Balmoral State High School offers students the opportunity to be involved in a positive and exciting Instrumental Music Program as an extension to their academic studies.
Aims of the Instrumental Music Program
The Instrumental Music Program aims to provide opportunities for students in practical music, emphasising performance skills, musical understanding, perceptive listening and positive attitudes.
It provides a stimulus for the student, teaching them the techniques of playing in time and in tune with others, and exposing them to a wide range of musical influences.
Benefits of the Instrumental Music Program
- Develops responsibility and self-discipline
- Builds self-confidence, self-esteem and a sense of responsibility
- Cultivates creativity
- Improves communication
- Develops coordination
- Develops a lifelong appreciation for music and arts in general
The Program
The Balmoral State High School Instrumental Music Program is run by Vivien Tawse who has taught in a wide range of schools and a number of locations in Australia over the past years.
Students involved in the program will access two lessons during the week. The first lesson focuses on skills involved in large ensemble performance and takes place outside of school hours. The second lesson focuses on technical skills related to the student's chosen instrument. These lessons are 30 minutes per week and are run during school hours on a rotational timetable.
Students are required to attend all lessons and rehearsals to ensure they make adequate progress in the subject and maintain the high standards of the Instrumental Music Program.
Commitment to the Instrumental Music Program is taken very seriously and students are only able to exit the program at either the end of year 7, year 10 or year 12.
A parent or guardian is required to make contact with the school if their child is intending to exit the program. Students who are new to the program are only required to make a full year commitment regardless of their year level.
Instrument Tuition
Tuition is in small groups and takes place once a week in the following areas:
Woodwind
- Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone.
Brass
- Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba.
Tuned and Untuned Percussion
- Glockenspiel, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Auxiliary Percussion.
Availability of instrument choice should be discussed with the school prior to enrolment.
Tuition is free. Lessons are timetabled on a rotating basis so that students will not miss the same class each week. A written report outlining progress will be issued at the end of each semester.
Instrumental Hire
Some Brass and Woodwind Instruments may be hired for $100 for an initial period of twelve months if incoming students still do not have their own instrument.
Music Levies
To maintain the high standard of instrumental music instruction, a music levy is to be paid before inclusion in the Instrumental Music Program. This levy covers the costs of the program to enable purchase and repair of instruments, the provision of music, music folders and banners as well as administrative costs related to the program.
This payment will be invoiced annually, and paid to the school office with other school fees. Please note that the levy is an annual payment and is non-refundable.
Instrumental Music Levy: $40
Instrument Hire: $60
Band Member: $40
Choir Member: $20
Rock Band Member: $20
Public Performance
Many performance opportunities are presented for the bands throughout the year, including music competitions, community and school events and camps/workshops.
Instrumental music is a team-based activity and accordingly, students are required to attend all performances.
Communication
Information regarding the Instrumental Music Program is communicated through emails and letters home.
It is appreciated if parents can communicate any absences or performance conflicts. Parents are also strongly encouraged to make contact if they are experiencing any problems in the program, as there are often suggestions or modifications that can be made to alleviate the problem.
Instrumental Program Support Group
As students become involved in the Instrumental Music Program, their parents are invited to join BHIP, the Balmoral High Instrumental Program Support Group.
BHIP is an active Balmoral P&C subcommittee that supports the Instrumental Music Program. The group meets once a term and works collaboratively with Ms Tawse to assist and enhance the program. If you are interested in joining BHIP or require any information please contact the Music Department.
Enquiries
Students who are interested in beginning or continuing an instrument at high school or have any questions in relation to the Music Program can contact the school on (07) 3823 8588 or email musicacademy@balmoralshs.eq.edu.au
Acceptance to the Program
Students who are interested in joining the Instrumental Music Program are required to return their Instrument Selection Sheet. Once their application has been received, students will then be notified of their ensemble and lesson group. In some cases, students may be required to attend an interview/audition.
Students who have not played an instrument before may apply for involvement in the program; however, there is no guarantee that there will be space available.
Scholarship
A scholarship is available for one Grade 7 Instrumental Music Student. The scholarship covers the student’s fees and camp costs for their first year of involvement in the program.
The successful candidate must:
- Demonstrate excellent results in their latest Instrumental Music Report Card.
- Demonstrate excellent results in their latest general report card
- Demonstrate excellent effort and achievement in all subjects in their latest report card.