Instrumental Music at Marshall Road
At Marshall Road State School, we offer a vibrant Instrumental Music Program for students in Years 3 to 6 who demonstrate musical aptitude and interest. This program provides students with the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and develop their skills through expert instruction and ensemble participation.
Each year, places in the program are offered in Term 4 for the following year's cohorts:
- Year 3 students may begin learning a string instrument
- Year 4 students may start on brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments
Our program is led by highly skilled and passionate music educators:
- Ms Rebekah Du, our string specialist, works with students learning violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
- Mr Toby Stockdale, our band specialist, teaches brass, woodwind, and percussion.
Participation in the Instrumental Music Program fosters discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Students also have the chance to perform at school events, including STEAMfest and other community celebrations.
2025 Music Program Parent Handbook (PDF, 1898KB)
Beginner Strings
Our Junior Strings Program supports students in Years 3 as they begin their journey in learning a string instrument. During these foundational years, students focus on developing correct playing technique, including good posture, tone production, and playing in tune.
From the very beginning, ensemble skills are nurtured through group lessons, where students learn to listen, follow a conductor, and play as part of a team. These skills are further strengthened through regular performance opportunities, including end-of-semester music concerts and school assemblies.
Senior Strings
Our Senior Strings Ensemble is made up of talented students from Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 who have built a solid foundation in string playing and are ready to take their skills to the next level. In this ensemble, students further develop their ensemble techniques by working on more challenging repertoire that includes multiple parts and advanced musical concepts.
Senior Strings students represent the school at a range of performance opportunities, including:
- End-of-semester school music concerts
- The state-wide Fanfare Festival (held biennially)
- Additional school and community events throughout the year
In Year 4, students have the exciting opportunity to take part in the Southside Junior Strings Workshops, where they extend their ensemble experience and enjoy the thrill of playing in a large orchestral setting alongside peers from other schools.
In Year 6, students also participate in the Southside Senior Music Workshops, where they refine their ensemble skills and gain valuable experience that helps prepare them for instrumental music in high school.
Rehearsals are held on before school in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Regular attendance and commitment to rehearsals are expected to ensure the success of the ensemble.
Concert Band at Marshall Road State School
At Marshall Road State School, students from Years 4 to 6 have the opportunity to be part of our exciting Concert Band Program. Designed for students learning brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, the program fosters musical growth, teamwork, and a love of performance.
Beginning in Year 4, students join the Concert Band as they develop their instrumental technique and learn to play in an ensemble. As they progress through Years 5 and 6, students build on these skills by performing more complex repertoire and gaining confidence as ensemble musicians.
Our Concert Band performs regularly at school concerts, assemblies, and community events, and students may also participate in regional workshops and music festivals throughout the year.
Rehearsals take place before school in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Participation in the Concert Band offers students valuable experiences in collaboration, discipline, and musical expression.
For further enquiries about the Instrumental Music Program, please contact instrumentalmusic@marshallroadss.eq.edu.au
Choir at Marshall Road State School
Choir is a much-loved extra-curricular activity at Marshall Road, open to all enthusiastic singers from Years 2 to 6. Through weekly rehearsals, students build vocal skills, musical confidence, and a sense of community—while having plenty of fun along the way!
Junior Choir
The Junior Choir welcomes students from Years 2 and 3. This group focuses on developing foundational choral skills, such as pitch accuracy, rhythm, and singing as part of a group. Rehearsals are energetic and enjoyable, creating a positive introduction to ensemble singing.
Senior Choir
Open to students in Years 4 to 6, the Senior Choir works on more refined vocal techniques, including balance, blend, harmony, and part-singing. This group is ideal for students looking to further develop their musical and performance abilities.
Both choirs are active throughout the year, regularly performing at school assemblies and end-of-semester music concerts.
Participation in choir fosters teamwork, discipline, and a lifelong love of music.