Welcome parents and students to the Excellence in the Arts Program at Cooloola Christian College. Studies show that participation in the Arts benefits our students in so many ways, as it nurtures the whole child, and provides opportunities for students to shine. Student academic achievement, increased attendance and engagement rates, as well as student wellbeing and positive behaviour outcomes, are known to be significant benefits.
Research also shows that learning and playing an instrument improves “not just academic performance, but also memory, reasoning, working as part of a group, time management and the ability to think in the abstract” (F. Sandor. Music Education in Hungary).
At CCC, we offer quality instrumental music tuition and dance lessons (SHINE Dance) during the school day, and Musical Theatre Excellence 1 hour weekly workshops before school, which complements our rich Music and Arts curriculum, P-12.
Enjoy!
The benefits of music
• Language skills “Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language and can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways.” www.learningliftoff.com/ten-benefits-of-musiceducation-for-students
• Self-esteem Learning an instrument provides students opportunity to try something new and develop confidence. “When students are working towards a common goal, they appreciate that their ‘voice’ and interests are heard and understood by others. This joint effort creates a sense of secure acceptance that is critical to their self-esteem.” www.pbs.org
• Listening skills Learning an instrument requires listening skills. The student must listen to the tutor, they must listen to the notes they play, and they must listen to the rest of the band. Musicians need to hear tempos, dynamics, tuning, and harmonies. This assists auditory development in the brain.
• Math skills Learning music improves math skills because, at some level, all music is math. It’s about time signatures, beats per minute and formulaic progressions. Performing music, therefore, reinforces parts of the brain used when doing math. Studies even show that
children who play instruments are able to complete complex mathematical problems better than peers who do not play instruments. www.blog.brainbalancecenters.com/2015/04/ correlation-between-math-and-music-ability
• Making the brain work harder Research shows that the brain of a musician works differently than a non-musician. “There’s some good neuroscience research that children involved in music have larger growth of neural activity than people not in music training,” Dr. Eric Rasmussen, The Johns Hopkins University.
• Wellbeing Creating music gives kids a great release, allowing them to immerse themselves in something that’s fulfilling and calming.
• Creativity Music nurtures children’s creative side. The Arts Education Partnership states, “Employers identify creativity as one of the top five skills important for success in the workforce (Lichtenberg, Woock, & Wright, 2008).” ACARA identifies creativity, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills as important 21st century competencies sought by employers. God created us to be instruments with the ability to sing and make music. Music was knitted into our DNA when God breathed life into humanity. What we do with that gift is up to us.
“Learning music can help students’ self-confidence, self-discipline and teamwork. Music helps students progress in other important learning areas such as Maths and English. Indeed, countries with a strong focus on music education tend to have higher scores in literacy and numeracy. Engaging music programs have been shown to help with attendance and can be particularly beneficial for students who are not achieving well in school.
All of this evidence for music’s extrinsic benefits make a strong case for music education but should not overshadow the sheer joy people experience making music, nor the value of the art form itself.”
Lessons begin Week 2 of Term 1 and Week 1 of Term 2, 3 & 4.
Students are withdrawn from normal classes for their instrumental lessons, which are 30 minutes in length.
Group tuition: groups vary in size, and they are normally structured so that students of similar ability levels are in the same group. However, groups are flexible so that progress can be achieved at different rates. Groups are reviewed at the end of each term and some students may be moved to ensure that individuals within each group are progressing at the same rate.
Individual tuition: a limited number of individual lessons are available. These are at a higher cost.
Quick facts
• Online sign-up via Parent Lounge or Parent Orbit App each term.
• Lesson timetables are made available at the beginning of each school term.
• Any timetable changes are communicated to students, parents and teachers via email.
• A progress report is issued at the end of each semester with the student’s academic report so parents can see how their child is progressing.
• Students will be expected to participate in CCC band rehearsals and choirs (vocal students) once an appropriate level has been achieved, at the teacher’s discretion.
• Students are expected to practise their instruments at least 5 times per week for 10-15minutes.
• A small number of instruments are available for rental from the College.
• Students will attend lessons punctually and with necessary books and equipment.
• Enrolment in the program is subject to approval from CCC admin advising that there are no outstanding fees.
ENSEMBLES
The Instrumental Program at CCC has the following ensembles:
Wind Ensemble Tuesdays, 8:00am-8:45am
CCC Voices Tuesdays, 1:00pm-1:30pm
Percussion Ensemble Tuesdays, 1:00pm-1:30pm
Concert Band Wednesdays, 3:00pm-4:00pm
CCC Young Voices Wednesdays, 1:00pm-1:30pm
Big Band Thursdays, 7:45am-8:45am
The ensembles represent the school at formal occasions and in the community.
Please prioritise Ensemble rehearsals and endeavour to arrange other commitments and appointments around Ensemble rehearsal times.
Instruments
Year Level
Instrument
All year levels Piano
Comment
Lessons include a music theory component.
