Music activities

Middle Park State School has a very strong and dynamic choral program, with a focus on a wide range of repertoire from a variety of styles, eras and cultures, from traditional to modern. Participating choir students will learn the skills of expression, in-tune singing, performance discipline and leadership through the responsibility of memorising their part and being part of a team. Performances can include movement (choralography) and the use of instruments for special effects. Once students enrol in choir, they are expected to honour their commitment to the choral program for the whole year. Both Junior and Senior Choirs perform regularly at school assemblies, school events including the Choir and Ukelele Concert evenings, at special events such as Singfest and Fanfare, and at community events and ​competitions, at which they have won several awards.

 

Ukelele Club members meet weekly to sing and play the ukelele together. The ukelele is a fun and friendly instrument from Hawaii that has a warm, rich sound which, when being played, can spread happiness and build a sense of community. Students have a lot of fun strumming popular songs from a variety of genres, learning new skills, new chords, and growing into musicians who simply love to play music. As songs are successfully performed from the first rehearsal, a sense of accomplishment ​is easily achieved. Having this outlet has many musical benefits for our students, including brain development, positive mental health, happiness, friendships, confidence, social skills and improved coordination and fine motor skills. The Ukelele Club perform at special school events such as NAIDOC Day assembly and at our Choir and Ukelele Concert evenings.

Strings Instrumental music is an extra-curricular option of our music program here at Middle Park State School. Mr Matthew Hoey and Mrs Josie Price (instrumental music teachers) visit the school weekly to teach the students on the violin, cello, viola or double bass. In Year 2 the children sit a physical and aptitude test with the music teachers. They are then given an offer to participate in the strings program. In Year 3 the children begin the strings program. Departmental instruments can be borrowed from the school or instruments can be hired or purchased through local music stores. Parents and children are invited and encouraged to attend the information evening prior to accepting a position within the program. The music staff outline the expectations of the entire program.

Group lessons are held during class time once a week and last for 30 minutes. Additionally, from term three onwards students participate in an ensemble that rehearses outside of school hours. Rehearsals usually run for one hour before school, one day per week.

The ensembles participate in performances both within and outside of school, as well as in competitions. There are usually between three and four outside school hours performances a year. Attendance at these events is a condition of being in the program.

Children who are part of the program are expected to participate fully. This includes a commitment to regular practice, attending lessons and performances and caring for their instrument. A satisfactory rate of progress is expected. Children who do not meet these requirements may be asked to leave the program so that other children may be offered a place.

 

Concert Band Tuition is provided by a specialist instrumental music teacher on woodwind (flute, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone), brass (trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium and tuba) and percussion (tuned and untuned) instruments. Students in Year 4 have the opportunity to be selected for the band program. Students are assessed at the end of Year 3 and selected students are offered a place in the program. Lessons take place weekly in a small group of three to 10 students. The Year 4 beginner students participate in Junior Concert Band on Monday mornings before school. The continuing students in Years 5 and 6 perform in the Senior Concert Band which rehearses Wednesday mornings before school. Both ensembles perform regularly at school assemblies, the annual Performing Arts Celebration Evening and at competitions such as Fanfare and the Brisbane Schools Music Festival.

 

In order to showcase our wonderful instrumental program, we have small concerts a couple of times a year where the String Ensemble and Instrumental Band play.  These evenings are broken into two concerts and thanks to our P&C Association, parents and encouraged to enjoy light refreshments as they wait for their child's performance.