Music plays and integral part in the Primary School education offered at IGS. Our aim is to provide students with a high-quality music education based on a sensory learning experience, where children come to understand this symbolic language through singing, playing, listening and moving. Our student-centred curriculum is designed around Orff-Schulwerk, Dalcroze and Kodály Music Education methodologies, providing future focussed experiences for our students learn about diverse musical traditions and styles.
Music in Primary School
In Year 4 and Year 5, the IGS Instrumental Program is integrated into the classroom program. Students have the opportunity to start learning a new instrument and participate in the Year 4 and Year 5 Concert Bands and String Ensembles. Music continues through to Year 8, at which point it becomes an elective to HSC level.
Private vocal and instrumental studies are also offered at IGS, and students are welcome to begin learning at any time. As an extension to their learning, and in developing ensemble skills, all students learning instruments or voice with private tutors are expected to join an IGS music ensemble which commonly starts with the K-2 Choir or Junior Orchestra as an initial experience. Small group lessons prepare students for Junior Orchestra rehearsals, with students taught in the Orff Schulwerk style.
Ensemble rehearsals take place before school, at lunchtime and after school once a week for each ensemble with music teachers and tutors. Smaller ensembles and Chamber Groups are extension activities and entry to these ensembles may be by invitation or audition. Your music tutor will recommend when your child is ready to join an ensemble, and advanced Primary School students are invited to audition to join High School ensembles.
All ensembles perform regularly at evening concerts, assemblies, school functions and community festivals at various times throughout the year.
Private vocal and instrumental studies are offered at IGS. Students who undertake private tuition are encouraged to participate in the School’s various music ensembles, including a symphony orchestra, string orchestras, concert bands, rock bands, chamber groups and choirs. All ensembles perform regularly at evening concerts, assemblies, school functions and community festivals.
Our young musicians are nurtured through regular visits to and from inspirational professional musicians and ensembles, performances at lunchtime concerts and participation in Heads of Independent Co-educational Schools (HICES) music festivals.