The Music Program at Newtown State School involves all students in weekly music lessons and provides other opportunities for the musical development of students. The Classroom Music Specialist coordinates all aspects of the school-based program; Weekly lessons, Instrumental Music and the School Choir.
All classes attend at least one 30-minute classroom music lesson every week. In these lessons students learn about the elements of music; rhythm, pitch, harmony, style, form and dynamics. Lessons involve singing, playing instruments, listening to many different types of music, moving to music, playing musical games and learning to read and write music. Students in Years 3, 4 and 5 learn to play the recorder. Students may perform at events such as the annual School Concert, Music Count Us In Day and at special parades during the year.
Instrumental Music Program
Newtown State School offers an extensive Instrumental Music Program. Instrumental music lessons are available to students from Years 4 – 6. Students may participate in a weekly lesson (conducted during school time) to learn a brass, woodwind or percussion instruments with a specialist visiting Instrumental Teacher. Beginner guitar lessons are conducted by the classroom music teacher during a lunch time. Guitar students are required to have their own guitars. When students have progressed to a suitable standard on their instrument, they are invited to join the school band. The Newtown State School band performs at community events such as the Toowoomba Eisteddfod, Todays Youth in Music Education (TYME) festival, Instrumental Fanfare and also at many school events. Band rehearsals are held on one afternoon each week, after school from 3.15 – 4.00 pm. There is a levy for participation in the Instrumental Music program and there a some instruments available for hire for a fee.
School Choir
Newtown State School has a school choir, which is comprised of interested students from Years 4 – 6 who participate during a nominated lunch time. The choir performs at school events throughout the year including the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service, Awards Night, Music Count Us In Day, special parades and the annual School Concert. They also have the opportunity to participate and perform at Sing Out, Choral Fanfare and at Todays Youth in Music Education (TYME) festival.
Performance uniform
A performance uniform is supplied by the school for special performances. Students will be required to wear black shoes and socks.
Participation expectations
Once a student has commenced in either the Instrumental Music program or the School Choir, attendance and a commitment to the expectations of the program is expected.