YEAR 3 STRINGS PROGRAM
All Saints is proud to offer all Year 3 students an introduction to string playing as part of the Junior School curriculum. Students will receive tuition in violin, viola, cello or double bass from our specialist music teachers. This program is an exceptional point of difference at All Saints, with many students continuing in the orchestral program through to Year 12 and beyond. In addition to performing music together, students develop valuable reading and cognitive skills, fine motor coordination, teamwork, self-discipline and an ability to care for their instrument - all skills which complement learning in the classroom.
Specialist teaching staff Cost
Violin and Viola
Mrs Brie Ramirez (Coordinator) bramirez@asas.qld.edu.au
Violin and Viola
Mr Nigel Bardsley nbardsley@asas.qld.edu.au
Double Bass
Mr Philip Jack pjack@asas.qld.edu.au
Cello
Mrs Katherine Hopkins khopkins@asas.qld.edu.au
The cost for the program is $120 and is included in school fees for Semester 1.This fee includes the cost of tuition by specialist music staff, instrument hire and tutor booklet.
Semester 1
Curriculum component for Terms 1 and 2
Wednesday - Between 9.45am and 1.30pm 30-minute group lessons (all Year 3)
Wednesday - 7.30am to 8.15am
Year 3 String Orchestra (optional, Term 2)
The program will commence in Week 2 with a demonstration and assessment day by the specialist music staff. In Week 3, students will be allocated their own instrument for the year. We always endeavor to cater for student preference, however a number of considerations and balance of groups will help us determine which instrument is suitable for your child.
Students will participate in a 30-minute group lesson on their instrument once per week. Students are also encouraged to practise regularly at home to build on their skills.
In Term 2, the Year 3 String Orchestra commences in addition to the lessons. This is the beginner orchestra in the school. It is expected that the students who participate demonstrate commitment and are showing steady progress on their instrument. It is an optional extension giving performance opportunities in conjunction with regular lessons. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and practice their music. The Year 3 String Orchestra will continue till the end of the year for those who enrol for private or paired lessons in Semester 2. The first phase of the program concludes at the end of Term 2 with a graduation concert for all Year 3 students.
Semester 2
Co-curricular Component for Terms 3 and 4
Wednesday - Between 9.30am and 1.30pm 30-minute group/private lessons
Wednesday - 7.30am to 8.15am
Year 3 String Orchestra
In Semester 2 students may continue on their string instrument through the co-curricular program with paid private or paired lessons. Where possible, these are kept within the usual Year 3 string class lesson times on Thursday. Private and paired lessons timetabled throughout the school week may be negotiated between classroom and specialist music teachers.
Details of the costs for these lessons will be detailed in correspondence at the end of Semester 1.
All continuing students will participate in the Year 3 Orchestra.
There is no additional charge for continued instrument hire in Semester 2 or participation in the Year 3 Orchestra.
Care of instruments
Many of our school String Program instruments are expensive and fragile. They are to be treated with care and respect at all times. Parents will be sent a loan agreement form which will need to be signed and returned to the Performing Arts Department. In their first lesson, students are instructed in the correct handling and care of their instrument. Students should not leave their instrument at school during the week, as they are required to practise at home.
Home practice
Ideally students should practise on a daily basis. In early stages, 10 minutes per day is a suggested minimum in order to make satisfactory progress. Please try to make time to listen to students play, encourage and compliment them on their efforts.
Communication
Please read the Performing Arts section of Saints Alive each week as important information about upcoming concerts will be included.
FAQs
What if my child is already learning one of the string instruments listed above? That’s great! We may even enlist their help as a teacher’s assistant, helping their peers along the learning journey.
Can my child swap instruments? Generally, the answer is no, unless the teacher foresees ongoing problems. We will contact you if this is the case.
Performances
Semester 1
• Informal performance
• Year 3 Strings Program Graduation Concert
Semester 2
• Gold Coast Eisteddfod
• Year 3 Strings Orchestra Concert
• Junior School Concert
• Junior School String Twilight Concert
CONTACT US
Performing Arts Department
07 5587 0351
performingartsadmin@asas.qld.edu.au
Year 3 Strings enquiries
For specific queries or concerns about the Year 3 Strings Program, please contact the coordinator Mrs Brie Ramirez: bramirez@asas.qld.edu.au
We trust your child will enjoy learning a string instrument this year. Our talented staff are passionate about providing excellent tuition, and we hope this will be the first of many years that your child participates in music at All Saints Anglican School.