Music Matters

By Mr Darryl Thompson (Senior Music)

"Most classes teach you how to do something.  Band teaches you to be somebody.”  (BandDirectorsTalkShop.com)

Imagine, if you will, being in the Yr 7 class on the first day of school.  You and forty others are being asked to choose the instrument you will learn to play over this semester.  This could be terrifying, or it could be amazing; probably both.

Halfway through the first semester now, every student has a place in the band and is reading the music.  They arrive at the empty classroom eager to set up and play.  In ten minutes, forty students are seated at a music stand with their instrument, ready to go.

At first, it was loud and raucous, now it’s dynamic and musical: forty students breathing together, concentrating for all they’re worth, striving to make it work, making that amazing sound together.  Working in teams, helping each other set up, pack away.  Reminding each other where things go, which bit we’re up to.

Managing impulsivity; continuing through the pain of braces, injuries; remembering to bring instruments to school; practicing at home.

I can’t think of any other school activity, besides a production, where so many students work so closely together, with a common goal and a desire to do their best.

So, which instrument will you choose today?