Kelsy De Prada

Introducing Ms De Prada 

Hi! My name is Kelsy De Prada, and in 2024 I will be teaching the flute and directing Mullauna’s Concert Band on Tuesday mornings. 

I started learning the flute myself in Year 7, so band programs like Mullauna’s have a special place in my heart. In addition to Mullauna Secondary College, I also teach the flute at Mentone Grammar and the flute, clarinet, and saxophone at Casey Grammar. At these schools I also direct large and small ensembles.

I am still an active performer in Victoria. Some of my most recent performances include solo recitals, chamber music (small group) performances, and I have previously had engagements as a guest musician with the Australian Academy of Music and was the Principal Flute of the Australian Army Band in 2019, before deciding I wanted to focus more on my teaching. 

In 2024, I will be undertaking a recording project with a colleague to record a collection of flute duets.

Outside of teaching the flute, I spend my time loving a large ex-racing greyhound called Badger who spends most of his days sleeping.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I ‘fell’ into teaching; at the beginning of 2020, I was scheduled to move overseas to Bulgaria to play in an orchestra. This move was cancelled due to a little known sickness spreading throughout the world. Fortunately, I picked up some teaching work during the year and discovered I loved it!

How long have you been in the teaching game?

I started in my first school role at the end of 2019, so approximately four years. I had been filling in at schools for long before that. 

What was your last place of employment - school/university or another organisation?

In addition to my Tuesdays at Mullauna, I currently work at Casey Grammar School. My previous school was Mentone Grammar. 

What do you love most about teaching?

I love being able to share the joys of music and seeing students develop as well-rounded people, not just as musicians. 

What has been one of your best teaching moments?

My favourite teaching moment that occurs several times a year is when a student has their ‘a-ha’ moment; especially when playing the flute.  It is quite difficult to produce a sound, and the lightbulb moment when students can produce a sound consistently is a very rewarding feeling!

What would be 3 things that you would like your students to 

know about you?

1. I may only be in one day a week, but would love to help out as much as possible – don’t be afraid to say Hi!
2.  I have a large greyhound called Badger and am always willing to talk about him.
3. Just like you, I am learning something new – playing the saxophone in a community concert band which is playing in Adelaide over Easter for the National Band Championships.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere with a good reading spot.

What TV show/series did you last binge watch?

Arrested Development for about the tenth time…including the fourth and fifth seasons.

If you could wear Harry’s invisibility cloak for one day, where would you go and what would you do? That’s Harry Potter’s cloak not Harry Ruff’s cloak 😊

I would love to sit in on a full Australian Ballet rehearsal and watch how the orchestra rehearses with the dancers.

What is the one piece of ‘advice’ or the one thing that you always say to your students?

The more you put into something, the more you get out of it… a little bit everyday (or as much as you are able) makes a world of difference.

Thank you, and welcome to Mullauna College, Ms De Prada!