Bands & Ensembles

What do they play?

Each ensemble learns pieces selected by their director to fulfil the educational and performance needs of the group.  Styles range from classical to contemporary, jazz, rock and pop songs.  Directors aim to choose music that suits the musical and technical ability of students in their ensembles.​

Performance opportunities

The school ensembles perform at many school and community events throughout the school year.  As such we expect the very highest of standards for behaviour, and a commitment to attend all rehearsals, lessons and performances as well as practising regularly at home.

​How can my child join?

The ensemble program is open to all students in the school.  We encourage students who have been learning an instrument in primary school to continue learning in high school.  We also welcome students who have not learned previously to start learning an instrument.  There is a pool of school instruments that families can hire if they do not have their own.​

At the start of each year there is an orientation evening for families new to the school to find out about the Performing Arts in our school and meet the staff.  This evening is also an opportunity to learn about our Performing Arts Support Committee (PASC).

The PASC are a group of volunteers who have students in one (or more) of our Arts programs. They are responsible for fundraising activities which support and enhance the quality of the programs we deliver.  The PASC is seeking parents that are able to volunteer sone time to assist at Performing Arts events throughout the year. Whether it be for a single event or multiple, parent assistance is always appreciated.​

Percussion Ensemble​

Our vibrant percussion program offers students a dynamic and rewarding musical experience, combining individual skill development with ensemble performance. Led by experienced percussionist and educator Mr Jeff Paton, students receive high-quality instruction across a wide range of percussion instruments.

The Percussion Ensemble performs regularly at school and community events, giving students the opportunity to build confidence, teamwork, and musicianship in a supportive environment. Whether students are just beginning or have years of experience, our program cat​ers to all levels and inspires a lifelong love of music.​

String Ensemble​

The Strings Program at Alexandra Hills State High School offers students the opportunity to develop their skills on bowed string instruments, including the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Students in the program take part in weekly small group lessons and attend ensemble rehearsals held outside of regular school hours.​

Participants in the program regularly showcase their talents at a variety of school and community events, such as Arts fundraising evenings, the annual Music Showcase, and local eisteddfods. These performance opportunities not only build confidence but also celebrate students' musical achievements.

Recently the program has been fostering collaboration with other string programs in the area. Working closely with other local state school strings programs has given students the opportunity to meet like-minded student musicians and experience music making within a large ensemble.

Wind Orchestra​

The Wind Orchestra is one of our school's core ensembles, comprising woodwind, brass, and percussion students from all year levels. As a cornerstone of our instrumental music program, this ensemble aims to foster an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment where students are encouraged to grow musically and socially through shared musical experiences.

Rehearsing once a week outside of school hours, the ensemble performs a diverse range of repertoire suitable for varying skill levels. Students enjoy a broad range of performance opportunities, including school events, community functions, regional competitions, and Eisteddfods. Participation in the Wind Orchestra not only enhances musical ability but also promotes confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging.

Big Band​

Big Band is one of our extension ensembles. It is made up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums). We play a range of repertoire, ranging from jazz, swing, rock, pop and soul.

Big Band helps students develop their musicianship skills in a smaller ensemble and work on ensemble protocol, such as assigning principal positions in their sections and allowing them to guide their section. Students also gain opportunities to have soloing experience and enhance their playing abilities.

Throughout the year, Big Band has multiple performance opportunities, such as Eisteddfods; Arts Fundraising events; the annual Music showcase; Awards Night; and a an excursion into Queen St Mall in Brisbane for the biannual event of Jazzin' Up the Mall.

Big Band is a great extension for students to strive to join, as we have worked hard to create an inclusive and supportive environment for our young musicians, putting themselves out of the comfort zone. It is a great ensemble to expose them to different genres of music and get them learning about the diverse world of music.

Choir

Students in the Choir work with their director to develop a sound that is pure, polished and strong.  As part of the warm-ups done each rehearsal, students are given the opportunity to develop their skills as vocalists, in terms of their range, breath support, vowel production, tone and intonation.  ​

Students will have the opportunity to sing a wide variety of repertoire – everything from traditional choral works to musical theatre pieces to arrangements of modern pop songs.  Each song learnt and performed has at least two parts, so students also develop their ability to sing in harmony.  

Our Choir performs at whole-school events, such as ANZAC ceremonies and awards nights; Arts fundraising events and the annual Music Showcase; as well as competing in Eisteddfod competitions.

Students in the choral program have a lot of fun, and enjoy being part of an inclusive and supportive environment, where music excellence is encouraged.​

School of Rock

School of Rock is open to students of all year levels who are seeking to students further develop their instrument, musicianship and performance skills s in smaller performance groups. This is an audition-based entry program students are able to select  one or more of the following instruments:

• Vocals
• Guitar (acoustic, electric)
• Bass guitar
• Piano/keyboard
  
• Drums

The School of Rock repertoire covers a wide range of contemporary music genres.  Performance opportunities include school events, such as: Spirit Day, Performing Arts Supporters Committee fundraisers, Good Vibes Week, Music Showcase, school assemblies, and more. Students are also given the opportunity to perform during lunchbreaks — re-instrumentalising their performances for acoustic renditions in the schoolyard.