String Ensemble

The co‐curricular String Ensemble Program at Baulkham Hills North Public School provides students with the opportunity to become musicians and to experience the expressive qualities of music through learning to play a string instrument and to participate in an ensemble. It also builds on a comprehensive combination of learning styles and experiences to enhance their confidence and broaden their love for different music genres.

The BHNPS String Ensemble program will provide the students with an opportunity to learn an instrument, participate in a music program that enhances, develops, supports, encourages and compliments all aspects of their learning through the school environment and community.

Selection Process

Members of the String Ensemble are selected through a whole school expression of interest targeted at students who have been playing a string instrument for at least one year.

What will each session look like?

The String ensemble meets weekly to practise selected repertoire for enjoyment and rehearsal for upcoming events. The session begins with a lively practise of scales to tune and warm-up instruments. A variety of songs are then played together with a focus on practising to play in time and harmony with each other. Our conductor Lena Shim, and a few other parent helpers often use percussion instruments and the piano to accompany the students during rehearsals and performances.

Benefits of the program

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills where students learn to listen and non-verbally communicate with each other to create music as a group.

• Development in musical skills and technique

• Students will learn the importance of following the conductor’s beat patterns and following the tempo.

• Being part of a community and forming meaningful friendships that share the joy of making music together and peer teach each other.

Performance opportunities

There are many performance opportunities for our BHNPS String Ensemble both internally and externally. The number of performances is at the discretion of the music director and coordinator and may vary from year to year.

Internal School Performance Opportunities may include, but not limited to:

• Mayfair

• Kindy Orientation

• School Assemblies

• Christmas Carols On The Lawn

• Presentation Day

• Showcase Evenings

External Performance Opportunities may include, but not limited to:

• Hills Performing Arts Festival

• Festival of Instrumental Music at the Opera House

• Castle Towers Education Week

• Aminya Annual Christmas Concert

Meet the teachers

Miranda : Teacher Co-ordinator- Miss Li attends rehearsals each week supporting our conductor and beginner students with support. She also organises excursions and helps with keyboard accompaniment at times.

Mrs Lena Shim: String Ensemble Conductor- Conducts weekly rehearsals and performances. Lena is a parent from the school who volunteers her time. She is a professional music teacher.

Mrs Narelle Lucas: EAL/D Specialist Teacher - Supports the String Ensemble program through administration, parent and community contact. Mrs Lucas was a high school music & drama teacher before retraining.