Students at our school participate in classroom music instruction as part of the curriculum and can also be involved in the extra-curricular programs on offer.
The Samford State School boasts a wonderful Music program and currently supports these ensembles:
The program varies throughout the year with competition performances, school based performances, community performances. Often, an ensemble will be mentored by professional musicians. Costs are associated with these extra-curricular programs and more details are available in the programs listed on the left of this page.
Choral Program
Every student has the opportunity to be involved in one of our amazing choirs - Allegro and Vivace.
Instrumental Program
Here at Samford State School we pride ourselves on offering our students an instrumental music program that is diverse, enriching and enjoyable for both participants and audiences.
The instruments played by our students are grouped within their musical family.
| Woodwind |
Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone |
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| Brass |
Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba |
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| Strings |
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass |
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| Percussion |
Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Wood Block, Triangle, Cymbals, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, etc. |
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The four musical families are further categorised into two programs: Concert Band and Strings Ensemble.
Instructors in Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion visit the school weekly. Lessons of half hour duration will be given on a group basis to between three and ten students.
Instruments
There is a hire program available for students selected to play an instrument. The hire agreements vary amongst the instruments and there are additional costs associated with various instruments which are outlined to families who agree to participate in the programs.
Selection of Students for the Instrumental Programs
The Instrumental Music Coordinator together with the Visiting Instructors, School Music Teacher, and with advice from the classroom teacher select and recommend suitable students for inclusion in the Instrumental Music Program. The placement of students in the program rests with final approval from the Principal. For the program to be a success and for the students to gain fulfilment and personal development the following are to be kept in mind -
- selecting the right student for an instrument
- selecting the right instrument for a student
- continuity of instruction, and
- selecting for the purpose of a balanced ensemble
Factors to be considered when selecting pupils -
- The musical ability of the pupil as determined by a test of musical aptitude. For Strings this test will be administered to students in Year 2 in October. For Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion this test will be administered to students in Year 4 in October.
- The advice of the classroom Music Teacher.
- The student’s physical characteristics likely to affect the choice of instrument.
- The student’s capacity to cope intellectually with the ongoing demands involved in learning an instrument including ability to catch up on class work.
- The student’s likely commitment to study/daily instrumental practice, commitment to attendance at lessons, rehearsals etc.
- Parental support to the students musical endeavours.
Note:
If a position in the program is turned down by a student/family after being offered an instrument, during the initial selection process, the student concerned is no longer eligible for selection for any other instrument.
Entry points to the program are only:
Instrumental Music Camps
Where possible, Instrumental Music Camps will be organised each year, planning occurring at the end of the previous year.
Camps will include a selective (entry by audition only) camp for senior primary music students and a Beginners Music Camp for all beginner music students each year.
Public Performances/Competitions
The Instrumental Music Instructors together with the Instrumental Music Coordinator will arrange a number of public performances throughout the year, e.g. Annual Instrumental Music Evening, participating in Children’s Week and various school functions.
The Concert Bands and String Ensembles will have the opportunity to participate in competitions e.g. Queensland Festival of Music, Fanfare etc.