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).
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. Vests and ties are hired each
year from the Music Support Group and a short-sleeved white shirt, skort or
long navy pants, short white socks and black filled-in shoes, most of which are
part of our school uniform, need to be worn.
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
Students are selected for the program according to various criteria:
(i) student's keenness to learn;
(ii) musical aptitude;
(iii) physical characteristics pertinent to a particular instrument;
(iv) commitment of both student and parent to daily practice; and
(v) committed regular attendance at lessons and rehearsals.
Selection of children to join a program follows the following procedure:
(i) letter from parent requesting inclusion;
(ii) short test with music teacher;
(iii) recommendation of class teacher and previous class teacher;
(iv) 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.
Initial enrolment in the class is for a minimum period of one year subject to a
trial period of one month.
A subscription of $60 per semester for privately owned instruments and $100 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 every day (10 mins);
(ii) become a member of the school band/orchestra 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 advise in writing indicating the instrument for
which you wish your child to be auditioned.