Chamber Strings Workshop and Performance

This term the Chamber Strings students had the opportunity to participate in a music workshop excursion at Yeronga State High School. They formed a combined string ensemble with the YSHS strings students and rehearsed two challenging pieces with guest conductor Clare Cooney. Clare shared many techniques with the students to help them develop their ensemble skills and play with more musical expression. This week the students showcased what they learnt with a confident and engaging performance at the YSHS Instrumental Music Performance Evening.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to the strings students who performed at the recent AUSTA Strings Festival. Sarah, Richard, Michael N, Anna N and Tristan each performed a solo strings piece in front of an audience at one of the concerts held throughout the day at St Peters Lutheran College and received a report from the adjudicator and a participation trophy.

Congratulations also to students who recently completed challenging AMEB music performance exams- Frances was awarded her grade 1 certificate on Viola and Evelyn was awarded grade 1 on Violin.

Upcoming Instrumental Music events:

Thursday August 29  Instrumental Music Recruitment Information Evening for year 2 and 3 students- 6:30pm in the school hall

September 3-5- Southside Senior Music Workshop at Chandler Theatre for selected year 6 strings and band students.

Sunday October 20- Junior Strings MusicFest performance at Ferny Grove State High School. Morning performance between 10-12pm, exact performance time TBA. 

Instrumental Music Recruitment Information Evening 

The Instrumental Music Information Evening for families with students who are interested in joining the school’s Strings or Band program in 2025 will be held on Thursday August 29 at 6:30pm in the school hall. Current Year 2s are eligible to apply for the Strings Program (in Year 3 2025) and current Year 3s can apply for the Band Program (in Year 4 2025). This is in alignment with Queensland Education Department Policy. If a student wishes to be considered for selection in the 2025 Instrumental Music program, it is highly recommended that the student and one caregiver attend the information evening. This will ensure all families have a comprehensive understanding of the program and are aware of the commitment and costs involved.      

Parents will be able to register their interest in their child participating in the program at the information evening. If you are unable to attend, you will need to email the strings teacher Tamsyn Eastgate at teast42@eq.edu.au or the band teacher Alex Grodecki at agrod3@eq.edu.au prior to the information evening to ensure that we know that your child would like to apply for the program. Please note, if you do not attend the evening and we do not hear from you prior to the meeting, we will assume you are not interested in having your child progress further in the selection process for the Instrumental Music Program in 2025.  

Participation in Instrumental Music at Yeronga is in high demand and there are limited places available. The selection process involves aural testing of all year 2 and 3 students, consultations with classroom and specialist teachers, and physical testing on the string or band instruments that allows students the opportunity to try out different instruments and determine their physical capability for an instrument. 

Tamsyn Eastgate (strings) and Alex Grodecki (band)