The Queensland State School Instrumental Music (IM) Program is a comprehensive program of instruction in which students learn orchestral or band instruments. This is a complementary curriculum to classroom music and provides opportunities for greater participation in, and enrichment of music education for the whole school community. IM is delivered by a fully qualified Instrumental Music specialist.
At Millchester State School, this program is offered to students in Years 4-6 on band instruments (woodwind, brass, orchestral percussion).
All Instrumental Music students receive a 30-minute small group lesson and a band rehearsal each week. Lessons and band are held on Wednesdays, with lessons timetabled on a rotating basis. Band commences by Semester 2 of the year and is a wonderful opportunity for all instrumental music students to work together as an ensemble.
There is a selection process; tests for musical ability are conducted and students are invited to participate in the instrumental music program.
The selection of students for the instrumental music program is based on the following criteria:
- musical ability
- evidence of perseverance
- interest of parents and indication of support
- ability to purchase instruments (a limited number of school instruments are available for loan)
- Program balance