Choirs

Rostrata is proud to offer students the opportunity to be part of our school choirs.

Middle Choir – Year 3 and 4 students

Senior Choir – Year 5 and 6 students

At the beginning of Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, students are given the opportunity to audition during their class music time for a position in the choir. The process involves singing ‘ABCD’ (the alphabet song) and pitch matching. Students who were in the choir the previous year automatically continue in subsequent years - they do not need to re-audition.

Both choirs have many opportunities to perform at school assemblies and special events.  Students in the choir may also be members of the band or strings program.

Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS)

Students at Rostrata Primary School will have the opportunity to participate in the school Band Program or the Strings Program through the Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS) offered at our school. IMSS is a Department of Education WA program that provides high-quality music instruction in public schools.

IMMS Selection Process

IMSS provides opportunities at Rostrata for students to participate in the Strings Program (run by IMSS) and Rostrata Band (run by Rostrata’s Band Director). A selection process is undertaken during school music sessions and students who are identified will receive a letter from IMSS inviting them to participate.

• Violin – testing in term 3 of Year 2 for commencement in Year 3
• Viola – testing is biannually in term 3 of Year 2 for commencement in Year 3
• Cello – testing in term 3 of Year 3 for commencement in Year 4
• Flute, Clarinet and Brass – testing in term 3 of Year 4 for commencement in Year 5, as well as becoming a member of the Rostrata Band in Years 5 and 6

The Year 5 and 6 strings students, and the Year 4 violin and viola students participate in the Rostrata String Ochestra, run by IMMS, to further develop their musicianship skills. The beginner Year 3 violin and viola students and the beginner Year 4 students join at a time when the instrumental teacher feels they are ready.

IMSS Criteria

• No previous instrumental experience is necessary. If a student is currently learning an instrument that is offered at Rostrata, they cannot be considered for that instrument through IMMS, as students need to be beginners. They can however be a candidate for other offered instruments.
• Selection is based on results of a musical aptitude assessment (provided by IMSS), attitude, teacher recommendation and child interest
• If your child meets all requirements, they are shortlisted
• Students will have the opportunity to specify their preference of musical instrument
• IMSS teachers and school Music staff will assess the physical needs for choice of instrument (eg length of arms for trombone etc)
• Final offers are then made to students following school and IMSS collaboration

How IMSS works

• Visiting IMSS teachers give lessons in school time
• Selected students receive a 30-minute group lesson (40 minutes for brass) once per week
• Lessons are free, but parents need to provide an instrument (hire or buy)
• The program aims to provide opportunities as broadly as possible, but places are limited and subject to IMSS criteria. Participants are expected to remain with the program throughout primary school. If they attend a public high school, they may have the opportunity to continue lessons at a secondary level.

Band Program

The Band program will be open to:

• Students learning flute, clarinet and brass instrument through IMSS in Years 5 and 6
• Students learning saxophone or percussion, privately, outside of school hours. This private tuition is:
  • Self nominated (as this is not offered via IMSS)
  • Outside of school hours
  • Tuition fees apply
  • The school does not manage any part of this agreement

Expression of Interest forms are available at the Band Information session annually in Term 3 (form also available from front office after the Band Information session each year).