As a Music Department, we aim to create a positive and supportive environment to encourage students’ musical development, participation, learning and performance. Research has shown that students who engage in music education have been associated with a range of academic, cognitive and psychosocial benefits. There are some indications that school-based music may benefit the development of literacy, numeracy and verbal memory skills and may be a promising intervention for the wellbeing of students.
Instrumental Music
At Southport State School, we are very proud of our vibrant Instrumental Music (IM) program and community. Education Queensland's world-class system in Instrumental Music tuition provides a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in an exciting and diverse field of study up until year 12.
The IM program is intended to cater for high performing music students and functions as an ensemble-based program. Enrolment in the 'Instrumental Music – Strings Program' and 'Instrumental Music – Band Program' is granted via application only and limited places are available each year. The selection process is an on-balance collaboration judgement made by the school teaching staff. Successful students participate in two weekly classes, in the form of a small group lesson and a large ensemble rehearsal.
You can find additional information on the IM program in the
Instrumental Music Handbook. Below is an overview of the Strings and Band strands of IM.
Strings Program
From Year 3, students are invited to enrol in strings lessons to learn the Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass.
Teacher: Ms Sue Ferrers
When: Thursdays
Lesson Times: Small group lessons are 30 minutes each week and times are displayed in the Music building, as well as in the students' classrooms.
Where: The Instrumental Music room, located in the Music building
Rehearsals - These are compulsory and an important part of students' musical development.
String Orchestra
Thursday 7:30am – 8:30am
The String Orchestra is our senior string ensemble, which extends students in their second, third and fourth year of learning. This program provides a fantastic opportunity for students demonstrating proficiency on their instrument to develop their orchestral skills. Students must work collaboratively and consider musical and technical elements as part of the rehearsal process and performances. They are encouraged to develop a love for ensemble playing and are guided towards becoming self-sufficient musicians, ready for enrolment in a secondary school program.
Beginner String Ensemble
Thursday 2:40pm – 3:30pm
Students are welcomed to the Strings Program at Southport State School as members of the Beginner Strings Ensemble in Term 1. Our 'junior' orchestra, this group is an exciting chance for students to discover or further develop a love for collaborative music making. Students at this early stage benefit greatly from additional learning time with their new instrument and are required to work as a member of a team in a range of intellectual, technical and interpersonal ways. All Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass players in their first year of learning are expected to contribute to this ensemble.
Band Program
From Year 4, students are invited to enrol in band lessons to learn Woodwind, Brass or Percussion instruments.
Teacher: Mr Matthew Armstrong – Experienced Senior Teacher (Instrumental Music)
When: Mondays
Lesson Times: Small group lessons are 30 minutes each week and times are displayed in the Music building, as well as in the students' classrooms.
Where: The Instrumental Music room, located in the Music building.
Requirements (as outlined in the IM Handbook): Instrument, Method book (Sound Innovations), cleaning cloth, music stand for practise at home, display folder for sheet music.
Lessons only have 30 minutes of contact time per week so home practise is vital. To assist home practise, it is recommended that students should use a music program called Smartmusic and/or supplemental material provided with the method book. To utilise this, it is necessary for students to have access to a computer (laptop or desktop) or tablet device at home for their daily practise sessions. Alternately, a DVD drive/player can be used to watch the instructional videos and listen to the MP3’s on the DVD’s included in the book.
Band Rehearsals - These are compulsory and an important part of students' musical development.
Concert band
Monday 8am
The Concert Band is our senior ensemble for Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. Students continuing in the program for their second and third year of learning are members of this ensemble.
Novice band
Monday (To be confirmed)
This band is for students in their first year of learning. Rehearsals begin in approximately Term 2 (to be confirmed).
Classroom Music
Southport State School is a Performing Arts School. Terms 1 and 2 are dedicated to Music Education, Term 3 to Dance and Term 4, Drama. Every child from Prep to Year 6 participates in a 40 minute specialist lesson every week. In Prep to Year 2, emphasis is on students enjoying music through singing, games, musical appreciation, learning note values, reading rhythms and playing tuned and untuned percussion instruments.
In Years 3 and 4, students engage further in music literacy and music making skills by singing, playing tuned and untuned instruments and musical appreciation. Students learn the Recorder and Ukulele to further develop their musical skills.
In Years 5 and 6, students continue on their path of more advanced music literacy skills, lyric writing and music playing. Students compose and perform and are involved in class ensemble Xylophone and Glockenspiel pieces. Students also engage in learning to play the keyboard to improve their musical reading and playing skills.
Choir
The Southport State School Choir is an integral and valued part of the school community. Students from Years 1 to 6 have the opportunity to join the choir which rehearses every week. As well as singing a variety of repertoire, students are guided to develop musical and vocal skills, a love of singing and performance. The choir competes annually at The Gold Coast Eisteddfod and performs at many performance venues throughout the school year. Engaging in the school choir gives students the opportunity to build self-confidence and esteem, commitment, teamwork and friendship.