ENSEMBLES Program
"Our Ensembles Program is at the very heart of what we do in our Music Department here at Shire Christian".
Our Music students love playing, sharing music, rehearsing and performing music with each other. There are opportunities for a large range of ensembles catering for all learners and passionate musicians. Every opportunity listed below is free of charge.
Each ensemble is targeted towards a particular age, instrument and experience level. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis, particularly for young students showing particular enthusiasm, commitment and expertise on their instrument. The aim of each ensemble is to equip our young musicians with the skills needed to graduate to the next ensemble. Please refer to the table below for the anticipated path a child will take as they progress through our ensembles while learning at Shire Christian.
For more detailed information about each ensemble, please click the link below.
Details on each page include: the day and time of the weekly rehearsal, the name of the director of the ensemble, the target group of students intended for the ensemble, and the instruments that are in each ensemble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'Concert Band' instrument? (the below answer also applies for Training Band)
The following instruments make up a Concert Band: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, Euphonium, Bass, Mallet Percussion and Drums.
What is a 'String' instrument?
String Instruments include: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. These instruments make up the String Section in the classical orchestra.
What ensemble should I join if I play Guitar and/or Piano?
You may have noticed that the above questions relating to the instruments in a Concert Band and String Ensemble don't include Piano and Guitar. In fact, in the ensemble world, it is incredibly rare to have a group that includes 5 or more Pianos, or 5 or more Guitars. Whereas it is very common to have 5 or more Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, etc.
For this reason, we encourage Piano players to consider learning Mallet Percussion and joining a Concert Band type ensemble. This sheet music looks very similar to Piano music, and the instrument is played in a similar way. However, instead of having 10 fingers playing notes, students often hold one mallet per hand - but sometimes up to 3 mallets per hand(!).
We encourage Guitar players to consider learning to play bass and joining a Concert Band type ensemble. The Bass is incredibly similar to Guitar. The lowest 4 strings on the Guitar are the same notes as the Bass. Lots of the skills learnt on Bass transfer over to Guitar.
Of course, Piano and Guitar players are also more than welcome to learn another instrument not mentioned above or to join a Choir.
How can I hire a school instrument?
Please see this website for more information about our Instrument Hire Program.
How can I enrol my child to receive one on one lessons?
Please see this website for more information about our Music Tuition Program.