Instrumental music
Instrumental music is offered to students in all brass,
woodwind, percussion and strings instruments. This program has a limited number of places available and recruitment
takes place in fourth term for the following year. If accepted into the
program, students are expected to fulfil their commitment to practice, attend
lessons and be part of the school band and regular school performances. The Instrumental
music Teachers coordinate the band practice times. This is a user-based
program, with students required to purchase some music books and instrument
accessories such as valve oil, reeds or strings. All ensemble music, use of stands and other
music equipment, entry to competitions and special excursion performances are
covered by the annual levy. This levy is
payable by Week 4 each year.
Instrumental music teachers give 30 minute instruction once
a week, during school time, in woodwind, brass, and percussion from Year 4 and
strings from Year 3. Children who have
indicated an interest may hire an instrument from the school. Students playing
relatively cheaper instruments such as Violins, Violas, Flutes, Clarinets, Alto
Saxophones, Trombones and Trumpets are encouraged to purchase their own when
they join the school music program. More
expensive instruments such as Cellos, Basses, Euphoniums, Tubas, Bass
clarinets, Tenor Saxophones and Baritone Saxophones will be available for hire,
time dependent on the instrument involved.
There are 4 instrumental music groups which are conducted by specialist
Instrumental Music Teachers, with rehearsals once a week outside of school hours:
- Year 6 Band Tuesday 7.35-8.30am PAC Auditorium
- Year 5 Band Wednesday 7.35-8.30am PAC Auditorium
- Year 4 Beginner Band Wednesday 3.00-3.45pm PAC Auditorium (Terms, 2,3,4)
- String Ensemble Friday 7.35-8.30am PAC Auditorium
Choirs
From Year 1, children have an opportunity for joining a
choir. The Classroom Music Specialist
conducts the choirs. There is an annual levy per student to cover the costs of
music, choir microphones, speaker systems etc., payable within 4 weeks of
joining the choirs. Any questions
regarding the school music program can be directed the Classroom Music
Specialist. There are 3 school choirs:
- Junior Choir (Years 1-2) Monday 7.45-8.30am PAC Auditorium
- Middle Choir (Years 3-4) Thursday 7.45-8.30am PAC Auditorium
- Senior Choir (Years 5-6) Thursday 3.10-4.00pm PAC Auditorium
More information can be found in the
WESS Music Program Handbook 2023-2024 V5.0 (February 2024).pdf