The Arts covers four disciplines of study and is available to all students from Years 7 to 12. Students can elect to study one or more of the department's subject areas of Drama; Media Arts and Film, Television and New Media; Visual Arts and Music simultaneously depending on their year level.
Studying any strand in The Arts aims to engage, inspire and enrich student lives and imaginations. To help students realise their creative and expressive potential through any of the four disciplines.
Students of The Arts:
- create pieces of work that showcase their skills, abilities and responses to the world around them appreciate the aesthetics of the disciplines and identify its impacts on society and environment
- collaborate with each other to produce art and to deepen their understanding and acceptance of others' perspectives, skills and talents
In Years 7-8, students complete two semesters of Arts subjects - they preference these at enrolment and will exit Year 8 having studied two out of the four arts electives. In Year 9 students can choose up to two of the four electives to study for the whole year.
In the Senior School, Year 10 students can choose up to four electives and in Year 11-12 students can elect to study general subjects Drama; Film, Television and New Media; Music; Visual Arts and Applied subjects Drama in Practice and Visual Arts in Practice. Year 12 students also have the opportunity to apply to study Music Extension if they are also completed Year 12 Music.
For further information regarding subjects, topics and assessment, please consult the relevant Curriculum Handbooks.
Instrumental and Vocal Music Program
The Gap State High School has a distinguished and award-winning Instrumental and Vocal Music Program. Renowned for its excellence, this co-curricular program provides students with an exceptional opportunity to cultivate musical artistry, creativity, and self-discipline through participation in our band, string, percussion, and vocal pathways.
A Premier Ensemble Program
The Gap State High School offers an extensive suite of ensembles designed to support and challenge students at every stage of their musical journey. With 13 high-performing ensembles, our program maintains a strong presence at regional competitions, community events, and major school performances. Students are enriched not only musically, but also through a deep sense of connection, purpose, and pride.
String Ensembles: Paganini Strings, Amadeus Strings, Vivaldi Strings, Cello Choir, String Quartet
Concert Bands: Junior Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds
Jazz Bands: Junior Stage Band, Big Band
Choirs: Voiceworks (non-auditioned), Gapella (auditioned)
Percussion: Arcadia
For significant school occasions, combined Junior and Senior Symphony Orchestras are also assembled, showcasing the full breadth of musicianship within our program.
The Value of Music Education
Beyond technical proficiency, our program develops well-rounded, confident young people. Students gain transferable skills including collaboration, problem-solving, leadership, resilience, and the confidence that comes from striving for excellence. Performances at festivals, competitions, and community engagements provide authentic, rewarding experiences that complement and elevate classroom learning.
Students joining us from an Education Queensland (EQ) Instrumental Music Program are automatically welcomed into our program. Advanced electric guitarists and pianists with strong music-reading skills may be invited to audition for Stage Band, Big Band, or specialist accompanying roles. These positions are limited, prestigious, and offered at the discretion of ensemble directors.
Lessons and Rehearsals
Lessons: Instrumental Music lessons are delivered in small groups and timetabled at the beginning of the school year. To ensure minimal disruption to academic classes, lesson times follow a rotating schedule. Students are expected to take responsibility for monitoring their timetable and recording lesson times in their diaries. In 2026 we are trialling a Year 7 Vocal Music lesson program with a curriculum that complements Instrumental Music for auditioned students.
Rehearsals: Most ensemble rehearsals take place before school; however, due to facility and timetable demands, some groups rehearse after school.
Ensemble placement is thoughtfully determined by conductors and instructors, based on a combination of performance standard, audition outcomes, assessment results, attendance, and demonstrated commitment.
Camps and Tours
An annual Music Camp is offered to intermediate and senior ensemble members, providing invaluable opportunities for focused rehearsal, ensemble development, and teambuilding. Participation is expected of all eligible students, as it forms an integral part of the ensemble experience.
Join Our Program
To enquire or express interest in joining this outstanding program, please contact:
Head of Department – The Arts
Ms Monique McMullen
Email: mmcmu8@eq.edu.au