The Program offers opportunities for students of any ability or experience to be involved in music. Greater challenge and diverse opportunities are provided for more advanced students.

Students are encouraged to develop their performance skills to the highest level. It is through such commitment that personal traits of leadership, perseverance and discipline can flourish as well as the 21^st century skills of critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration and teamwork.

Students who have never played an instrument before are catered for in our Year 7 Beginner Instrumental Program. No previous experience is required to take on the challenge of learning an instrument. Very often students who start an instrument in Year 7 progress rapidly and it is not long before they are able to join one of the Colleges ensembles.

Ensembles/Performances

The many ensembles of St Rita’s annually participate in one of the largest music festivals in Australia, the Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival. These ensembles perform at College events including the Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, Open Day, Orientation Day, College Assemblies, liturgies and masses. Culminating in the Music Gala at the end of each year, all ensembles also perform throughout the year in their own concert series.

Instrumental ensembles comprise bands, orchestras, guitar ensembles and chamber ensembles and cater to all students who learn a woodwind, brass, percussion or string instrument. Vocal students participate in one of our four choirs and all ensembles regularly work with guest clinicians. Senior ensembles attend an annual Music Camp at the start of each year and tour nationally or internationally every three years.

Lessons/Tuition/Beginner program

St Rita’s offers an ensemble-based program where students learning an instrument are also involved in an ensemble. Group and individual tuition is provided by experienced teachers who utilise a sequenced instrumental curriculum. Students have weekly lessons and perform in two studio concerts each year. Tuition is available on the following instruments:

• Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon
• Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• Piano
• Voice
• Guitar
• Percussion
• Harp