Symphonic Band
Under the direction of Ms Angela Nieuwenburg, Symphonic Band is our largest music ensemble in the school, with approximately 25-30 woodwind, brass and percussion players ranging from ages 11 to 25 years old. This group of young musicians is a combination of Primary School students, current students, ex-students and teachers, and regularly performs at school functions, competitions and community events. Symphonic Band has been awarded GOLD three years in a row at the Brisbane Schools Band Festival, and our players regularly represent our school at a state level through their involvement in SHEP (State Honours Ensemble Program, Griffith University) and the Creative Generations Awards for Excellence in Instrumental Music (formally MOST).
Symphonic Band assists in complementing our flourishing Instrumental Music program, and students will benefit from playing music with other like-minded students in a relaxed, fun yet productive environment.
Rehearsals are from 3.00pm until 4.15pm on Wednesday afternoons in the Music Block and there are no on-going costs involved.
Jazz Band
Directed by Mr Elton Farmer, Jazz Band consists of approximately 15 musicians, ranging from ages 11 to 25 years old. Jazz Band specialises in a wide range of repertoire, including swing, funk, rock and popular charts. Instrumentation consists of a horn section (saxophones, clarinets, trumpets and trombones) a rhythm section (guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, piano and auxiliary percussion), and opportunities are regularly available for vocal soloists. Jazz Band is frequently invited to perform at school and community functions, and they compete in yearly competitions such as the Beenleigh Eisteddfod and Brisbane School Bands Festival.
Jazz Band assists in complementing our flourishing Instrumental Music program, and students will benefit from playing music with other like-minded students in a relaxed, fun yet productive environment.
Rehearsals are at 7.45am on Friday mornings in the Music Block and there are no on-going costs involved.
Percussion Ensemble
Under the direction of Mr Elton Farmer, Percussion Ensemble is made of a group of enthusiastic percussion students who get together once a week to hit things and make a lot of noise! The Percussion Ensemble was formed to provide an extra ensemble opportunity for our percussion students, as it is important for them to be able to play all of the many different types of tuned and un tuned percussion instruments. The Percussion Ensemble have taken out First Place in competition 2 years in a row, and they are aiming to continue their winning streak in the years ahead.
Rehearsals are at 8.00am on Wednesday mornings in the Music Block and there are no on-going costs involved.
Concert Band
Mr Elton Farmer also runs a special band just for beginner students, so that everyone has the chance to play in a group. This ensemble is a very important training ground for students aiming to become a member of our Symphonic Band. Students studying a 2nd instrument are also welcome to join this ensemble.
Rehearsals are at 8.00am on Tuesday mornings in the Music Block and there are no on-going costs involved.
Vocal Group
The Beenleigh State High School Vocal Group is directed by Mr Elton Farmer, and is made up a group of enthusiastic young singers from Year 7 to 12. Vocal Group regularly performs at school events, competitions and community functions, performing a wide range of styles, including popular, jazz, classical and everything in between! We are always welcoming new members, and there is no audition process involved.
Students who participate in Vocal Group gain confidence, musical awareness and improvements in their vocal technique. Learning how to sing different parts in a group is an excellent way for students to improve on their chosen instrument/s, and many of our vocalists are multi-instrumentalists.
Rehearsals are on Thursdays at first break in the Music Block and there are no on-going costs involved.
Music Academy
Music Excellence Program for Year 7 and 8 students
Music Academy is a program which commenced in 2014 and primarily involves a group of Year 7 & 8 students attending specialised Music classes with a focus on improving each individual student in their focus area.
We believe that Music is an excellent vehicle to engage young people with their school community, and studying Music is very closely linked to academic success.
High quality teaching and musician development
Participation in high standard competitions and programs (Creative Generations Excellence Program, Brisbane School Bands Festival, Beenleigh Eisteddfod)
Access to an industry standard recording studio
Opportunities to attend Music camps and interstate tours
Participation in the fastest developing Music program in South-East Queensland
Beenleigh’s Got Talent
Our annual Beenleigh’s Got Talent competition runs in Term 3, and is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their many and diverse talents! Auditions are held in the outdoor Piazza stage every Friday at first break from Week 3 onwards in Term 3, with the final concert in the last week of Term, where the top ten contestants will perform in front of the entire school. There are always lots of money and prizes up for grabs, and our whole school community really gets involved in this event. Students who perform in Beenleigh’s Got Talent always come away more confident and many have stated that it is an experience they will never forget!
For all music groups above contact Elton Farmer – 3442 3771 –efarm2@eq.edu.au