Performing Arts
Instrumental Music Information Night
Just a friendly reminder that our Instrumental Music Information Night is on tonight February 10th - in the WHS PAC after the Year 7 BBQ.
Why Play a Musical Instrument?
There has been a lot of research into music and the development of a child. Learning to play a musical instrument not only benefits a child’s musical development but also brings joy and satisfaction, fosters creative expression, challenges thinking and stimulates imagination. Learning a musical instrument contributes to cognitive, intellectual, social and personal growth. Playing music improves concentration, memory and the ability to express feelings. It improves reasoning capacity and problem solving skills, as well as improving math and language performance. It is great for mental health and general wellbeing.
Playing a musical instrument in a concert band can improve social skills and team skills as well as providing leadership opportunities. It’s also lots of fun!
For more info you can copy and paste the following website into your browser to learn about Music and your Brain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng
Keyna Masin
Instrumental Music Program Leader
Welcome to the Music Department for 2025
Hello Students, Families, & Staff,
Welcome to the Music Department for 2025. We hope you’ve had a safe and enjoyable summer break and are feeling cool enough to start the 2025 school year!
Information on 2025 Bands and Lessons:
Lessons (for existing students) will commence in Week 2 of Term 1 (Week starting 3rd February).
Lessons should appear on Compass by early Week 2. Timetables will also be up on the notice board in the PAC. Lessons for new students will begin in Week 9 of Term 1.
Rehearsals for band will be commencing in Week 3. The Band timetable is as follows:
Symphonic Band*
Monday 3.30-4.45pm
Concert Band*
Wednesday 3.30- 4.30pm
Beginner Band*
Thursday 3.30 – 4.15pm (beginning term two)
Stage Band
TBC Lunch time (11.20am – 12pm)
*these band times include a 10 minute snack break at the start. Snacks are provided by the Music Department.
Please remember that although we fall outside of the mobile phone policy timeslot, mobile phones are not to be used during band rehearsals.
And please remember to bring a drink bottle.
Band lists are as follows:
Symphonic Band 2025
Flutes: Tara Wevers, Jacinta Snowdon, Erin Collins, Mia O’Brien, Anika Robinson (gap)
Clarinets: Alex O’Connell, Amelia Roberts, Alicia Snowdon, Ella Fischer (gap), Carlia Van Hoorn
Alto Saxophones: Swaye Frankland, Freddy Lowe, Anthony Chisholm, Archer Wilson, Harry Hyland, Harrison Kelly (possibly on Mallets)
Tenor Saxophones: Elliott Rowles
Bari Sax: Xavi Bennett
Trumpets: Amelia Harding, Brady Fischer, Noah Anderson, Charlie Leslie, Rob Humphrey
French Horn:
Trombones: Angela Keenan
Euphonium: Keyna Masin
Tuba: Cameron Sgarioto
Bass Guitar: Skelly Manning, Laurence Adorni-Dickson
Percussion: Naomi Roberts, Abbey Waide, Ayden Preece, Lucy Armstrong
Timpani: Clara R
Mallets:
Concert Band 2025
Flutes: Charlie Bell, Annelise Nash, Teo Valle, Jurian Millama
Clarinets: Emily Matthews, Oskar McGahan, Noah Anderson, Amelie Booth, Abbey-Jane Watson, Cristian Haspazis
Alto Saxophones: Tara Wevers, Lachlan Downing, Bailey Bridgfoot
Tenor Saxophones: Darby Rowles, Mia O’Brien, Ruby DeFazio
Bari Sax:
Trumpets: Owen Miskin, Ky Press, Salvin Shiju Thomas, Chas Spencer
French Horn: Henry Lloyd
Trombones: Matt Bridger, Atticus Carta, Leila Hyland
Euphonium: Hayden Boyle, Cam S
Tuba: Zeke Kennedy
Bass Guitar: Cas Turk, Laurence Adorni Dickson, Angela Keenan
Percussion: Gus Hedderman, Charlie Walsh, Jack Vincent, Tristian Davis
Timpani:
Mallets: Millie Bosley
Stage Band
Alto: Swaye F, Freddy L, Archer
Tenor: Elliott, Carlia
Bari Sax: Xavi Bennett
Trumpets: Amelia, Brady, Charlie, Noah
Trombones: Angela, Keyna
Keys: Harrison Kelly
Guitar: Gus Hedderman
Bass guitar: Laurence
Drums: Soli
VOX: Anthony C, Lillian Wilson
Please come and see Keyna and/or Soli (in the PAC) if any of the following apply:
1. If your name appears and you no longer wish to be part of the Instrumental Band Program
2. If you DO wish to remain a part of the Program but your name did NOT appear
3. If you want to be part of the Program and your name appears but in the WRONG band
4. If you want to be part of the Program and your name appears but on the WRONG Instrument.
Scholarship Instruments: With the increasing cost of instruments and instrument upkeep, Scholarships will now be given ONLY to those in financial need.
Beginning this year, we will be introducing an annual hire fee of $50 for all students using a school instrument (please note this is not part of the Music Program Fee of $60 per term. That money is used to cover the costs of running the Instrumental Music Program per year. The hire fee will be used exclusively to update instruments).
If you are playing a school instrument currently but would be interested in renting or purchasing your own, please speak to your music teacher. They will be able to help you identify suitable brands and give you information on reputable sources. We do have a small number of second hand instruments currently for sale.
Talent Quest
Save the date: Thursday April 3rd. The annual Talent Quest is happening again at the end of this term! It’s always an amazing showcase of talent and well worth checking out. Information regarding auditions will be sent out over the coming weeks.
Music Department important dates for 2025, with a detailed breakdown of Term one.
Keyna Masin
Instrumental Music Program Leader