​​​​​​​​​The Instrumental Music Academy at Chancellor State College is a testament to our proud legacy of musical excellence. Our College has a distinguished record of achievements across academics, culture, service, and sports, all of which contribute to our holistic approach to education.

Students at the College are offered group tuition in brass, woodwind, orchestral percussion, and orchestral string instruments from Years 3 to 12. As students' progress, they have the opportunity to join one of the College's many performance ensembles. Our 'Core' Ensembles provide students with ensemble curriculum delivery while preparing them for high-quality, engaging performances at various events throughout the school year. The 'Elective' Ensembles offer students the chance to explore a variety of musical genres and performance mediums, under the guidance of our specialist staff.​

Many of our Instrumental Music students also participate in prestigious excellence programs outside of the College. Currently, we have students who are either playing in or have been accepted to play in renowned programs, including:

- Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra (based at Chancellor State College) 

- Queensland Youth Orchestra 

- State Honours Ensemble Programs (SHEP) – Regional, State, and National 

- MOST and Creative Generation 

- Australian Youth Orchestra 

- Australian Romantic Chamber Orchestra development programs 

The Instrumental Music department at Chancellor State College is fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated group of students, each of whom contributes to the continued success and vibrancy of our music programs.​

For more information, 2025 Instrumental Music Handbook ​​  

Teachers​​​

Chancellor State College is incredibly fortunate to have a team of highly skilled and experienced instrumental music staff dedicated to enriching and supporting student learning. Our current team includes some of the Sunshine Coast's most accomplished and versatile educators.

Jodie Lutherborrow, our Instrumental Music Coordinator, is an expert in brass and multi-instrumental teaching. She directs Concert Bands at all levels, from beginner to advanced, and is in high demand internationally as a Wind Band Conductor and clinician. Her work connects our College with major state and international performance opportunities.

Alex Lehmann our Woodwind and Percussion Specialist, specialises in saxophone and is deeply passionate about jazz education. He designs outstanding programs for our College's jazz ensembles and major regional jazz projects. A recognised leader in his field, he teaches woodwind, percussion, and multi-instrumental music at both the College and its feeder schools.

Andrea Risby-Jones, our Strings specialist, began her training in the United States and now runs exceptional string orchestra programs across both Primary and Secondary Campuses. These groups consistently perform outstandingly at the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod. A viola specialist, Andrea teaches multi-string instruments at both the College and feeder schools.​

Together, our instrumental music team offers a diverse and comprehensive approach to music education, ensuring students receive top-tier instruction across a variety of instruments and musical styles.

Ensembles

Chancellor State College offers a broad range of performance ensembles designed to cater to students' diverse musical interests and talents. All music students are placed into an ensemble at the discretion of the instrumental music teachers and conductors, ensuring that each student is in the right group for their skill level and musical development. The College offers multiple 'core' ensembles, including Concert Bands and String Orchestras, as well as 'elective' ensembles, such as Jazz, Percussion Ensembles, and the Symphony Orchestra. Chamber Music is also a key component of the program. These ensembles are available at both the Primary and Secondary Campuses, ensuring a seamless progression for students as they advance through their musical education.

Curriculum and Ensemble Pathways

At Chancellor State College, we take pride in offering a diverse and comprehensive range of learning and performance opportunities. Our Instrumental Music students benefit from quality teaching and mentoring by some of the Sunshine Coast's most experienced and versatile instrumental staff. We provide an engaging curriculum and well-defined ensemble pathways that allow students to grow as musicians while gaining valuable experience in a variety of performance settings.

Performances

Throughout the year, our students are able to participate in a wide variety of performances. These include the biennial Fanfare program, organised by the Queensland Department of Education, as well as commemorative events such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Our College also hosts numerous celebration events, including Leadership Induction, Awards, and Excellence Ceremonies. One of the major highlights of the year is the Whole College Gala Concert, as well as performances at the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod, which consistently showcase the exceptional talents of our students.​

Fees

The Instrumental Music program attracts a participation levy.

1. General Instrumental Music Levy – there is a cost per year for each program a student is involved in.  This goes towards the cost of purchasing music, purchasing new instruments and maintaining ensemble equipment (stands, banners etc.).
2. Instrument Loan – there is a fee per year for students who have use of a school instrument.  This goes towards repair and eventual replacement. Fees will by invoiced by the school.

​C​lassr​oom Music

Classroom Music ELOs and Electives (Years 7 – 12)

In Classroom Music, students use the concepts and materials of music to compose, improvise, arrange, perform, conduct and respond to their own and others’ work. They learn the elements of music and apply this knowledge to the materials of music, including the voice, instruments, found sound sources and information and communication technology.

Music is developmental and relies on the sequential progression of critical literacies, including aural, kinaesthetic, oral, visual, written and digital. For this reason we highly encourage students to elect the Music Innovators​ Program or Music Journey in Year 7 through to 9 to ensure students develop the necessary skills to undertake further music studies in their senior years. Senior Music electives include, Year 10 Music, Year 11 General Music, Year 12 General Music and Music Extension – Composition or Performance specialisation (by invitation).

Students involved in the Instrumental Music program are encouraged to undertake Classroom Music programs as part of a broad, holistic music education.

For application and curriculum information regarding our Classroom Music programs​, please visit T​he Art​s page.​

• ​ Jen O’Connor – Classroom Music Teacher, Primary Campus
• Leisa Greaves – Classroom Music Teacher, Secondary Campus