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.
- Jazz Band provides an extension opportunity for excelling students to learn to play music in a Jazz style. Year 5 and 6 students are selected each year to join the stage ensemble, which rehearses on Wednesday mornings.
- Senior Band rehearses on Tuesday mornings and caters for students in their third year of playing. Excelling year 5 students are also offered a place in Senior Band. The ensemble is Ironside's largest concert band, performing repertoire from level 1.5 and higher.
- Intermediate Band Year 5 and 6 students play in intermediate band which rehearses every Wednesday morning and is conducted by Mrs Keomahavong. These students play music from level 1-1.5.
- Junior Band rehearses on Monday 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 the smaller elite string ensemble with entry via a yearly audition. There are 23 players in this ensemble which rehearses Friday morning before school in the Music Room under the direction of Ms Trudy Weekes (tweek23@eq.edu.au). Students in this group are from Years 4 to 6. They play a wide range of music from level 1.5-3, classical and contemporary. The ensemble recently won the inaugural Primary State Finals of Fanfare, 1st place at the Qld Youth Music Awards and Platinum at Prestige Music Fest. Rehearsals are for one hour, once a week and all the students participate in weekly school lessons.
- Senior Strings
The Senior String Orchestra is the largest string ensemble at Ironside State School. There are approximately 76 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 1.5-3 that is mostly contemporary. 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 Friday morning and will be conducted by Ms Adele Todd under the direction of Ms Trudy Weekes (tweek23@eq.edu.au).
- Choral
Piccole Voci - Year 1 Choir
Rehearsals are on Tuesdays in Mrs Huxley's room at first break.
Voci Dei Bambini – Year 2 Choir
Rehearsals are on Tuesdays in Mrs Huxley's room at first break.
Canto Voci – Year 3/4 Choir
Rehearsals are on Tuesday mornings in the 6A/B classrooms at 7:45am.
Belle Voci – Year 5/6 Choir
Rehearsals are on Monday mornings in Mrs Keomahavong's classroom at 7:45am.
Voci Musicali – Auditioned Choir
This choir will commence in Term 2 on Wednesday afternoons from 3:15pm until 4:15pm.