Instrumental Music Program
Recruitment
All Year 7 students (and 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 and parents, this will be your first exposure to music education and I wanted to take a brief minute to share some information with you.
We will be running our Instrumental Music Program Recruitment at each of the Neighbourhood Welcome BBQs on the 8th, 16th and 23rd March. A number of our ensembles will be performing and staff will be on hand to help students choose the instrument that will give them the best chance of success. If you are unable to attend, or missed the Biyala event, you can contact me for further information at school.
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 would 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, available on itunes.
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.
Ensemble Rehearsals
All Instrumental Music Program Ensembles have commenced rehearsals, with a number of them having had their first performance of the year over the past week. It is an expectation that students who have instrumental music lessons are a member of at least one of the following groups:
- Symphonic Band – Mondays 3.30-5pm
- Mid-Level Band – Tuesdays 3.30-5pm
- Vocal Ensemble – Thursday lunchtime
- String Ensemble – Friday 3.30-4.30pm
Beginner students will be expected to be a member of the Training Band, which will rehearse each Wednesday after school, when it commences, or Junior String Ensemble, (rehearsal time to be advised).
Instrumental Music Students also have the opportunity to become a member of either of the following optional bands:
- Senior Stage Band – Monday 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.
Lachlan Gallacher
Director of Music