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.

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.

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