Music News

Westside Strings Collective

In Week 4, 32 of our Strings students had the wonderful opportunity to join musicians from nine local schools as part of the district strings workshops. Across the week, students immersed themselves in rehearsals, learning between four and six new pieces in a very short amount of time before proudly performing in end-of-workshop concerts.

A special highlight for our Canzona students was the chance to work with local composer Stephen Chin on Thursday and Friday.

Congratulations to all of our students for the hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment they showed throughout the week. We were especially proud of the exemplary behaviour they demonstrated while representing our school so positively. Well done to everyone involved!

Fanfare

Here are some thoughts from our string captains about our adventures at Fanfare:

On Thursday 21st of May, our school Strings and Band groups went to Fanfare. First Senior Band, then Intermediate Strings, then Chamber Strings and finally Senior Strings. Travelling on the Intermediate Strings bus was fun but loud! Some people were reading while others were singing loudly. When we arrived, we found some benches near a playground and stared to eat. After we had played and eaten, we set off to the hall of Wilston State School.

We found some seats in the front row to support our Ironside Senior Band, then watched about 1 or 2 performances by other schools, before a lady took us to a room where we tuned our instruments and practiced our songs. Finally, the lady called us back into the hall and we sat down in our seats at the front stage ready to play. Halfway through, I began thinking it was certain we were going to get Platinum. Around 30 minutes later, we found out we did!!! The winning songs we played were Dragon Slayer, Acrobats and Sleeping Pandas. That afternoon, we all went back to school with smiles on our faces because we were the first Intermediate Strings in our school to get Platinum! I can't wait for next year's songs!

Grace B

This year’s Fanfare was a fun and amazing event for us Strings players. On the way to Wilston State School, the bus ride was approximately 30 minutes. After we got there, we listened to a few groups play (they were not as good as us) then the Chamber Strings performed. After that, we had lunch and play, then it was Senior Strings’ turn to play. When we were going to get the awards, me and Jacob were so sure that we were going to get gold, so when we got platinum, we were both shocked. Senior Strings got platinum, too, and we were practically bursting with pride and joy. Shoutouts to the Intermediate Strings, who got platinum, and Senior Band, who got gold. Overall, the whole experience was an exhilarating time full of surprises, and I wish everyone could’ve been there.

Ayden C

After arriving at Wilston State school on the bus, we went to see Intermediate Strings and Senior Band to get their certificates. When we heard Intermediate Strings got platinum, everyone cheered in delight! Soon after, Chamber Strings had to get ready for their performance, by going to their practice room to play as well as they could. Following Chamber strings performance, everyone got a break to play and eat before Senior Strings got ready to perform. During the performance, Senior Strings played three pieces of music - Rustic Warriors, Lullaby to the Moon and Storm the Gates. There was a small break between Senior Strings performance and the ceremony which we used to pack up and wait in excitement for results. It was a nerve-racking wait, but we finally got the results that Senior Strings had played really well to get platinum!!! Finally, we got back onto the bus feeling very happy with ourselves and returned back to school.

Emma B

We had an incredible day at Fanfare at Wilston State School. We waited with admirable composure, focusing and reflecting on the many weeks of dedicated rehearsal that had led to this moment. When it was finally time to take the stage, the senior strings delivered poised, expressive, and confidently executed songs of Rustic Warriors, Lullaby to the Moon, and Storm the Gates. Each piece was presented with dynamic, control, articulation, intonation, rhythmic stability, ensemble cohesion, and much more deeply moving the adjudicators and audience. Everyone deeply captivated throughout the performance. When it was time to announce the awards, it felt like the atmosphere shifted, everyone waiting with anticipation, crossing their fingers hoping. Until… we got platinum every jumped up and cheered, everyone burst into celebration, all our hard work finally paying off. The day ended on a high note, leaving everyone proud, inspired, and excited for future performances.

Chloe L

Being at Fanfare as a String Captain was an honour. I knew that if I was going to be a captain, I needed to guide others and lead them in the right direction. Fanfare made me realise that Ironside State School is more than just a school that competes in music — it is a school with a long-standing musical legacy. When the results were announced and all the string groups received Platinum Awards, I felt incredibly proud, especially of the younger students I had helped along the way. Even though I had a terrible headache at the time, I persevered because I remembered my responsibility as a String Captain: to lead, support, and give my best for the team. I stepped onto the stage, played with all my strength, and in that moment, I truly understood what Fanfare was about — commitment, teamwork, and passion for music. Thank you, Ironside, for giving me an experience and memories I will never forget.

Jacob X

Music - Choirs

Please take note of the following upcoming choir dates and add them to your calendars:

Monday, 15 June

Both choirs will perform at Assembly at 2:00pm. Parents and carers are warmly welcome to attend. This performance will also serve as a short practice run for the Soiree.

Tuesday, 16 June

Both choirs will participate in the School Soiree. The event will commence at 6:45pm. Further details will be provided closer to the date.

Monday, 24 August

Year 5/6 Choir only will attend SingFest.

Tuesday–Thursday, 20–22 October

A maximum of six Year 6 singers will be selected to represent Ironside State School at the Metro Choral Honours Program. Letters regarding this event will be sent home before the end of Term 2.

As members of our choir program, students represent Ironside State School whenever they perform, and we greatly appreciate your support in ensuring students are available and prepared for these important events.

Please diarise these dates carefully. Further information will be shared as events approach