Classroom Music
All students
at Graceville State School have music lessons with a specialist music
teacher. Students in Prep have two 30
minute lessons each week. This provides
them with the opportunity to develop their singing and speaking voice and an
understanding of the musical comparatives through a wide variety of songs and
rhymes as well as games and small group or partner activities. During music lessons students are encouraged
to participate in activities which also assist with confidence building, social
skills, fine and gross motor skills, listening skills and creativity.
Students in
years 1 – 6 attend a 30 minute lesson each week. During
these lessons they continue to build on their knowledge and understanding of
music and performance skills through listening, responding, performing,
creating and composing individually and collaboratively.
Choir
At
Graceville SS we have a Junior Choir for students in years 2 – 3 and a Senior
Choir for students in years 4 – 6. The
choirs are conducted by specialist music teachers who are experienced
conductors. Our philosophy is that every student has
musical aptitude and should be provided with the opportunity to further develop
their musicianship and enjoyment of singing, therefore the choirs are open to
all interested students and there is no audition process. We support the school and wider community with
one or both of our choirs singing at a number of events, celebrations and
commemorations including Harmony Day, NAIDOC week, the school fete, assemblies and
an annual evening concert, as well as other community events we are invited to
perform at throughout the year. Regular
updates on our music program and performances are provided through our weekly
newsletter articles.
Singing in a
choir also provides an opportunity for children to develop self-confidence,
friendships and an improved feeling of wellbeing. Through participating in different events,
students can develop a deeper understanding of and connectedness to our
community.
Instrumental Music
At
Graceville State School, weekly tuition is provided by specialist instrumental
music teachers on a range of musical instruments. Students do not need not have
any prior musical experience to apply for a place and the skills and musical
literacy required to be successful will be taught while participating in the
program. Our string program is open to
students in year 3 with some places also offered in year 4, for the violin,
viola, cello and double bass. Students
in year 4 are eligible for a place in the band program which includes woodwind,
brass and percussion instruments. These
instruments include the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone,
baritone and percussion. This can lead
to further specialisation in years 4/5/6 with the French Horn, bass clarinet,
tenor saxophone, tuba and euphonium.
Students in the instrumental program also attend an orchestra or band
rehearsal each week and perform at events throughout the year. Every student in the program also
participates in a 2 day workshop, which involves specialist tutors working with
small groups of students alternated with full ensemble rehearsals, providing an
opportunity for them to further develop their skills and musicianship. The workshop culminates with a concert at the
school.
Engagement
in the instrumental program provides students with skills and experiences which
can develop their musicianship, artistic awareness, creativity and sensitivity
as well as their confidence. These
skills, experiences and enrichment can continue throughout and beyond their
schooling.
Further
information about the music program can be provided by contacting the
school.