About Instrumental Music and Vocal Lessons
Instrumental Music and Vocal Lessons are a vibrant part of life at Craigslea State High School, offering students the opportunity to learn a woodwind, brass, percussion, or string instrument, as well as vocal performance, alongside their regular timetabled subjects.
Both provide a wide range of performance opportunities, with students performing in concert bands, jazz ensembles, string orchestras, chamber groups and vocal ensembles. Each year, these groups take part in school-based events, musicals and Arts presentations, as well as community performances, competitions, festivals and music tours.
Performance groups include:
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Symphonic Wind Ensemble
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Concert Band
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Chamber Winds
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Big Band
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Stage Band
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Percussion Ensemble
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Caledonia String Orchestra
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MacKenzie String Orchestra
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String Quartet/Quintet
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Vocal groups including Melodia (Senior Choir), Chamber Choir and Bassline
Instrumental Music and Vocal Lessons are coordinated by Head of Department for the Arts, Mrs Jennifer Pedder, supporting students to develop their skills, confidence and passion for music.
Aims and Philosophy
Instrumental Music and Vocal Lessons at Craigslea State High School aim to:
- Provide unique music and vocal opportunities that maximise educational outcomes for students, offering rich learning experiences, performance pathways and the development of practical skills.
- Support students' musical development through structured, group-based instrumental instruction.
- Develop ensemble performance skills as a core part of music education through participation in Concert Bands, Orchestras, String Orchestras, Stage Bands and Choirs.
Enrolment into Instrumental Music
All students entering our school from an EQ Instrumental Music program will be automatically enrolled into Instrumental Music, with the expectancy that they are a minimum Level 2 in the EQ Instrumental Music Curriculum.
Instrumental Music may accept beginner applications on cello, double bass, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trombone and tuba only. Electric Guitar, Piano, Keyboard and Acoustic Guitar are not included in the instrumental music curriculum. If your child is an advanced electric guitarist or pianist (and can read music) they will be considered for stage band, big band, or accompanying ensembles as required. These are limited and highly sought after positions which are allocated after an audition process at the discretion of the teacher.
We regularly have requests from students who wish to start a second (or third) instrument. Please note the following criteria;
- Staff members will consult regarding the suitability of the application
- Students must be achieving an ‘A’ standard on their current instrument before applying for a second.
- Students must be adhering to attendance policies on their current instrument.
- Students must provide their own instrument, unless it is an exotic instrument we require in an ensemble.
- Lessons can only be provided if a vacancy exists. These may be on a week on/week off rotations to limit time out of class.
Enrolments into Vocal Lessons
An enrolment form is to be submitted with the 2027 Enrolment Pack or alternatively through an online application (refer below).
Auditions will be held in Week 2 of Term 1, 2027, to determine vocal types and group allocation.
Lessons will commence in Week 3 of Term 1 2027.
Please note, to apply for the Excellence in Music Program you must also be enrolled in the Instrumental
Music Program and/or Vocal Lessons. Refer below
for the Enrolment Application Forms for Instrumental Music and
Vocal Lessons.
Enrolment Application Forms for Instrumental Music Program and Vocal Lessons
Learn More
For more information, please email Head of Department for The Arts, Mrs Jennifer Pedder, at instrumentalmusic@craigsleashs.eq.edu.au.
2025 Achievements
In
2025, Craigslea State High School’s Music and Vocal programs celebrated
an outstanding year of achievement, showcasing the talent, creativity
and dedication of our student musicians. Students performed across a
wide range of ensembles including concert bands, big band, chamber
groups, percussion ensemble, and choirs, participating in concerts,
competitions and major showcases throughout the year.
Our Vocal Lessons Program
achieved outstanding success across our choirs. Chamber Choir made
history as the first state school choir to win First Place in the
Advanced Choir section at the Queensland Youth Music Awards and was
selected as one of five state finalists for Choral Fanfare. Across
multiple Brisbane festivals, the Vocal Lessons Program also earned five
Gold Awards, two Silver Awards, and a 'Regional Best Performance' award.
Our Instrumental Music Program
continued its tradition of strong musicianship with Gold and Silver
awards at major ensemble events, while our Contemporary Music pathway
excelled with Craigslea rock band 'TEXTT' winning First and Third
Place in Brisbane Battle of the Bands competitions. Together, these
achievements highlight Craigslea’s commitment to providing students with
an inspiring and supportive environment that nurtures exceptional
musical growth, leadership and artistic achievement.
2025 Highlights:
Craigslea Chamber Choir
Gold Award at the Queensland Youth Music Awards – first state school to win the Auditioned Secondary Choir category
Most Outstanding Secondary Performance at the Metro North Regional Final of Choral Fanfare
Selected as one of five state finalists for Choral Fanfare
Melodia Choir – Silver Award at MusicFest
Caledonia Strings – Silver Award at MusicFest 2025
Concert Band – Silver Award at MusicFest 2025
Symphonic Wind Ensemble – 2nd place in Section 446 (Concert Band, Secondary School Year 12 and Under) at the QUOTA Beenleigh Eisteddfod
Student band TEXTT – 3rd place at the Battle of the Rock Bands External link
Looking Ahead to 2026
With
this incredible momentum, 2026 promises another exciting year for music
and vocal groups at Craigslea. Our passionate students, dedicated
teachers and thriving
music and vocal programs continue to foster creativity, confidence, and
performance excellence, offering new opportunities to shine on stage and
share their talents with the school and wider community.
Craigslea High Arts Music Parent Support (CHAMPS)
CHAMPS is an invaluable parent body, which represents families involved in the Arts and Instrumental Music Program. The purpose of CHAMPS is to support the Arts and Music Programs as a whole by providing input, fundraising, organisation of Arts and musical events, and developing community partnerships. Meetings are held once a term.
If you would like to register your interest with CHAMPS, or have any great ideas/suggestions for ways in which CHAMPS can better support the interest of the school, students, parents/caregivers, community members and staff, please let us know by emailing
pandc@craigsleashs.eq.edu.au.