Additional Requirements
Piano book as directed by tutor. Piano/keyboard for home practice. Small exercise/notebook to be brought to every lesson for homework/notes from tutor.
Percussion
Lessons are based on learning percussion rudiments (e.g. stick control and coordination), as well as playing drum kit, keyboard percussion (e.g. xylophone) and auxiliary percussion (e.g. maracas) depending on what is needed in College ensembles.
Vocal Contemporary and Classical repertoire is taught.
All year levels Guitar
Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
From Year 4 Brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba)
Classical, acoustic, electric or bass guitars. They learn chords, finger-picking and accompanying techniques, traditional notation and TAB.
Classical repertoire is taught. These instruments form the string ensemble.
Classical and jazz repertoire is taught. These instruments form the basis of the Concert Band, Big Band and Wind Ensemble.
Classical and jazz repertoire is taught. These instruments are required for the College Concert Band while the saxophones are also required for the Big Band.
Drum pad and drum sticks. Small exercise/notebook to be brought to every lesson for homework/ notes from tutor.
Students are expected to join the relevant CCC Choir upon enrolment. Vocal repertoire as directed by the tutor. Small exercise/notebook to be brought to every lesson for homework/ notes from tutor.
Guitar and set of strings. Small exercise/notebook to be brought to every lesson for homework/ notes from tutor.
Instrument and set of strings, rosin, chin rest. Standard of Excellence book. Small exercise/notebook to be brought to every lesson for homework/notes from tutor.
Standard of Excellence book, valve oil and slide grease. Small exercise/ notebook to be brought to every lesson for homework/notes from tutor.
Standard of Excellence book, 2 boxes of 2.0 reeds. Cleaning kits for saxophone, flute and clarinet students. Small exercise/notebook to be brought to every lesson for homework/notes from tutor.
Expectations
It is expected that students attend and be on time to all required lessons and rehearsals. If they are unable to do so, music staff should be notified beforehand (not on the day). Students are expected to have all necessary equipment (including sheet music) and behave appropriately. All students are expected to bring their own instruments to lessons and rehearsals, except for guitar amplifiers and percussion instruments (excluding sticks). Students are expected to practise their lesson and ensemble music at home.
Your child’s success will depend to a large degree on the support and encouragement you can give at home. Be prepared to listen to your child play and be encouraging by offering positive comments, even though beginning instrumentalists may not sound all that wonderful!
Buying or renting
Each student needs to have access to their own instrument in order to be able to practice regularly. Instruments may be purchased new or second hand, hired from a music store or borrowed from friends or relatives.
If you are purchasing a new or second hand instrument, please talk with our tutors first. They can advise you about prices and the quality to be expected.
Many parents may find renting an instrument a better option, particularly for students who are just starting out.
A small number of instruments are available for rental from the College.
Contact us for more information regarding instrument hire and rental agreement details.
FEES
Base rate of $200 per term covers group lessons and admin fee (based on a 10 week Term. Price will vary according to the number of term weeks). Instrument hire and individual lessons will incur additional fees, which if selected, will be invoiced by the Finance Department (instrument hire $50 per term and individual lessons an additional $17 per lesson).
Immersion Program
Excellence in the arts agreement
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
All Year 4 students will be enrolled in the Immersion Program in 2025. Early in Term 1, students will be provided with their allocated instrument, folder and book for the year.
Each student will participate in half-hour group lessons (during school) with a tutor once a week throughout the year.
In Term 2, students will come together to form the Year 4 Immersion Band. They will practise once per week (during school) with our conductor, Mr Michael Larkin.
In Term 4, the Immersion Band will perform for parents and fellow students.
At the end of the year, families can decide if they want to continue in the Instrumental Music program (including the Wind Ensemble) in the following years.
The cost of the Immersion Program is covered in your normal school fees and levies. If your child decides to continue after the first year, you will be required to pay the regular tuition fees and hire or purchase an instrument.
Once your child has been allocated an instrument, details of specific consumables will be communicated to parents (i.e.; spare reeds, drum sticks, drum pads etc.). Woodwind students will need to have a supply of spare reeds throughout the year.
What if the instrument is lost or damaged?
We expect students to take good care of the instrument, however we understand that accidents happen. 100% of the cost of repairs or replacements will be the responsibility of the parents.
Praise the Lord.…. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Psalm 150
SHINE Dance
building strong foundations in dance training; while instilling a joy of the arts in all students!
Professionally trained dance teachers will provide dance lessons to students during school hours, in groups and privately. Students can participate in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical lessons.
At CCC, we are committed to providing a safe and positive environment in which all students can feel empowered, comfortable and free to express themselves in the Arts. We desire for all students to find joy through our SHINE Dance program.
STYLES: Ballet, Jazz, Tap & Lyrical
LEVELS: Beginner, Junior & Intermediate
FEES
Base rate of $160 per term covers group lessons and admin fee (based on a 10 week Term. Price will vary according to the number of term weeks). Individual lessons will incur additional fees, which if selected, will be invoiced by the Finance Department (individual lessons an additional $15.50 per lesson).
