Instrumental Music Program
Musical activities provide children with important experiences, which can help them develop physical co-ordination, timing, memory, visual, aural and language skills. As children increase their command of music and exercise musical skills in the company of others, they gain important experiences with self-paced learning, mental concentration and social awareness. More importantly, music is a gift that will last a lifetime; socially, academically, and creatively.
There are important outcomes that children will achieve as musicians and individuals, and the tiered structure for both the wind bands and the string ensembles ensures these outcomes are commensurate with children's skill levels. These outcomes include:
- Development of self and group discipline including punctuality, teamwork, leadership and rehearsal skills.
- Constant development of skills including playing techniques, intonation, sight-reading, singing, rhythm, pitch, sound quality and listening.
- Understanding music vocabulary.
- Instrument care and knowledge.
The Newport School Bands and String Orchestra represent the culmination of these skills, with prospects for the children at primary school and beyond, including exciting opportunities to participate in specialised high school music programs and progression into highly acclaimed community orchestras.
The wind program commenced in 1991 with 15 students under the watchful eye of Music Directors Martin Hardy and John Stone. Since then it has steadily evolved to include a string orchestra, two wind bands, and three string ensembles, after the successful introduction of a violin program in 1999.
Children are placed in instrumental groups in accordance with their level of musical ability. Our wind ensembles progress through Junior and Senior Bands. The strings ensembles progress through 1st Year Violin Ensemble, 2nd Year Violin Ensemble and String Orchestra. The String Orchestra and selected Performance Band students then combine to form the Newport School Orchestra for special events periodically through the year.
Music Committee
As children become involved in the Instrumental Music Program, parents are invited to join the Music Support Committee. Without your valued support the Instrumental Music Program would not function.
If you would like to contact the Music Committee, please email NewportPSMusicCommittee@gmail.com.
Ensembles
Children are placed in each instrumental ensemble according to their musical ability. The Junior Band is for beginners or children starting a new or additional instrument. After a year in the Junior Band children automatically progress to the Senior Band unless otherwise instructed by the Conductor. The string ensembles have a similar progression: 1st Year Violin Ensemble for beginners, progressing to 2nd Year Violin Ensemble and then to the String Orchestra.
The Music Program has the versatility to give opportunities to children wanting to learn additional instruments; for example, on occasions we have children in the Senior Band playing a second instrument in the Junior Band, or String Orchestra. Discounts apply to families with children participating in more than one ensemble.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are usually twice a week, before or after school.
Students are required to attend all rehearsals, be prompt, have all necessary equipment, and arrive with their instrument in full working order.
Good behaviour and respect for the band conductor, ensemble managers and fellow musicians is an expectation of all students.
Getting Started
Expressions of interest can be made at any time by emailing NewportPSMusicCommittee@gmail.com, or by registering online at Newport PS Music.
Otherwise, information sessions are held during term 4. These sessions take place in school hours as part of your child’s music lessons and assemblies (with notes sent home), as well as during the before school morning session 9 – 9.30am in the hall on set dates advertised in the school newsletter and notice boards. This culminates in an evening information and registration session early in term 4.
The preferred entry point to our full ensemble program is the 1st Year Violin Ensemble. This is open to all year 1 students, with recruitment taking place in Kindergarten. All other ensembles, including Junior Band, are open to all students in years 3 – 6.
Students progressing through the 1st and 2nd Year Violin Ensembles enjoy very strong outcomes – either playing strings or wind. These students greatly benefit from this early neurological workout, gaining a head start towards high levels of musical and academic excellence throughout their lives.
Starting late? It’s never too late! Students can join the Instrumental Music Program, anytime in years 1 – 6, regardless of experience. Expressions of interest are encouraged at any time of the year and we will endeavour to place your child in an instrumental ensemble appropriate to both age and experience. Studies show that the benefits of playing an instrument and being involved in an ensemble from any age, promotes lifelong learning enhancement.
Junior Band accepts all new musicians (regardless of experience), dependent on the outcome of a ‘blow test’ to gauge the most physically practical instrument for your child to begin to play.
Instrument hire is available through the school, with 1st preference given to the 1st Year Violin Ensemble and Junior Band.
Have a question for our principal or teachers?
Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.