JUNIOR MUSIC
The junior music program at Hambledon State School consists of a half an hour lesson each week. During this time, students learn a repertoire of songs which they can perform individually and with others. Students learn the skills to be able to aurally and visually recognise and respond to musical elements through singing, playing instruments, listening, improvising and moving. They learn important social skills as they take turns and work together to create and perform their own music. Students who express an interest or talent in music are identified and given the opportunity to be part of our extension instrumental and choral programs.
Students in years 1-3 who express a keen interest or talent in the area of singing can audition to be a part of Hambledon State School’s Little Voices Choir. The choir meets once a week during their morning tea break to rehearse. Students enjoy the experience of being part of a special group and gain the confidence to be able to perform at various school functions and community events throughout the year. Last year Hambledon State School’s Little Voices Choir performed on school assemblies. They also performed at the Bupa Nursing Home at Mt Sheridan. They performed at Ravizza Park for Child Protection Week and for the Edmonton Community Christmas Carols. This year we will be part of the Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod which is a local competition amongst Cairns primary and secondary schools. Music education is an important part of the curriculum at Hambledon State School and is valued and encouraged through the above mentioned programs.
SENIOR CHOIR
The Senior Choir consists of students in Years 4 – 6. They frequently perform at school parades and community events such as Anzac Day, Naidoc Day Celebrations, Student Protection Week and Carols by Candlelight. They have also provided entertainment to our seniors at the Mount Sheridan Aged Care Facility.
Term 2 is always a busy one, as students prepare to participate in various categories of the Cairns Eisteddfod. Over the years, the choir have established themselves as having exceptional discipline as, more often then not, they are not led by a conductor when they perform.
Rehearsal time is not only for teaching songs but also musicianship skills that lend themselves to this level of discipline. Every song in the choir’s repertoire is selected based on the messages in the music – messages that uplift, inspire and cause reflection on how to be better people.
Choir is fun and has many benefits. Besides singing and musicianship skills, choir develops social skills and interaction, appreciation of others and celebration of the sound made collectively by a group of people who share the common interest of singing. Students who attend choir usually walk out happy – whistling or singing songs that will help them in life’s journey.