Da Capo (D.C.):
Term used in music to denote
"back to the beginning (top)."

Our 2005 Senior Band CD
Click the CD label
 to hear an excerpt

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AT TOOWONG STATE SCHOOL

 Through music children may develop a sense of artistry, expression and aesthetic sensitivity as well as developing self discipline, organisation, perseverance and team work. The value of playing music in ensemble as a mode of expression provides for a lifelong leisure activity or vocation.

 Toowong SS conducts the Education Queensland Instrumental Music Program which aims to teach the skills of playing a musical instrument and develop balanced school ensembles. A balanced school ensemble offers players the best musical experience and performance which form the primary outcomes of our Instrumental Music Program.

 We offer Concert Band instruments only, as the small school population would not provide the ensemble numbers to ensure successful outcomes for both Strings and Concert Band.

 All students receive two lessons per week: 1) a group lesson and 2) a Band lesson. Participating students are required to attend both.

YEAR 5 INCLUSIVE CONCERT BAND PROGRAM

 As an inclusive program, all students in Year 5 have the opportunity to explore and develop their musical abilities through playing a Concert Band instrument and participating in ensemble. The program caters for the hearing impaired.

 At Toowong SS the program provides an instrument, accessories and tuition. Instruments are allocated on the basis of student preference in conjunction with a musical aptitude survey, try-out and the need to form a balanced ensemble.

 Year 5 Concert band is formed in term 2 when sufficient skills have been mastered and following the annual Beginner Band Workshop, which includes students from surrounding schools. Band rehearsals takes place for 30 minutes during class time and have been found to develop a sense of unity and team-work within the year group.

 Since its introduction in 1998, an average of 60% of Year 5 students continues their instrument into year 6.

 SENIOR CONCERT BAND PROGRAM

 Year 6 & 7 students form the Senior Concert Band which currently numbers 35 players. The Band rehearses before school from 8.00 to 8.45am. During lessons students continue to develop their playing skills through the Standard of Excellence method. In Band they are exposed to a wide range of musical genres aimed at developing both extension of skills and fine ensemble playing.

  Performances include: School Assemblies, School functions (e.g. Anzac Day, School Fete), Pre-School Concerts, Shopping Centres, Bands in the Parks Program and the Queensland Festival of Music.

 COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS:

 Toowong SS has a developed relationship with BrizWest Community Ensembles Inc. which conducts three ensembles at the school: Community Concert Band, Kate Street Mob Jazz Ensemble and Music for Young People Concert Band. In 2000 a joint submission with the Toowong SS P&C was granted $16,000 for the purchase of Timpani and other equipment.

 The Music for Young People Concert Band offers an extension program for more advanced middle school students to play challenging music. Members currently represent 5 schools with 12 members from Toowong SS and some past students.

 Community Concert Band and Kate Street Mob Jazz Ensemble cater for those players who have left school and wish to continue their ensemble playing. Memberships of these ensembles include school parents and past-students.

Our Bands
 

YEAR 5 CONCERT BAND

 Formed in term 2 after players have learned some basics. This becomes a class activity and develops a sense of unity and team work within the class. Performances: School assembly, special occasions and the annual Queensland Festival of Music Competition.

SENIOR CONCERT BAND

 Consists of year 6 & 7 students and currently numbers 35 players.

Rehearsals are from 8.00am to 8.50am with players arriving by 7.50am to set-up and tune. See timetable for days.

Performances: School Assemblies (at least 1 per term), School functions (e.g. Anzac Day, School Fete), our school's Music Showcase, Pre-School Concerts, Shopping Centres, Bands in the Parks Program and the Queensland Festival of Music.

Our Music Tutor Book (all): Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method, Bruce Pearson, Neil A. Kjos Music Company. Students work from books 1, 2 & 3, parents are notified if and when supplementary material is required. Year 5 Band: Term 1: Band is formed in term 2. Senior Band: Term 1: Advance Australia Fair, Abide With Me, Freedom's March, Air & Dance. Our Timetable THURSDAYS 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 1:30 2:00 2.30   Year 5 Trumpets Trombone Baritone Year 5 Percussion Year 5 Flutes Year 5 Clarinets Year 5 Saxophones Year 6 Percussion Saxophones Year 6 Clarinets Year 7 Clarinet & Trombone FRIDAYS 8:00   9:30 10:00       Senior Concert Band   Year 6 Brass Year 7s