Involvement in the Performing Arts Program engages a young person’s mind, body and emotions in different ways to encourage their confidence, nurture forms of self-expression, develop cognition of music as a language, and assists their socialisation, visual and auditory processing. This all assists indirectly and directly the students academic acumen by developing a greater capacity for higher-order thinking skills, organisation and executive brain function, and assists their growth as critical thinkers, problem solvers, and good listeners.
Meet Sarah Ferguson, Director of Co-Curricular Cultural Activities
Growing up in Bundaberg, Sarah moved to Brisbane to completed a dual degree in Music and Education, before heading to London for two years to further her experience as a teacher, learner and performer. During her time in the UK, Sarah continued her studies, worked as a teacher and as a performer, playing in orchestras for a number of West End Musicals. Upon her return to Australia, she took up teaching positions in a number of diverse schools from the Sunshine Coast to St George.
In 2011, Sarah joined St Luke’s Anglican School as both a classroom Music teacher and an Instrumental Music teacher. In 2020, she completed her Masters of Education, and took on the role of Director of Co-Curricular Cultural Activities. Sarah’s passion for teaching young people and for music is obvious in all that she does. She believes wholeheartedly in developing resilience and strong personal growth in young people through the creation of beautiful music.
St Luke’s Anglican School offers expert tuition in a wide variety of musical instruments in Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion and Piano. Theory lessons are also available, and lessons covering Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) requirements in all grades are offered. Individual and group lessons are available in the following:
Trumpet
Bass Clarinet
Cello
Trombone
Bassoon
Double Bass
Baritone/Euphonium
Flute
Percussion
French Horn
Violin
Piano
Oboe
Viola
Tuba
Baritone Saxophone
Saxophone
Please note: Lessons are scheduled as a part of the school day. This aligns with current research indicating that this is best practice when helping students to develop executive function.
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts are a vibrant and expressive part of life at St Luke’s Anglican School, with close to half of the School's student population involved in Performing Arts activities, including instrumental music lessons, the Ensemble Program, Drama Tech Club, theatre productions and performances.
St Luke’s Anglican School is exceptionally regarded by the community for its Music Program, and especially for the quality and success of its bands, choirs and orchestras. The School has won countless awards at many different District, Regional and State level competitions, and performed at a stunning array of events, festivals and Eisteddfods. A wide range of opportunities are available to different year groups.
Your Child's Performing Arts Opportunities at St Luke's
Year 3: Junior Singers, Strings Program (compulsory), Piano Tuition
Year 4: Beginner Concert Band, Beginner Strings, Junior Singers, Instrumental Music Tuition (Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion, Piano)
Year 5 and 6: Junior Concert Band, Junior Singers, Junior Strings, Pops Orchestra, Instrumental Music Tuition (Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion, Piano)
Year 7: Junior Concert Band, Junior Strings, Out of the Box Theatre Group, Pops Orchestra, Senior Choir, Instrumental Music Tuition (Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion, Piano)
Year 8 and 9: Stage Band, Lacov Elbmesne (Advanced Choir), Out of the Box Theatre Group, Pops Orchestra, Senior Choir, Senior Concert Band, Senior Orchestra, Senior Strings, Instrumental Music Tuition (Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion, Piano)
Year 10, 11 and 12: Stage Band, Lacov Elbmesne (Advanced Choir), Out of the Box Theatre Group, Pops Orchestra, Senior Choir, Senior Concert Band, Senior Orchestra, Senior Strings, Drama Tech Club, Instrumental Music Tuition (Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion, Piano)
The Choral Program at St Luke’s Anglican School offers opportunities for students from Year 1 to 12. Students involved in this program progress from learning songs in unison to four part harmony. St Luke’s offers the following opportunities in this area;
Semiquavers - Year 1 and 2
Junior Singers - Year 3 to 6
Senior Choir - Year 7 to 12 (this group focuses on choreography and singing)
All students in Year 3 learn an orchestral string instrument. This includes: Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass. The Year 3 Strings Program is a highly effective program which enhances cognitive brain function and is purposely designed to enhance the students' academic performance. Throughout the year, students perform in both solo and ensemble settings. This experience helps to build confidence and resilience in unfamiliar contexts. The benefits of this program extend so much further than just learning an instrument. They develop confidence, determination and focus in a fun and engaging environment.
St Luke’s Anglican School has a co-curricular classical string program for students in Year 4 to 12. Through this program, students progress from learning basic ensemble skills through to part work, balance, tuning, musicality and advanced performance. St Luke’s offers the following opportunities in this area;
St Luke’s Anglican School has a co-curricular orchestral program, which includes Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. This unique opportunity to learn to play and blend with all orchestral instruments is extremely valuable. The orchestral program includes students from Year 5 to 12. The students in this program progress from learning basic orchestral ensemble skills including balance, tuning, musicality and advanced performance. St Luke’s offers the following opportunities in this area;
St. Luke’s Anglican School offers a co-curricular concert band program for students in Year 4 to 12 who are learning Brass, Woodwind or Percussion instruments. Through this program, students progress from learning basic ensemble skills through to part work, balance, tuning, musicality and advanced performance. St Luke’s offers the following opportunities in this area;
Beginner Concert Band - Year 4 and beginning students from other year levels
Out of the Box is a theatre group for students from Year 7 to 12. The students engage in discovering all aspects of theatre from devising, scripting and performance through weekly workshops. Performance opportunities involve productions for the St Luke’s Anglican School community and involvement in the Queensland Theatre Company’s Scene Project.
Drama Tech Club is an opportunity for Senior School students (Year 10 to 12) to hone their skills in theatrical lighting, sound and special effects. Students involved in this activity help behind the scenes in a number of school performances and productions. A number of students have realised their potential in this field, and followed this path as a career beyond school.
