What is Sing and String?
This special program allows all Year 3 students to learn a string instrument as part of their academic music studies at the College. Under the guidance of the music staff, students choose a suitable string instrument which is provided for the duration of the program. They will participate in one regular classroom music lesson per week and one 40 minute Sing and String lesson, where they apply their musical knowledge and skills to their instrument.
Why is it happening?
There are many research studies which provide strong evidence that involvement in instrumental music lessons assists children in many different aspects of their lives. These studies make links between music lessons and academic achievement in many subject areas, positive self-esteem, self-discipline, positive social behaviour, self-expression, responsibility and personal fulfilment. There is also clear evidence that the pursuit of a musical instrument can greatly assist in the development of key literacy and numeracy skills.
For the past decade, Ormiston College has offered a Year 5 Immersion Program; however, most Australian schools start teaching string instruments in Year 3 and then wind, brass and percussion instruments in Year 5. Younger students are very eager to try new things, passionate about their learning, physically able to play string instruments and most importantly, the sequence and pace of learning notes and instrumental technique aligns perfectly with the Year 3 classroom music curriculum. By starting earlier and connecting the instrumental and classroom music programs, the students will have an excellent grounding for continued musical development and achievement.
How are instruments allocated?
Tuition will be offered on the following instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.
To kick start the program, the music staff and tutors will give a demonstration lesson for the students and explain the features and capabilities of each of the instruments. The students will have an opportunity to play each instrument and then indicate their preferences. The music staff will take note of each child's physical suitability for, and feelings towards each instrument throughout this process. All of this information is then collated and instrument allocations are finalised.
While every attempt will be made to cater for the desires of each student, instrument allocation is dependent on the physical suitability of each student and the availability of instruments. Rest assured that the benefits of the program will be enjoyed by the students no matter which instrument they play.
Will there be a cost?
There will be a levy of $80 included on the Term 1 Fee Statement for all Year 3 students and this represents the only cost to parents for the program. The fee covers the cost of providing the specialist tuition, quality instrument and consumable resources required for the program, including music books, home-play diaries, strings, rosin, bow-hold aids, shoulder rests, cleaning cloths and more. Considering the cost of providing this level of music tuition privately (over $1300 over the 12 months), the Year 3 Sing and String Program represents excellent value for money.
But I already learn an instrument?
This program gives students who currently learn the piano (or another instrument) the chance to learn an instrument and perform as part of an ensemble, providing new social and musical benefits. The Sing and String Program is an opportunity for students to enhance and complement their other private lessons, which we strongly encourage them to continue throughout Year 3.
What happens after the Program finishes?
At the conclusion of the String and Sing program, we hope that students will elect to continue lessons on their particular instrument (or another one if they wish) and transition into the regular Instrumental Tuition and Co-Curricular Program from the beginning of the following year. Details of the transition arrangements will be published by the department during Term 4.
