Instrumental Music and Choral
Programs Ironside SS has an extensive music program throughout the whole school. There are 10 groups that rehearse on a weekly basis; 3 choirs, 4 string orchestras and 3 bands. Within just the Instrumental program we have 26% of our school population participating in weekly lessons starting with strings in Year 2 and band in year 4. There are approximately 160 students in our string program and 100 students in our band program and 160+ in our choral program. All groups perform regularly at school concerts, assemblies, competitions and other events.
- Band
Band students participate in one hourly rehearsal each week, as well as a differentiated group lesson in their instrument family.
- Senior Band rehearses on Tuesday mornings and caters for students in their second and third year of playing. The ensemble is Ironside's largest concert band, performing repertoire from level 1.5 and higher.
- Junior Band rehearses on Wednesday mornings and caters to year 4 students in their first year of playing. Rehearsals begin after students have had some time to learn their first notes in their lesson groups, as students develop their musicianship and performance skills in a large group setting.
- Strings
- Chamber Strings
The Chamber String Orchestra is an elite, smaller string ensemble that requires a yearly audition for entry. Comprising around 20 players, this group meets for rehearsals on Tuesday mornings before school in the Strings Room, under the direction of Ms. Trudy Weekes (tweek23@eq.edu.au). Students from Years 4 to 6 participate in the ensemble, which performs a diverse selection of music, ranging from level 1.5 to 3, including both classical and contemporary pieces. The group has reached the state finals of the Primary School Fanfare, winning the competition once. They’ve also secured 1st place multiple times at the Queensland Youth Music Awards and Redlands Eisteddfod and consistently earned Platinum awards at the Prestige Music Festival. Rehearsals last for one hour each week, and all students also attend weekly school lessons.
- Senior Strings
The Senior String Orchestra is the largest string ensemble at Ironside State School. There is approximately 70+ players in this ensemble which rehearses on Monday morning before school in the hall, under the direction of Ms Trudy Weekes (tweek23@eq.edu.au). This group is comprised of Years 5 and 6 students along with some advanced Year 4s. They play a range of music from level 1.5-2.5 that is mostly contemporary. This group has received Platinum and Gold award many times at Music Fest. The ensemble rehearses for one hour, once a week and students participate in weekly school lessons.
- Intermediate Strings
The Intermediate String Orchestra is one of the largest string ensembles at
Ironside State School. There is approximately 70+ players in this
ensemble which rehearses on Friday morning before school in the hall, under the
direction of Ms Trudy Weekes (tweek23@eq.edu.au). This group is comprised of
Years 3 and 4 students along with some advanced Year 2s. They play a
range of music from level .5-1.5 that is mostly contemporary. This group has
received Gold awards many times at Music Fest. The ensemble rehearses for one
hour, once a week and students participate in weekly school lessons.
- Junior Strings
The Junior String Orchestra is the Year 2 string ensemble for first year musicians. This group focuses on playing together in a larger group and continuing to develop good techniques and intonation skills. Rehearsals start in Term 2 and are on a Monday morning and will be conducted by Ms Kellie Wilson (kawil6@eq.edu.au)
Choral
The Year 1 Choir focuses on exploring the voice through speech and singing, using simple songs to develop musical confidence. Students engage in body movements to enhance meaning and use musical contrasts to create engaging performances. A key emphasis is teamwork, with the goal of building confidence to perform in front of an audience. Students have opportunities each term to showcase their learning through Assembly performances.
The Year 2 Choir builds on foundational skills, continuing to develop teamwork and performance confidence while introducing performance etiquette. The repertoire expands from simple songs to more structured pieces incorporating verses, choruses, and bridges. Students begin to explore part-work, including ostinatos, call-and-response, and simple harmonies. In addition to performing at Assemblies each term, Year 2 students may have opportunities to perform at school ceremonies and special events.
Canto Voci – Year 3/4 Choir
Rehearsal days and times will be announced shortly.
Belle Voci – Year 5/6 Choir
Rehearsal days and times will be announced shortly.
Voci Musicali – Auditioned Choir
Further information around rehearsal days and times for this non-auditioned choir will be announced shortly.