Guest Post by Mike Rander
School Bands and learning an instrument are an important part of a child’s overall learning. Learning an instrument is not only enjoyable. It can be an important part of the development of the child’s brain. It helps with self-confidence, awareness of others, cooperation, improved listening skills and problem solving.
The process for all instrumental students is to go from lessons to rehearsals and then performances. Lesson time is about learning the technical aspects of the instrument. During our rehearsals it is an opportunity for music students to hone their skills learnt in lessons with other musicians. Our end goal is to take these skills and perform together in front of an audience.
This is where community events such as Mother’s Day, Bands in the Park and Halloween are so important. The partnership between our local community in Manly (and Wynnum) not only gives schools the opportunity to display our music skills but importantly it gives schools, students and parents the feeling of belonging and contributing to the Manly area. Through this partnership the community becomes an active participant of out Instrumental Music Curriculum by helping shape our work programs so that we can achieve the goal of performing at these events. Our state schools have been a part of this community for over 100 years and it will always be a challenge to provide worthwhile performance opportunities so that schools can continue to contribute.
At Bands in the Park we will see and hear from Manly, Manly West, Tingalpa, Wynnum, Wondall and Wynnum West State School Concert bands. Our older students will be representing Wynnum State High School and Bayside College. Our youngest students will be performing as part of our inaugural Beginner Band Camp. Over 100 year 4 and year 5 students will be playing wind and percussion instruments in two separate 70 piece concert bands. With the move of year 7 students to high school, the government provided extra funding for the inclusion of year 4 students to the program from 2015. This will be the first time year 4 students have performed in our district. The Beginner camp concert begins at 9am and will be the culmination of 3 days of intensive rehearsing at the Wynnum State High School Theatre.
Wynnum Manly has maintained a strong tie with music in our state schools for many decades and with the committed support from The Manly Village Chamber of Commerce and dedicated organisers such as Lyn Husband music will continue to flourish in our community.
If you want to enjoy the very best in local school band music, make sure you head to Manly Harbour Village this Sunday for Bands in the Park and enjoy music, markets, fresh food and great family day out!
