The Instrumental Music Program gives selected students the opportunity to learn a musical
instrument in a group environment, and provides orchestra / band experience for
these students to develop their performance skills. Each week, students
participate in a 30-minute group lesson during the school day, and a large
ensemble which rehearses before or after school time.
Tuition
follows the Instrumental Music Curriculum from the Queensland Government, Department of
Education and Training, and progress
reports are issued to parents/ caregivers at the end of each semester.
Upon
enrolment, students and parents are required to commit to the Instrumental
Music Program throughout their time at MacGregor. Students are not permitted to
quit the program.
Students
in the program pay an annual Performing Arts Contribution. Students in the
Performing Arts Program are required to wear the school performance uniform
(available at the tuckshop) at all performances.
Our String Orchestras and Concert Bands at
MacGregor maintain an extremely high standard of performance and consistently
do very well at competitions and eisteddfods. The teaching staff who direct these ensembles are professional
performers in their own right and bring to these ensembles a wealth of
experience and discipline which benefits our students immeasurably.
Strings
The String Program (violin, cello, double bass) commences for students in year 3. Selection for the String Program begins takes place each year in October, when students are in year 2. The selection process is a collaborative judgement made by school teaching staff, and approved by the Principal. Not all students who apply will be offered placement, as the number of students within the program is restricted.
Students who play violin are required to purchase their own instrument. Students of cello and double bass are able to loan a school instrument for a limited time.
String Ensembles:
· Junior Strings (for beginning players in year 3)
· Intermediate Strings (for players in their second year of learning)
· Senior Strings (selection by audition, for students from year 3 to year 6)
· MacGregor Strings (the school's premiere ensemble; selection by audition, for students from year 3 to year 6)
· Various Small Ensembles – Camerata Chamber Orchestra, String Quartet, Violin Ensemble and Cello Ensemble (for selected students in the Enrichment Program)
Band
The Instrumental Music Band Program at MacGregor State School offers our students many valuable opportunities for personal growth and development.
The curriculum features instruction in Woodwind, Brass and Percussion through small group lessons. Instruments are provided to students for a one year period, after which they are required to purchase their own instrument to continue in the program. Larger instruments are provided for their primary/ secondary school career.
Aims
Inspire an interest and enjoyment in making music with others
The opportunity to learn a musical instrument
A platform to develop performance skills
Complement classroom music
A life longer learner
Acceptance
From Grade 4: Band Program - Brass, Woodwind and Percussion
a. Students will sit a listening test in their classroom music lesson in Year 3.
b. Top 60 will be invited to a student/parent information evening, where students will choose their top 3 instrument preferences.
* Please note: All Grade 3 students are invited to the information evening and can apply.
c. Students will be tested on all 3 instruments, to determine which ones suits them physically.
Tuition
From Grade 4: Band Program - Brass, Woodwind and Percussion
a. Students are selected based on a balanced ensemble
b. Lessons are given in groups no fewer than 2, no more than 10
c. Are grouped according to instrument and ability
d. Lessons are 30mins in duration and occur during the school day on a rotational basis
e. Weekly home practice ensures positive progression
Ensembles
There are 3 concert bands at MacGregor and it is compulsory for every student in the band program to participate in one of these large ensembles.
· Wind Symphony (Senior) - Wednesday 7:30 - 8:30am - Hall
· Wind Ensemble (Intermediate) - Wednesday 3:15 - 4:00pm - Hall
· Concert Band (Beginner) - Wednesday 3:15 - 4:00pm from Term 2 - Music Room
* Please note: graduation into a higher ensemble doesn't happen automatically and students will only advance when they have proved their commitment and dedication to the band program.
Stage Band – extension
Stage Band is an additional ensemble that plays Jazz, Rock and Blues music for the following instruments:
Instrumentation –Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar/ Double Bass, Drum Kit.
· Rehearsal: Monday 1:30 - 3:00pm - Music Room
Percussion Ensemble - extension
Percussion Ensemble is an additional ensemble for very advanced percussionists.
Instrumentation – Marimba, Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Timpani, Congas, Gong, + all untuned Percussion.
· Rehearsals: Monday 3:15 - 4:00pm – Music Room
Festivals, Workshops and Extension
· FANFARE Regional Finals 2018
· MusicFest Platinum Winners 2018, 2019
· Coolum SHS – Stage Band Workshop 2018
· Percussion Ensemble – Jeff Jarrot 2018
· World Music Workshop – Pongsapon - 2019
· Coolum SHS – Percussion Workshop 2019
· SHEP Primary School – 2019
· SHEP Middle School – 2018, 2019
· SHEP Senior School – 2019
· Beginner Band Workshop – 2017, 2018, 2019
· Brass Soiree – 2017, 2018, 2019
· Musical Band – 2019
· Dance Collaboration and performance
· Mayfest
Prep Band
Prep Band begins in grade 3, offering students the ability to explore instrument families, compose, improvise and perform. This establishes a pathway for grade 4 students whom wish to study a band instrument.
Acceptance
Grade 3: Prep Band
a. All Grade 2 students are able to apply, with a cap at 60 students.
Tuition
Grade 3: Prep Band
a. A year-long extension program, with an emphasis on percussive instruments.
b. Pathway into Band Program (from Grade 4)
c. Lessons have a maximum 20 students per class
d. Lessons are 30mins in duration and occur during the school day (Friday)