Instrumental Music 

News

Instrumental music is off and running at Maffra SC. Music staff are overwhelmed with the enthusiasm already displayed by our new and existing music students. With over 85 enrolments it’s great to see our young musicians attending their lessons, making their first sounds. How exciting! With a wide range of instruments to choose from such as the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass guitar, drums, ukulele, keyboard, voice, violin and cello, our students are lucky in having the opportunity to experience the joys in learning a musical instrument. To help balance our ensembles we have a few vacancies available for flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and violin. If students are interested and would like to have a trial on any of the above instruments please email Gerry Ciavarella on: gerardo.ciavarella@education.vic.gov.au or you can contact the College on 5147 1790 or just pop over to A1 before school, at recess or lunchtime so we can arrange a time for you to try out an instrument of your choice.  

Music Timetables

A reminder to all students that music timetables are on Compass. Music staff  have also provided hard copies. If you didn’t receive one please see your teacher. Please remember to attend your weekly lesson and don’t forget your instrument and music. A reminder that students need to bring along a display book and a notepad to their lesson. If you are unavailable to attend your lesson please make contact with your teacher as there might be an opportunity for your lesson to be re-scheduled at another time during the week.

Practice

Beginner players should practise between 15-20 minutes a day. This involves commitment. You will see quick results as we all know practise makes perfect. A reminder that all students will need to purchase a music stand. There are music stores in Sale that will have a wide range of stands to choose from.

Music Levy/Purchase/Hire Fee

To be involved in the instrumental music program in 2022 a tuition fee of $250 per student for the full year or $125 per semester is due by week 5, term 1 (and term 3 if paying semester by week 5). If your child is purchasing a new instrument from the College a fee of $100 per semester applies. A $50 per semester fee applies for all second hand instruments. Instrument fees will appear on your accounts. We ask that the first instalment is paid prior to students taking the instrument home. Please note payment plans are available if needed. Contact the office on 5147 1790 to discuss this option. Parents are also reminded to return the “Agreement Of Participation”, form to the front office. All details regarding the program are outlined in the application/agreement of participation form. If you have any questions please contact Gerry Ciavarella on 0409142240.

Ensembles/Bands

It’s great to see our year VCE music performance class rehearsing every Monday during lunchtime. This group is showing true commitment in giving up their lunchtime to play music together. The band is currently working on a few songs and making great progress. They look forward to their first performance. Our other ensembles include: string ensemble, guitar group, rock band and junior band. Please note String lessons are on Tuesdays this year. String ensemble rehearsal is on every Tuesday during lunchtime. Junior band rehearsal is every Friday during lunchtime. Please remember to attend your rehearsals and don’t forget your instrument and music.

We look forward to our ensembles and soloists performing at our first concert. Stay tuned for a date to be announced soon.

On behalf of instrumental music staff Kim Gardiner, Ryan Lestrange and Donna Stemberger enjoy the rest of the term.

Gerry Ciavarella 

Instrumental Music 

co-ordinator