Greater Shepparton Secondary College Newsletter

Music Program

Ensembles

Almost all of the Instrumental Music Program Ensembles have commenced rehearsals already this year. It is an expectation that students who have instrumental music lessons are a member of at least one of the following groups:

  • Symphonic Band – Tuesdays 3.30-5pm
  • Mid-Level Band –    Wednesdays 3.30-5pm
  • Training Band – Mondays 3.30 – 4.30pm commencing February 27
  • Vocal Ensemble – Monday recess
  • String Ensemble – Wednesdays 3.30-4.30pm
  • Junior String Ensemble – Thursday lunchtime

Below the String Ensemble are rehearsing on Wednesday after school. This ensemble includes players of violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano students. There are still spots available if you are interested in learning any of these instruments and being a part of our ensemble program.

Beginner students will be expected to be a member of the Training Band or Junior String Ensemble. Your instrumental teacher will be able to advise which ensemble you should be a member of if you are unsure.

 

Instrumental Music Students also have the opportunity to become a member of either of the following optional bands:

Stage Band – Thursday lunchtime

Junior Jazz Band – Friday lunchtime

All ensembles will perform at various concerts and festivals throughout the year and I’ll keep you updated when these are coming up.

Instrumental Music Program Recruitment

All Year 7 students (and any other students who may be interested,) finally have the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before them, Be Part of the Band! We know that for many students/parents, this will be your first exposure to music education and I wanted to take a brief minute to share some information with you.

 

Music education is more than just playing an instrument. It is immersing your child in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child to use the creative side of their brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language…MUSIC.

 

All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically out perform their non-musical counterparts. But, more importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drugs and alcohol.

 

Every destination starts with a decision to embark on a journey.  Now is the time to start your child in music and Greater Shepparton Secondary College is the place to do it. We can’t promise that every child will be a musical prodigy, but we can promise they will learn, laugh, and grow along the way.

 

If you’d liked to investigate the benefits of learning an instrument, you can watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng or look up the 2018 ABC series “Don’t stop the music” featuring Guy Sebastian which is available on itunes.

 

More information and sign up forms can be found with Liesl at the Music Admin desk on level 1 of the Enterprise building. The sooner you get the forms back the quicker you’ll be playing an instrument. You will also have the opportunity to see a number of ensembles perform at the Welcome night on March 1st.

 

Should you have any questions about band or your child’s participation, please feel free to contact me at school by email lachlan.gallacher@education.vic.gov.au.

 

 

 

Lachlan Gallacher

Director of Music