Instrumental music is offered to students across brass, woodwind, percussion and string instruments. This program has a limited number of places, with recruitment taking place in Term 4 for the following year.
Students accepted into the program are expected to commit to regular practice, attend weekly lessons, and participate in the school band and scheduled performances. Band rehearsal times are coordinated by the Instrumental Music Teachers.
The instrumental music program is user‑based. Families are required to purchase some music books and basic instrument accessories (e.g. valve oil, reeds or strings). All ensemble music, use of music stands and equipment, entry to competitions, and performances requiring excursions are covered by an annual levy, payable by Week 4 each year.
Lessons and Instruments
Instrumental music lessons are delivered during school time as 30‑minute weekly sessions:
- Woodwind, brass and percussion: from Year 4
- Strings: from Year 3
Students who indicate interest may hire an instrument from the school. Families are encouraged to purchase relatively lower‑cost instruments, such as violins, violas, flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trombones and trumpets, when joining the program. Higher‑cost instruments, including cellos, double basses, euphoniums, tubas, bass clarinets, tenor saxophones and baritone saxophones, are available for hire, subject to availability.
Instrumental Ensembles
Four instrumental ensembles are conducted by specialist Instrumental Music Teachers, with rehearsals held once a week outside school hours:
- Year 5 Band – Tuesday, 7:35–8:30am (PAC Auditorium)
- Year 6 Band – Wednesday, 7:35–8:30am (PAC Auditorium)
- Year 4 Beginner Band – Wednesday, 3:00–3:45pm (PAC Auditorium, Term 4)
- String Ensemble – Friday, 7:35–8:30am (PAC Auditorium)
- Percussion Ensemble – Friday, 7:35–8:30am (Room 27)
Choirs
From Year 1, students have the opportunity to join a school choir, conducted by the Classroom Music Specialist. Choir participation supports musical development, confidence and enjoyment of performance.
An annual levy applies to choir members to cover the cost of music, microphones, speaker systems and related resources. This levy is payable within four weeks of joining.
West End State School offers three choirs:
- Junior Choir (Years 1–2) – Monday, 10:50–11:30am (PAC Auditorium)
- Middle Choir (Years 3–4) – Thursday, 10:50–11:30am (PAC Auditorium)
- Senior Choir (Years 5–6) – Thursday, 7:45–8:30am (PAC Auditorium)