Welcome to Music at Mundingburra!
Instrumental Music
Music at Mundingburra has a very long history, with photos of Mundingburra State School Band as one of only two schools marching the World War 2 Victory parades in Townsville in 1945. There are pictures of the school choir dating back to at least 1936!
The association between Mundingburra School and Music is a strong one and is steeped in time.
Mundingburra School has a successful, long standing P and C subcommittee called the Mundingburra Music Mates which is unique to state schools in Townsville. These dedicated parents have been integral to the success and vibrancy of the Music program here. They raise money which goes directly towards the development of the Instrumental Program.
The school program is based on three elements.
- Every student has a classroom music lesson for 30 minutes per week with the music teacher. These lessons introduce the student to music so that over seven years at school the students develop their ability to read, write and perform music. The performance may be playing an instrument or singing;
- Students starting from Grade 3 or 4 may elect to learn an instrument at school;
- Students from Grade 4 onwards may join the school choir.
There are always students who enjoy music so much that they participate in all three areas!
The Instrumental Music Program is very established and well organised here at school. Education Queensland provides free Instrumental tuition by highly qualified Instrumental Teachers who are specialists in Strings, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion tuition. Students who successfully apply for a place in the program are taught in small groups for one 30 minute lesson per week during school time.
- Students from Grade 3 may apply to learn Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass;
- Students from grade four may apply to learn Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba or Percussion.
All of these instruments with the exception of glockenspiel (percussion), are initially provided for hire by the school for a nominal cost per year of $35. There is an additional Music Levy of $35 to cover the costs of school instrument repairs and servicing and the purchase of music.
There is a comprehensive application process involving the student, parents, classroom teachers, music teacher and instrumental teachers. The students and the families need to understand that a considerable commitment of time and effort is required to ensure success over many years. Unfortunately not all students who apply will gain a place in the program, but there’s always next year!
Mundingburra has a visiting music teacher who teaches guitar, piano and voice during school hours. These popular lessons are not funded by Education Queensland. Contact details are advertised in the weekly e-Newsletter. Students provide their own guitar, tuition costs and books. The school has pianos available for the students to use for the lesson.
School Choir
There has been a school choir here at Mundingburra since early in the previous century. The classroom music teacher is usually the conductor and accompanists are drawn from our own instrumental students, ex instrumental students, talented parents or instrumental teachers. The Choir is an integral part of the school music program. Students learn performance skills, develop confidence and grow musically. The Choir performs regularly throughout the year at school events, concerts and the Eisteddfod. There are two rehearsals with one being before school and one at lunchtime. Information is available from the music teacher.
Mundingburra School has a designated music performance uniform. It consists of a Music shirt, blue shorts, skorts or skirts, white medium-length socks and black shoes. The shirts may be purchased second-hand from the school uniform shop if available and new shirts may be ordered through Music Mates.
Music if we do it right, it is forever.