Class
Music
A visiting music teacher spends two days per week at the school and each class
has one lesson a week. Predominantly, all students receive instruction in
singing and the recorder is taught to Years 4 to 6 students. An instrumental
program is also offered.
Students are able to join the Junior or Senior School choir to help develop their music skills. The school choirs are an important
facet of school life. Choirs perform at school functions, community events and
take part in choral fanfares and eisteddfods.
Instrumental Music
Education Queensland provides instrumental tuition to those children who want
to learn brass, woodwind, strings and percussion and become part of the
ensemble program at Oakleigh.
Instruction in brass, woodwind, strings and percussion is by the group teaching
method with 3 – 5 students participating together at each lesson.
Parents need to be sure they can support a practice regime with their child. An
opportunity to learn an instrument will be offered to those who are interested
and it is expected they will continue to learn throughout the course of their
schooling at Oakleigh. Students are unable to change from the string program
(which is offered in Year 3) to brass, woodwind or percussion (offered in Year
4). 1. Students make a commitment to stay in the program until year 6. Students who are leaving the school before then (excluding defence students) are ineligible for lessons but may join the ensemble if they have an instrument of their own and are receiving private tuition. Oakleigh owns a limited number of instruments and they are available for loan
for the 12 months of tuition. After this time, the family needs to purchase
their own instrument. In the case of larger items, such as double basses and
cellos they may, if available, be able to use a school instrument for longer.
The Senior Band, String Ensemble and Senior Choir are expected to wear their
performance uniform when representing our school. Music shirts are avaiable for purchase through the uniform shop and black pants can be purchased through local shops.
Oakleigh offers the following classes:
Brass - trumpet, trombone and euphonium/ tuba from Year 4 on
Percussion - drums - from Year 4 on
Strings - violin, viola, cello and double bass from Year 3 on
Woodwind - flute, clarinet and saxophone - from Year 4 on
Selection of children to join a program follows the following procedure:
- EOI from parent requesting inclusion sent in T3 of the preceeding year of program entry point;
- short musical apptitude test with music teacher;
- physical testing to ascertain student suitability for various instruments
- Effort and achievement in classroom music if required to make decisions between multiple candidates
- availability of instrument if family does not provide instrument.
It is of utmost importance that students are carefully selected in order to
avoid frustration or sense of failure on the part of the student.
Enrolment in the program is through to the end of year 6.
A subscription of $60 per semester for privately owned instruments and $120 per
semester for school instruments is set to cover the purchase of sheet music and
repairs to departmental instruments. This must be paid during first term. This
subscription does not cover replacement strings for stringed instruments or
reeds for woodwind instruments.
Where parents are considering the purchase of an instrument for their child,
they are requested to consult with the instructor BEFORE arranging any purchase.
Children who join the instrumental program must have the following commitments.
Every student must agree to:
(i) practise regularly - a short period (starting at 10 mins building to 30 mins 4 times/week);
(ii) become a member of the school ensembles after 12 months;
(iii) take part as required in all concerts and camps;
(iv) attend lessons, rehearsals and other classes regularly as required.
Over recent years, the vast majority of instrumental students have developed
very advanced skills with the particular instrument they have learnt and it is
pleasing to know they have continued this education at high school and are now
members of the high school bands and orchestras.
If you wish your child to commence tuition in this area and are willing to
agree to the conditions, please respond to the EOI sent out at the end of Term 3.