Classroom Music
Program
The
Strathpine West State School music program caters for all students regardless
of their musical ability. The aim of the program is to develop the creativity
that is present in varying degrees in all children. We focus on students making
music and developing the ability to think and express themselves in sound.
Each
class from prep to year 6 receives a thirty minute music lesson every week with
our music specialist. These lessons are activity based with the children
learning the basic skills of music- beat, rhythm, pitch, singing, movement,
listening and musical literacy. Great emphasis is placed on the “enjoyment” aspect.
In
the early years students explore the fundamental elements of music as they
develop a love of music through song and an appreciation of basic rhythmic
patterns. They learn to play a variety of tuned and un-tuned percussion
instruments. Students in year 2 learn to play the ukulele while students in
year 3, 4 and 5 learn to play the recorder. As they progress through the middle
years of their primary music education they learn to read music. The students
in year 6 have the opportunity to learn to play the classical guitar.
Instrumental Music
Program
The
Instrumental Music Program is a school-based program supported by Education
Queensland to promote instrumental music in state schools. Our Instrumental
Music Program is an integral component of our total Music Program. The program
is based on a broad set of objectives that spring from two fundamental goals:
The mastery of technical skills and the development of musical sensitivity.
Each
year a selection process involving our year 2-4 students is held to identify
children who have an aptitude for learning a Woodwind, Brass, Percussion or
String instrument.
Instrumental
instruction is provided from Year 4 for woodwind, brass and percussion
instruments (including Bass Guitar) and from Year 3 for string instruments. Children
are given one lesson on one instrument only, per week during school time.
As the students progress, they are expected to perform with one of the school
ensembles. The experienced Brass, Woodwind, Percussion and Bass Guitar students
form the Concert Band and the string students join
the String Ensemble. The ensembles perform at special school events and
parades, at music festivals and in some competitions. Children learn aspects of
team work and basic ensemble techniques, whilst enjoying the camaraderie of
playing in an ensemble or band with their peers. During the year the children
participate in music workshops to accelerate learning and perform at
competitive and non-competitive band functions.
It
is well documented that children who participate in music programs demonstrate
a significant improvement in life endeavours.
Instruments taught at the school include:
Woodwind
instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone and Tenor Saxophone
Brass
instruments: Trumpet, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium and Tuba
Percussion
instruments: percussion students play a variety of tuned and un-tuned
instruments including Drums, Xylophone and Glockenspiel
String
instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Bass Guitar
Please
contact one of our school Instrumental Music Teachers or Classroom Music Teacher
for more information.
Specialist Music Staff
Leonore Hammond - Classroom Music Teacher
Melissa Yaxley - Multi-Instrumental Music Teacher (Woodwind, Brass, Bass Guitar and Percussion Instruments)
Sam Muller - String Instrumental Music Teacher (violin, Viola, cello, double bass)
MUSIC EDUCATION helps young people feel inspired and motivated. Research tells us children who PLAY MUSIC do better in school and life. PLAYING MUSIC builds motivation and self-esteem. MUSIC LESSONS boost thinking skills. LEARNING MUSIC builds skills for the future. Above all, MUSIC IS FUN.
