Why Play a Wind Instrument?

For many students and parents, we often default to choosing the more common instruments to learn at the start of the school year such as piano, voice and guitar. While these instruments are wonderful, wind instruments are often left out of the picture as we are not as often exposed to them in our daily lives!

Woodwind and brass instruments are a wonderful addition to a life-long skill set – let me tell you why!

• Wind instruments are in high demand, therefore there are more performance opportunities, especially as a soloist and in ensembles and bands
• You can never have too many windies in an ensemble, whereas places are limited for guitar, percussion and piano
• You can explore a wide range of styles of music with wind instruments, from classical, jazz and pop
• Playing a wind instrument enhances your respiratory system and strengthens your posture and core
• Performing on a wind instrument trains you at how to remain calm and use breath effectively when under pressure
• You can choose an instrument and size that suits your form and lifestyle
• You get to take your own instrument everywhere to perform, whereas performers who play larger instruments must make use of what is provided
• As with all instruments, learning music has an abundance of cognitive and wellbeing benefits

Band Academy

The Band Academy has begun with a diligent and dedicated group of Year 7 and 8 students. In less than five weeks students have learnt five notes and are progressing through to playing simple songs, led by a conductor. Students are learning through the Essential Elements Band Method course and are developing their embouchure and skills at holding long notes through breath work. Congratulations to Mia, Erin, Kate, Grace, Kayleigh, Ava and Lucy and Alesia on what they have achieved so far!

The Band Academy is open to students from Years 7 to 9 and new instruments are still available! Students who participate in this program have the opportunity to perform at our bi-annual concerts and attend the upcoming Music Retreat. If your child has settled into the school year and looking for further opportunities to diversify their learning experiences and make new friends, please contact me – Kara-Lee Rabbetts for further information on kara-lee.rabbetts@kilbreda.vic.edu.au

Kara-Lee Rabbetts
Learning Leader: Performing Arts Leader – Music