The Year 7 Strings are currently conducted by Mr Michael Lee.
Currently this ensemble is divided into two groups of approximately 40 students, who each have one timetabled class per week (in addition to their weekly instrumental lesson).
During this class students learn to apply the skills introduced in their small group instrumental lessons to an ensemble setting. These include how to follow the conductor and all play together; musical concepts such as tuning, blend and balance; rehearsal and performance etiquette; and the study of appropriate repertoire.
Students will progress from playing basic open string exercises all together to performing music arranged with multiple instrument parts.
Performance activities they may expect to engage in include Junior Concerts in the school hall, McKinnon's annual Winter Concert held at Robert Blackwood Hall, and events such as the Victorian School Music Festival.