All students at our school have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. In Year 4 all students learn to play the recorder and in other years they have the opportunity to play on marimbas, xylophones and many other instruments during music classes. Some students are selected to take part in string, woodwind or brass classes with instruction by specialist instrumental teachers from the School of Instrumental Music (SIM).
Subiaco Primary School is very fortunate to have specialist teachers from the School of Instrumental Music (SIM )who provide group lessons, free of charge, to some of our students. The selection process for students to be chosen for the School of Instrumental Music programs takes into account the student’s participation in the school music program, their interest in learning an instrument, a Music Aptitude Test, ability to learn in a group situation and several short tests given by a specialist instrumental teacher. Selection takes place in Term 4 of Year 2 for violin, Year 3 for cello and Year 4 for flute, clarinet and brass.
These lessons commence the following year and the expectation is that the student will stay with the program until Year 10 if attending a Government secondary school that offers this program. Shenton College, Perth Modern School and Churchlands Senior High School all have excellent music programs. Students who are selected in violin need to purchase their own instruments , but those playing cello, flute, clarinet or brass are given the opportunity to hire their instruments from SIM, usually for one year however, cello and low brass instruments can be hired for 2 years.
If a student is selected for an instrument but wishes to play another that is offered in higher grades at the school, they may decline the first offer and will still be eligible for selection at a later date. However, a place in another instrumental program cannot be guaranteed. A student who commences learning an instrument in the program but withdraws is not eligible for further selection.