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Instrumental Music

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​​​​​​​​​​​Brisbane State High School has one of the most comprehensive extra-curricular instrumental music programs in Queensland. The program encompasses orchestral string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

Every year, students audition and are placed in a compulsory ensemble, orchestra or concert band. Students may also be invited to participate in a non-compulsory jazz or chamber ensemble. Our school currently facilitates 18 performing ensembles in a variety of genres.

The proficiency level of the musical groups ranges from beginner to advanced. Public performance is an integral part of the program and all members are expected to attend performances. Student learning and equipment is supported by an active P&C Association sub-committee.

Instrumental Music Hand​book

For more information about the Instrumental Music program, please download the Instrumental Music Handbook (PDF, 763 KB).

Lessons and rehearsals

Students participate in a weekly group lesson during school time with a qualified Instrumental Music teacher and a weekly ensemble rehearsals before or after school.

Rehearsal timetable

Please refer to the Instrumental Music - 2026 Rehearsal Schedule.pdf document.  

Team App

We are using a smartphone app to facilitate easier communication between staff, students and parents. Team App is designed for use on smartphones (android and iPhone), iPads and iPods, and can also be viewed online. It is free to download and does not incur a membership fee. Team App keeps member contact details private and students cannot communicate with each other through the app.

To download, go to Team App:

  1. Sign-up using your name, date of birth and email address. You'll be sent an email to confirm your registration.
  2. Search for BSHS Instrumental Music and request access to the group students, teachers, or parents (whichever applies to you), and any relevant ensembles.
  3. Once your request is approved you will be able to see news and upcoming Instrumental Music events.

2026 Calendar of Events

Instrumental music events for the year.
Date Event Ensemble
Friday 30 January 

​Year 7 Instrumental Music Orientation Session
​New students in the program​
Monday 9 February 
Leadership and Learning Ceremony
Symphony Orchestra 
​TBC
​Year 7 Instrumental Music Curriculum Information Night
​Incoming Year 7 students and parents 
​Wednesday 25 March
​QLD Ballet Viewing 
​Symphony Orchestra 
​Wednesday 1 April
​String Chamber Music Concerts 
​Year 7 - 12 Chamber String Orchestras 
​Friday 3 April
National Band Championships​​Symphonic Band 
Wind orchestra 
Saturday 4 April ​
​National Band Championships
Brass Band ​
Sunday 5 April 
​National Band Championships
​Brass Band 
TBC
Anzac Day Assembly 

Brass Band

​TBC 
​WESS Anzac Day Ceremony 
​Trumpet players 
Monday 27 April ​
​Percussion Chamber Concert 
​Percussion Ensembles 
Friday 1 May – Sunday 3 May
Music Camp 1

Symphonic Band
Symphony Orchestra 

Sunday 3  May – Tuesday 5 May
Music Camp 2
Wind Orchestra
Cordelia String Orchestra
Wednesday 13 May 
Semester One Concert 1 & 2

Symphony Orchestra
Merivale String Orchestra
Southbank String Orchestra
Cordelia String Orchestra
Highgate String Orchestra

​Wednesday 20 May


Semester One Concert 3 & 4 
Concert Winds
Wind Ensemble
Wind Orchestra
Brass Band
Stage Band
Big Band
​Thursday 21 May 
​Semester One Concert 5 
​Concert Band 
Symphonic Band 
​Friday 22 May
Rescheduled from Wednesday 1 April 
​Symphony Orchestra & QLD Ballet Immersion 
​Symphony Orchestra 

​Friday 5 & Monday 8 June 
​Fanfare Heats 
​All ensembles 
​Saturday 20 June 
Music & International Food Festival (MIFF)
​All ensembles 
​TBC 
​Fanfare Regional Finals
​​Successful ensembles 
Saturday 18 July 
​State High Day 
​Big Band 
Stage Band
Chamber Orchestra ​
​Thursday 30 & Friday 31 July 
​2027 Music Merit Entry Auditions 
​Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August



Intermediate Ensemble Music Day Camp​
Southbank String Orchestra
Highgate String Orchestra
Merivale String Orchestra
Wind Ensemble 
Wind Band
Concert Band
Concert Winds
​TBC 
​​Australian Percussion Eisteddfod 
​Panigale Percussion Ensemble 
Fractalia Percussion Ensemble 
TBC 
​Music Fest
All ensembles​ 
TBC
​2026 Extra-Curricular Showcase for 2027 Year 7s
​Instrumental Music Leaders 
​TBC 
​Fanfare State Finals 

TBC
​Extra-Curricular Awards Ceremony 
​​TBC
Friday 9 October​


Senior Farewell Concert 
Year 12s 
Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band
Week 3 ​ Junior Ensembles Commence ​ ​
​TBC 
​Kurilpa String Orchestra - End of Year Concert 
​Kurilpa String Orchestra 
TBA 

Final rehearsal for Senior Graduation
TBC
TBC
Senior Graduation
TBC
TBC
Junior Graduation​
TBC
​Wednesday 25 November

Junior School End of Year Band Concert ​​Year 7 Band
Year 8 Band
Year 9 Band
​​Thursday​ 26 November
​Junior School End of Year String Concert​​
​Southbank String Orchestra
Highgate String Orchestra
Merivale String Orchestra
Cordelia String Orchestra ​
​Monday 30 November - Friday 4 December 
Not including Tuesday 1 December 
​Year 7 2027 Instrumental Music Auditions 
​Incoming Year 7s 
​TBC
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day 
TBC

Calendar is subject to change - please refer to the Events Calendar on our website. Any changes to these dates will be communicated via Team App.

Instrumental Music Sub-Committee

The P&C Association Instrumental Music Sub-Committee meets at 7:00pm on the second Monday of the month, in the Performing Arts Centre (P Block) meeting room.

The Instrumental Music Sub-Committee is led by:

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Last reviewed 13 February 2026
Last updated 13 February 2026