior Band - Students in Year 4
- Senior Concert Band - Students in Years 5 and 6
Choral Program
The Wishart State School Choral Program provides children with the opportunity to develop their choral skills, under the discipline and guidance of the Music Specialist. This program not only helps students to develop their singing and improve musicianship, but builds on performance skills, confidence, teamwork and relationships all while having great fun.
Choir students are given the opportunity to perform at outside community events, as well as within the school program. Students are also prepared for competition in Eisteddfods and choral workshops with guest conductors including Singfest.
Wishart State School offers 3 successive choirs that practise each week either before school or during lunch breaks. The choirs are designed to support the progression and extension of choral techniques for young singing voices from Year 1 to Year 6. These Choirs include:
- Magnificent Minors - Students in Years 1 and 2
- Junior Choir - Students in Years 3 and 4
- Senior Choir - Students in Years 5 and 6