Tannum Sands State High School has a proud tradition in Instrumental Music, offering a dynamic, well-resourced, and successful program. Our Instrumental Music Program provides students with the opportunity to develop their musical abilities in a supportive and collaborative environment. Through weekly group lessons and compulsory ensemble rehearsals, students gain valuable experience in both individual and ensemble settings.
Open to all students who have previously played an instrument in primary school, the program also welcomes those who are interested in beginning an instrument for the first time in high school. A limited number of school instruments are available for loan, subject to availability and the payment of a hire fee. However, students are encouraged to purchase their own instrument where possible.
Weekly group lessons are timetabled on a rotating pattern. This is intended to minimise loss of class time in any one particular subject. As Instrumental Music in Queensland state schools is fundamentally an ensemble-based program, participation in a school ensemble is a compulsory component for all students receiving lessons. Our main ensembles at Tannum Sands SHS include Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Stage Band, and String Orchestra. Students may also be invited to join smaller, non-compulsory ensembles such as String Ensembles and/or various other ensembles, some of which will be used for assessment purposes to give students a wide variety of experiences.
Instrumental Music students have multiple opportunities to perform throughout the year. These opportunities include:
- Various school/parent/community concerts
- Competitions and Festivals – Eisteddfod and Fanfare biennially on even-numbered years
- Our most advanced ensembles perform at the annual Awards Night
- A biennial tour is undertaken odd-numbered years in order to provide an urban performance experience for our regional students
- Annual combined schools Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) Workshops.
Our Marching Band is a key part of the school's community involvement, proudly leading the local Anzac Day March and Service each year. Participation in the Marching Band is compulsory for all band students.
Tannum Sands SHS actively supports students in accessing a wide range of extension and enrichment opportunities, including:
- State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) Rockhampton (Year 5-10, AMEB Grade 2-4, by teacher nomination)
- SHEP Capricornia (Year 6-12, AMEB Grade 4-7, by teacher nomination)
- SHEP Queensland (Year 7-12, AMEB Grade 5+, by teacher nomination)
- Australian Honours Ensemble Program (Year 7-12, AMEB 6+, by audition)
- Pacific Honours Ensemble Program (Year 7-12, AMEB 6+, by audition)
- QSO Side by Side (Year 7-12, AMEB 6+, by audition), by audition)
- Biennial Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Instrumental Music (MOST) (Year 7-12, AMEB 6+, by audition).
Tannum Sands SHS boasts a strong and proud tradition of student participation at these extension and enrichment opportunities.
School-Provided Instruments (Subject to availability)
Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass.
Communication
Our Instrumental Music teachers communicate with students and parents primarily through email.
Ensemble Placement
Student placement in ensembles is determined by a range of factors. The key consideration is achieving a balanced sound within each group while also considering the specific instrumentation required and the number of players needed for each instrument.
While a student's placement is largely based on their level of proficiency on their instrument, other factors—such as the number of instruments a student is learning—may also be taken into account. In cases where students demonstrate a similar level of ability, an audition may be held to finalise ensemble positions.
For more information or enquiries please contact our Head of Department or our Instrumental Music Teachers:
Kristyn Cleaver-Peacock HOD Junior Secondary & Arts kacle0@eq.edu.au
Michael Reibel Woodwind, Brass, Bass Guitar, Percussion mreib8@eq.edu.au
Aaron Widderick Orchestral Strings aswid0@eq.edu.au