SHINE Musical Theatre
Does your child love to sing, dance, and act?
CCC presents SHINE Musical Theatre where your child will engage in weekly 1-hour group lessons in singing, dancing, and acting, focused on popular musicals. Your child’s confidence will grow in these engaging lessons and workshops under the instruction of our qualified and experienced teachers.
THE PROGRAM
• Weekly one-hour lessons and workshops.
• Open to students from Year 3 through to Year 12.
Note: minimal additional travel costs may be required for the excursion and workshops. Minimal, basic costuming may be required to be sourced from home.
Tutors & Instructors
JENDY SMITH
EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS COORDINATOR
Jendy completed her studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Arts (Music), majoring in Voice, and has performed as a soloist and in choirs and ensembles for most of her life. Jendy has taught private singing, violin, piano, and Musical Theatre, as well as classroom Music and the Arts from P – 12 for many years, and passionately advocates for Music and Arts education as the CCC Excellence in the Arts Coordinator.
STEVEN BUCHANAN
BRASS TUTOR
BIG BAND CONDUCTOR
CONCERT BAND CONDUCTOR
Steven first started playing music as a child, playing trumpet and piano in church, and doing AMEB examinations up to Grade 8. After finishing school he completed a Bachelor of Music at QUT, majoring in Performance (jazz trumpet).
Since then Steven has been playing professionally in a variety of ensembles and tutoring both at schools and privately. In his teaching approach, Steven likes to make sure the student is enjoying music, while ensuring they are given a solid technical foundation.
Liam Smith is a dedicated music teacher with a specialisation in percussion and trumpet. With a unique background of serving as a professional musician in the Army Reserve, Liam brings discipline and precision in music to the classroom.
Leveraging Liam’s extensive experience, aspiring musicians are poised to build a strong foundation of musical expertise and the artistry required to showcase their talents.
GUITAR TUTOR
Matthew Allan is a Sunshine Coast jazz guitarist and vocalist. He completed his Bmus in Jazz Performance at the Jazz Music Institute in 2019 with guitar as his chosen instrument and has also been performing jazz and Latin music on the coast for the last decade.
Matthew is currently working at multiple schools on the Sunshine Coast and regularly gigging. He enjoys using his decade and a half of industry experience to teach the joy of learning guitar and the value of studying music to the students at CCC.
WOODWIND TUTOR & IMMERSION BAND CONDUCTOR
Michael is an experienced and passionate educator, having taught multiple instruments privately and in schools for over 20 years. Michael is also a professional musician and has a wealth of experience conducting a variety of bands and ensembles.
Michael has attained a Bachelor of Arts and AMUS A in Saxophone. He enjoys sharing his love of music with the students here at CCC.
PIANO TUTOR
PRIMARY & SECONDARY CHOIR CONDUCTOR
Annie is a highly experienced Primary Music Teacher and Choral Conductor who is an advocate for Music Education and sharing the love of singing with her students above all else.
Annie has a Masters of Music and a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education and has attained Grade 8 AMEB in piano.
LIAM SMITH
MATT ALLAN
MICHAEL LARKIN
ANNIE WILSON
IRENE HALLIDAY
PIANO TUTOR
Irene is an experienced tutor, completing her training in London. She is passionate to share her knowledge and experience with her students.
Her main instrument is the piano and also teaches strings and vocals. She has been with the CCC Instrumental program since it started in 2005.
DI CROSS
Diane Cross has been teaching piano and keyboard for over 25 years, specialising in modern contemporary styles, such as rock, pop, jazz, blues, folk, gospel, and world music.
Over the years she has also completed courses in Kindermusik, Kinderbeat, and Orff programs all useful in helping the younger child develop musical skills..
CHLOE SHIEH
STRINGS TUTOR
Chloe completed her studies at Central Queensland University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Music, specialising in Performance. Having completed over ten years of musical training both in Australia and Taiwan, Chloe has performed as a soloist as well as an orchestra member at community events, eisteddfods, and various other concerts. She is an accomplished violinist and has over five years of experience teaching music. Chloe is excited to share her knowledge and passion with our students.
AUDREY ROSE
MUSICAL THEATRE & VOCALS TUTOR
Audrey completed her studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Popular Music and a Masters in Music Studies, majoring in vocal pedagogy and anatomy. Audrey has had extensive training and experience as a performer, songwriter, and recording artist for over 15 years, specialising in pop, soul, musical theatre, jazz, and R&B, as well as Classical singing. Audrey’s holistic and compassionate approach to teaching, and her wealth of experience as a performer and as a vocal coach, will contribute to the musical growth of our students.
SARAH CHAPMAN
DANCE INSTRUCTOR & MUSICAL THEATRE TUTOR
Upon graduating from the Sunshine Coast Academy of Dance Arts in 2010 with a Diploma of Performing Arts, Sarah performed in local theatre productions and taught at local dance schools across the Sunshine Coast.
Sarah is excited to be teaching and inspiring the youth of today through dance by developing their physical and mental fitness
