Strings News

An Octave Above performs in assembly

On Monday 11th November, the chamber ensemble, “An octave above” performed in assembly. They gave a stylish performance of a Sinfonia by Vivaldi and a very exciting performance of “Gypsy Airs” by Sarasate arranged by Stephen Chin. 

The group formed during Term 3 and is made up of students invited from the Orchestra. It is most advanced string ensemble at IPS. Congratulations to Angelina (6R), Caleb (6H), Charlie (5L), Collin (6H), Daniel (6P), Diva (6R), Grace (5S), Jasmine (4C), Sean (5S) for pulling off a truly excellent first performance as a group!

1R and 1L visited by Angelina Zhang – violin (6P) and Collin – cello (6H)

On Thursday 7th November, two Year 6 string students, Angelina (violin) and Collin (cello) visited 1R and 1L during their music lessons to talk about learning a string instrument and being part of the IPS String Program. The previous week, on Thursday 31st October, Daniel (violin) and Angelina (cello) visited 1G and 1H. 

The Year 6 students demonstrated their instruments and talked about how they make sound. The Year 1 students had fun guessing the tunes Angelina and Collin played. The Year 1 students got to ask lots of questions and then every student had the opportunity to try playing a cello and a violin. It was a very exciting experience!

Playing together is an important part of the IPS String Program, promoting fun and awareness of others. Our main pathway is children starting violin or cello in the Start Up Strings in Year 2 where they have 2 group lessons per week for the first two terms. From Term 3, students move to 1 group lesson per week and 1 individual lesson per week. Later on, students progress to the Corelli Strings and then onto the Orchestra.

If your child interested in learning violin or cello as part of Start Up Strings 2025, please register your interest by emailing the Strings Co-ordinator, Margaret Butcher Margaret.Butcher@education.vic.gov.au.

Upcoming assembly performances

We have 3 more string group performances in assembly over the coming weeks:

• Monday 18th November - Corelli Strings
• Monday 25th November - Orchestra
• Monday 2nd December - Start Up Strings

Summer Strings Celebration Concert

All 4 string ensembles are also playing at our end of year concert, the Summer String Celebration Concert on Tuesday 26th November, 2024 in the IPS School Hall. Exciting!

Please bring a plate to share for supper.

Start Up Strings wear free dress. Corelli Strings & Orchestra wear white on the top and black on the bottom.

Entry is by donation. Every $5 gets you a ticket in the draw for the lucky door prizes!