Instrumental Music
| Event | When |
|---|---|
| Information Afternoon for all new students | Wednesday 11 February, 5.30 pm |
| First Junior Band Rehearsal | Wednesday 25 February, 3.20 - 4.15 pm |
| Performance at Paynesville Boat Rally (Swing Band) | Sunday 1 March, 1.00 pm start |
| Autumn Concert | Wednesday 6 May, 7.00 pm start |
Welcome to Term One 2026!
Lessons and ensembles for existing music students are all up and running and it has been great to see students checking Compass and getting to their lessons on time. This year we have Marianne Rothchild teaching strings for a day extra and Sarah Caddie is with us two days a week. Any issues or queries about the music program may be directed to Kim Green in the music department.
Senior band rehearsal
Senior band rehearsal
2026 Instrumental Music Staff
Ms Sarah Caddie-Thursday Trumpet, trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba | Ms Marianne Rothchild-Monday (PM) & Tuesday Violin, Cello Junior String Ensemble |
Mrs Kim Green-Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs Music Co-ordinator, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Junior Band, Intermediate Band & Senior Concert Band | Mr James Newman-Monday (PM), Tuesday (PM) & Friday Clarinet, Saxophone, Electric Bass, Percussion, Swing Band, Senior Concert Band & Improvisation Group |
Mr Andrew Long-Wednesday Percussion, Bass | Ms Alexandra Orr-Wednesday Violin, Viola, String Ensemble |
Ensemble Timetable
Note: Times may differ from Compass times
| ENSEMBLE | DAY | TIME | LEVEL |
| Junior Band | Wednesday | 3.25 - 4.15 pm (Starts week 5) | Beginners |
| Intermediate Concert Band | Thursday | 3.25 - 4.30 pm | Intermediate |
| Senior Concert Band | Tuesday Friday | 3.25 - 5.00 pm Break 2 | Advanced |
| String Ensemble | Wednesday | 3.25 - 4.30 pm | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Swing Band | Monday | 3.20 - 5.00 pm | Advanced |
| Improvisation Group | Monday | Break 2 | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Junior Strings | Monday | 3.25 - 4.15 pm (stay tuned for starting time) | Beginners |
Student Music Leaders
Applications are now due for the following student leader positions: Music Captains (2), Strings Leader, Concert Band Leader and Swing Band Leader. Generally, these positions are for senior students. Applicants are required to write a short paragraph on why they think they would be good in that position. Applications are due by Friday 6th February.
New Music Students-Information Session
The instrumental music information session is on Wednesday 12th at 5.30 - 6.30 pm in the music centre.
This event will start with a brief presentation on how the music program operates. Students will then have the opportunity, with their families to meet teachers and students, look at all the instruments available and sign up to the program.
Please note we are not offering guitar lessons to new students this year and would encourage students interested in guitar to come along and see what other options there are. We are only offering 4 positions to percussion students and 3 positions for electric bass. If there are more applications, there will be an interview process. Students interested in those instruments are encouraged to think carefully about their second choice. Once new students have signed up, they will be allocated to a teacher and placed in a group. Lessons for those students will start in week 4.
Any questions about the Instrumental Music Program can be directed to Mrs Kim Green in the music centre (Monday-Thursday).
Ten Great Reasons for Learning a Musical Instrument
1. Playing a musical instrument relieves stress
2. Playing a musical instrument makes you smarter
3. Playing a musical instrument improves your social life
4. Playing a musical instrument helps build confidence
5. Playing a musical instrument teaches patience
6. Playing a musical instrument fosters creativity
7. Playing a musical instrument improves memory
8. Playing a musical instrument develops discipline
9. Playing a musical instrument gives you a sense of achievement
10. Playing a musical instrument is fun
If you are wondering how learning an instrument can benefit students, check out the following short TED talk produced by Dr Anita Collins.
https://www.ted.com/talks/anita_collins_how_playing_an_instrument_benefits_your_brain?language=en
Merimbula Jazz Festival
The Swing Band has registered to perform at the Merimbula Jazz Festival in June once again this year. For those families interested in attending the entire festival, they have early bird tickets available at reduced rates. Our band will perform twice in the official festival and they will possibly have individual session tickets available. Check the website for details.